Piper Seminole OO-TMV

BAFA, short for BEN AIR FLIGHT ACADEMY (named after its founder in 1980), is one of the most, if not the most advanced flight academy in Belgium. They deploy their activities from the Antwerp Airport as well as from the Ostend Airport.

BAFA @ Antwerp Airport 

On Friday, November 19, during the birthday party of BAFA, Miss Hilde Crevits, Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works, baptized BAFA’s newest: the OO-TMV a twin-engine Piper Seminole.

For the occasion, the aircraft was renamed  “Training Machine Vlaanderen”.

 
OO-TMV baptized by the Minister

The aircraft also received a new tail marking in the form of a Flemish Lion.

BAFA now uses a total of 12 aircraft; consisting of 10 single-engine Piper Warriors and 2 twin-engine Piper  Seminoles. The average age of these planes is less than two years.

 Piper Warrior OO-TMU

Piper Seminole OO-TMS

The BAFA fleet is equipped to fly in bad weather (IFR) and have a “Glass Cockpit” which provides an ideal environment for a good airline pilot training.

In addition, BAFA has two sophisticated simulators. One simulator is used for IFR and Multi-engine training while the second simulator, the XJET is based on the Boeing 737-800 and is used in the part of the course where students learn to work as a team.

Many former students of the academy, who now have a career as a commercial aviation pilot, can be found in all Belgian- and many foreign airlines such as Brussels Airlines, DHL, Jetair Fly, Thomas Cook, TNT, VLM, Ryanair, Easy Jet, KLM, Tyrolean, Flying Group, ASL.

In 2009 BAFA received the award of the most promising company of the year. This trophy was handed out during The Night of the KMO, an annual event in which a winner is elected amongst the most meritorious companies and entrepreneurs.

The Company's continuing effort to constantly improve quality will surely earn it a bright future ahead.

Belgian Wings wishes the BAFA team a happy birthday and a promising future.

With many thanks to BAFA for their hospitality and Mr Marc Kegelaers, CEO, for his willing cooperation.

You are kindly invited to take a look at their website: www.bafa.be