Qatar Aeronautical College
(QAC) was formed in 1993 from the former ICAO Civil Aviation
College which had been operating in Doha since 1977. The initial
programmes were Pilot, Air Traffic Control and Aviation Electronics
Training. These training programmes were, and still are, supported
by an English Language Training Department.
In 1997 Aircraft Maintenance Training commenced with a curriculum
designed to meet the European Joint Aviation Authority requirements
of JAR-66 and JAR-147. Three groups of students (to summer 2003)
have graduated from this programme with a QAC Diploma in Aircraft
Maintenance. |
These graduates have been employed
by, not only Qatar Airways but also the oil and utilities industries
where they have been welcomed on account of the practical skills,
as well as academic knowledge, developed during their training
at QAC.
A stand alone Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) was formed
in 2001 succeeding the former Directorate of Civil Aviation
and Meteorology (DGCAM). It had been the intent of the DGCAM
and, subsequently, the QCAA to commence issuing Qatari licences
rather than simply validating existing foreign licences. With
this in mind a QCAA Examiner was appointed in June 2002. QCAR-66
and QCAR-147 have been published and these requirements have
identical standards to JAR-66 and JAR-147. |
QAC has been approved by the QCAA under QCAR-147.
QAC intends to seek recognition from the National Aviation
Authorities in the other Gulf States as well as from other
States within the Arab League and elsewhere.
Although the programmes offered are designed to meet civil
aviation aircraft maintenance standards, the skills and knowledge
acquired are equally valuable in the field of military aircraft
maintenance. |
Traditionally, many Gulf States Armed Forces
personnel have been trained to civil licence standards, primarily
in the UK or the USA. Such standards are now available in
Qatar.
In view of the responsibilities of aircraft maintenance engineers
the highest standards of behaviour are expected from QAC students.
Punctuality, attendance, respect for others and property and
a dedication to hard work and quality are hallmarks of the
programmes. No student will succeed unless he or she meets
the required standards of behaviour as well as the academic
standards and practical skills required under QCAR-66 and
QCAR-147. |
