Meridian Aviation’s new JAR 147 accredited technical training centre was officially opened by Molly Martin Pearce, director of sales and marketing for the New Piper, Florida aircraft manufacturers. She cut the tape with Malcolm Craft, who was appointed as Meridian’s engineering director last year.

The company has invested £28,000 to create the centre, designed to provide aircraft engineering training on a range of aircraft types, but focusing on Piper aircraft and Thielert diesel engines.

Courses scheduled include the PA46-350P Malibu in July, PA28/28R and PA32 series in August. Meridian says it has worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to create a syllabus to fully meet the JAR66 requirements.

Pearce said: “The Meridian TTC will be able to provide initial and recurrent training on all Piper aircraft, from piston engined, to the Pratt & Whitney gas turbine powering the top of the range Piper Meridian.”