Marshall Aerospace is intending to launch a coordinated plan to help tackle a shortage of qualified certifying engineers. The concept involves extending Marshall's EASA 147 approval to a new aviation academy at Doncaster, U.K.

"We can then use the resultant integrated operational learning centre and operational MRO space in Doncaster to address the skills shortage involving key personnel such as certifying engineers," says Mick Milne, business development and marketing director.

He says that the combined facility will provide a seamless link between education and examinations and workshop and operational experience.

"The academy occupies new, two-storey purpose-built accommodation added to the hangar and uses the latest high technology training media and live aircraft to instruct the students," Milne adds.

Marshall says the academy can already deliver 150 aviation related courses. The development plan is designed to add both OEM type rated approval courses and engineer licence qualifications.

Robin Hood airport at Doncaster has long runways - 2,891 metres long and 60 metres wide. Milne says: "This location could be an important part of Marshall Aerospace's strategy to provide total support to its business aviation customers."

He adds: "A key part of our strategy is to add capacity outside the Cambridge base that will be useful to clients such as NetJets."