SMi Reports: SkyTech’s senior vice president Mal Sandford recently caught up with SMi, ahead of SkyTech sponsoring and speaking at the 7th annual Military Flight Training conference
SMi’s 7th annual Military Flight Training conference is proud to be sponsored by SkyTech, as well as have the expertise of the organisation’s Senior Vice President Mal Sandford, who will be speaking and presenting at the event taking place 10th – 11th October in London, UK.
Mr Sandford has over 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry, with 22 years at Senior Management level. He has spent the last 14 years managing the interface between civilian and defence operations during major war conflicts, natural disasters, and ongoing supply logistics.
Holder of a Masters’ Degree in Aviation Management, Mr Sandford has lectured at MBA level on Aviation Management and Airline Economics. He is a licensed pilot since 1977 and a certified aviation safety, compliance and systems lead auditor.
Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from Mr Sandford at this year’s two-day conference as he presents on “A New Paradigm in Training”, which will focus on advancing the availability of training needs in 2019 and beyond, buying what you need as you need it, new perfectly suited platforms that meet Phase 3 & 4 and LIFT requirements, as well as retaining country-specific needs.
In the run-up to this year’s two-day conference, SMi Group caught up with him to find out more about his role in SkyTech, what they’re doing to enhance flight training, the challenges and key areas of development, and what he’s looking forward to at this year’s highly anticipated Military Flight Training conference.
Exclusive Interview Snapshot:
What are the key areas for the development of military flight training?
We believe accessibility and availability is the main key and it has to be the right platform for the customer. Obviously, we can’t have different aircraft for each air force but what we can do is target ones that are suitable, reliable and cost-effective across all the phases of training.
For example, take jet training platforms such as the M346 and the upcoming L-39NG or Super Tucano. One country might say that the M346 is suitable for their Phase 4 and LIFT programs whereas another country says the L-39NG is perfect for their Phase 4 transition. There is a large cost difference between the two aircraft, but if we were to provide both aircraft, we have met the differing needs of two nations.
Therefore, another key development is not only bringing a new choice of access to platforms to meet budget constraints but also some choice in the specific platform that suits them.
What are the future challenges for training?
Simply, reducing costs and choosing efficient innovation whilst at the same time being able to access the latest platforms, the latest technology and advanced simulation.
Participants will have the chance to hear the experiences and perspectives of international expert military and industry speakers discussing the latest updates on pilot training in fast jet, fixed wing, rotary wing and joint force training.
View the latest agenda and speaker line-up, as well as other exclusive content on the event website. Book by 31st August and receive a £200 discount, register at http://www.militaryflight-training.com/defconfex
For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact Sadia Malick, Director, on +44 (0) 207 827 6748 or email [email protected]
For delegate enquiries, contact Andrew Gibbons on +44 (0) 207 827 6156 or email [email protected]
Military Flight Training
10th – 11th October 2018
Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, London, UK
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About SMi Group: Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world’s most forward-thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at http://www.smi-online.co.uk
