Aviation, inspired by many yet experienced by a few. Openskies Flight Training aims to open a new era to the Aviation Industry by opening our doors for those who aspire to be career pilots or for those willing to take up flying as a recreation.

Openskies Flight Training, incorporated by a Team of Directors, including M.D.H Fernando, Chairman/Managing Director, Kushla Fernando , Dinithi Fernando and Dineth Fernando on August 8 2008 under the Sri Lanka Companies' Act and approved by the Board of Investment is aimed at delivering high quality flight training programmes for local and international students. Approved by Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Openskies offers students the opportunity to follow many flight training programmes including Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence and Instrument Rating.

Becoming an Airline pilot is among one of the most prestigious jobs in the world today. The glamour, the freedom and the opportunity to travel the world, make new friends and live a lifestyle is what many dream of but achieved by a few.

All students who aspire to become a pilot should undergo two phases of Training. Initially students would undergo a comprehensive Theoretical Instruction period in the Ground Training Centre located in the heart of Panadura where they would attend lectures and undergo computer based training for ground theory subjects to sit the Technical examinations conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority.

On completion of the ground theory examinations students would be transferred to Katukurunda to undergo their flight training. The Flight Training consists of many stages including General Handling, Cross Country, Night Flying, and Instrument Flying among which Cross Country and Instrument Flying are the most enjoyed by the students. On completion of the Training students receive licences issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lankan and as a Member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation the licence would be recognized in any ICAO member country.

Openskies aims to keep an open mind and allow students to gain the best experience possible within their training period while not compromising on safety. Hence students have the opportunity to fly to many destinations during their training period including Weerawila, Koggala, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Minneriya, China Bay and they also get the opportunity to fly to Katunayake and Ratmalana Airports for the Instrument Training phase of their training.

The Institute is surrounded by a team of experienced personnel including Management as well as the academic Staff. Chief Ground Instructor M.D.H Fernando has been in the aviation industry for over 25 years. He started off his career in the Department of Meteorology where he discovered the passion for aviation and later decided to qualify in Manchester United Kingdom to be a CAA UK approved Ground Instructor. Mr. Fernando was elected a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society and a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and has taught many students who are currently serving as Captains, Senior First Officers and Management Pilots in both local and foreign Airlines.

The Chief Flight Instructor, Capt. B.C.H Perera has more than 20 years experience as a Flight Instructor. He started off his aviation career as a Charter Pilot in Ontario Canada and later realized his potential and interest for being a Flight Instructor. Capt Perera is currently a holder of Airline Transport Pilot Licence issued by Sri Lankan, Canadian and U.S.A Aviation Authorities and is one of the most experienced Flight Instructors in the Industry today. Capt. Perera has acquired more than 6000 hours of instruction as a Flight Instructor to his credit and has many years of experience and knowledge to impart to the students. He also served the Civil Aviation Authority as a Flight Test Examiner and is currently serving as a Designated Check Pilot for CAASL.

Both the Chief Ground Instructor and the Chief Flight Instructor have produced hundreds of airline pilots who are currently working for SriLankan, Mihin Airlines and many other airlines in the region. They believe that the quality of training, knowledge and discipline are some of the key factors that make a person a better airman and strives to maintain these qualities and better equipment for Openskies students to see them as Airline Pilots in the Future.

Currently aviation is a booming industry both locally and overseas with new airlines being started in India and China at a rapid rate and with the expansion of fleet in the local airlines many jobs for pilots are being opened up. So if you dream of a career as an airline pilot, visit us at our Ground Training Centre to find out how to realize your dream.