Every great flight begins with a vision. When I first imagined establishing an aviation training hub at the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management (SCHSBM), The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, that vision was to transform how the Caribbean learns, leads, and lifts itself toward the future. For too long, the dream of developing a Caribbean-based aviation training hub seemed distant—a goal reserved for nations with larger economies and infrastructure. I wanted to change that, and as with every bold innovation in our region’s history, this idea found a home in determination, partnership, and belief that the Caribbean could chart its own skies.

The Dream Takes Flight

Our journey began with a simple yet powerful realisation: the Caribbean lacked a fully certified aviation training institution that could integrate globally competitive academic instruction with the attainment of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). Aspiring pilots across the region have long been compelled to travel abroad—often at great personal and financial cost—to pursue their dreams. This challenge represented more than an economic burden; it underscored a critical gap in our region’s capacity to develop local talent and sustain an industry vital to trade, connectivity, and long-term economic resilience.

For SCHSBM, an institution long recognised as the engine of leadership and innovation in the Caribbean, this challenge became an opportunity. The vision was clear: to establish an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) that would bring world-class aviation education home, right here at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.  

From Concept to Commitment

Turning that vision into reality required foresight, technical collaboration, and persistence. We sought not merely to teach aviation theory but to embed aviation education within a larger ecosystem of innovation, management, and professional development.

From the start, two of our strategic partners – Barbados Aircraft and Aviation Services Company (BAASeC) and CAE, a global leader in aviation training based in Canada – were instrumental in shaping the project’s direction.

BAASeC’s local expertise and regulatory insight guided us through the technical requirements of the Barbados Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), ensuring that every detail aligned with international aviation standards. CAE, with decades of experience in advanced flight simulation and training systems, provided the global framework – offering guidance on programme design, course structuring, and the integration of future simulator training modules.

Reflecting on this collaboration, Ms. Diane Shurland, CEO of BAASeC, shared:

“BAASeC, remains committed to building strategic alliances that propel the growth of a skilled domestic aviation workforce and support the Government of Barbados’ expansionary efforts in civil aviation. The vision to provide a pathway for flight training at the Cave Hill Campus presents a unique opportunity for the region to leverage aviation to catalyse economic growth, job creation, and social development across our small island economies. As the programme was developed to blend academic instruction with commercial pilot training, it ensures that future pilots develop a stronger understanding of the various operational realities that shape airline and wider industry management. In the Caribbean region in particular, thin markets, short operational sectors and constrained fiscal space often magnify the difficulties of sustaining viable airline operations. It is therefore critical that pilots understand not only the dynamics of flight but also the broader business and industry complexities that both influence and are affected by the decisions they make on the flight deck. The programme, therefore, serves as an excellent complement to the buildout of the Barbados Aviation Centre of Excellence and is structured in a way that is responsive to the current and evolving realities of the Caribbean aviation industry.”

Together, these partnerships represented the perfect balance: local grounding and global reach. They demonstrated what can happen when regional ambition is supported by international collaboration. Every step demanded precision – curriculum design, safety protocols, infrastructure investment, and strict compliance with the BCAA’s regulatory framework. But amid the technical rigour was inspiration: the belief that our Ground School would symbolise Caribbean capability and self-reliance.

Building the Ground School

As plans took shape, we began the physical transformation of the lower level of the SCHSBM building. What had been traditional classroom and office space evolved into a modern aviation learning hub, equipped with flight simulation areas, interactive classrooms, and digital tools designed for technical mastery.

This transformation was driven by people as much as by blueprints. Our Sonics and BBS partners executed the installation and design phases with precision, ensuring that each element—from ergonomic workstations to safety specifications—met global aviation standards. Their work reflected our culture of teamwork, excellence, and purpose-driven innovation.

Throughout construction and compliance review, the BCAA provided steady regulatory oversight, ensuring the programme met every technical requirement for ATO status. Our collaboration with BAASeC, CAE, and the BCAA embodied a unified commitment: to position Barbados as a regional centre of aviation excellence.

Milestone Achieved: BCAA Approval for Ground School Training

The moment we received BCAA’s official approval for Ground School training was a defining one. This was more than a regulatory milestone – it was the first major step toward achieving our ultimate goal of becoming the first institution in the Caribbean certified to train and issue Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) with an academic degree. This achievement signified the convergence of academic vision, technical guidance, and regional determination. It validated the countless hours invested in design, documentation, and inspection. For the University, it reaffirmed its role as a driver of national innovation; for Barbados, it marked a new era of aviation self-sufficiency.

Beyond Certification: A Catalyst for Transformation

The establishment of the Ground School is far more than an institutional success; it is a regional transformation catalyst. It enables Caribbean students to access internationally recognised pilot training through a world-class institution built by the Caribbean, for the Caribbean, and supports Barbados’ 2030 Carbon-Neutral Vision by advancing sustainable, high-tech learning environments.

The Approved Ground School also represents our commitment to economic diversification and skills development. By integrating aviation training with management, analytics, and technology, we are cultivating a new generation of professionals who can lead in both the cockpit and the boardroom.

Moreover, the guidance of CAE and BAASeC continues to shape future phases. Their support ensures that our aviation programme remains aligned with global standards, while nurturing a distinctly Caribbean identity grounded in excellence, safety, and innovation.

A Collective Effort, A Shared Vision

No great achievement is born in isolation. I am deeply grateful to the UWI leadership, our dedicated staff, and supportive partners who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. From strategy sessions to technical audits, every contributor – academic, regulatory, and technical—played a crucial role.

I often describe the project as a symbol of what Caribbean institutions can achieve when determination meets collaboration. It is proof that when institutions and partners unite around a shared goal, they can redefine what is possible for a region and its people.

The Runway Ahead

Today, our Ground School stands as a beacon of Caribbean innovation and self-determination. The next phase of our journey includes achieving full ATO approval and status, expanding regional partnerships, and establishing a Centre for Aviation Leadership and Management – a pioneering initiative for the Caribbean and Latin American region.

As our first cohort of students prepares to enter the facility, they carry the hopes of a region ready to own its skies. The SCHSBM Ground School is not just a place of learning; it is the manifestation of a collective promise: that the Caribbean can lead, build, and thrive on its own terms.

The Flight Continues

Our Ground School Approval story is one of vision, resilience, and shared purpose. It proves that even in small islands, great ideas can take flight – and that education, when powered by partnership and purpose, can transform economies and futures. From the ground up, SCHSBM has built more than a training centre. It has built hope, opportunity, and Caribbean capability. The runway is ready; the foundation is strong – and the future of Caribbean aviation is airborne.

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