France based Airbus owned flight training organization Airbus Flight Academy Europe has provide an overview of its training fleet of 15 aircraft. Below is an overview of the aircraft utilized in the academy’s training programs:

• Elixir Aircraft Elixir: Recently added to the fleet, this aircraft is 50% more fuel-efficient than most currently certified machines. With its innovative OneShot technology, the Elixir is lighter and capable of carrying more weight. The Rotax engine ensures reduced noise levels. This aircraft is primarily used for the core phase and VFR phase of cadet training.
• Cirrus SR20: This light, four-seater aircraft is employed by flight instructors for instrument flight training on single-engine aircraft, providing nearly 50 hours of training as part of the ab-initio program.
• Diamond Aircraft DA42: A twin-engine, four-seat aircraft, each engine producing 170 horsepower. The cockpit of the DA42 closely resembles that of an airliner, making it ideal for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and instrument flight training phases on twin-engine aircraft.
• H3 Grob Aircraft SE Grob G 120: These aerobatic-certified two-seaters are utilized for Upset Prevention Recovery Training (UPRT) during the VFR phase. This training allows cadets to experience and manage specific and unusual flying situations.

Additionally, the academy features two ALSIM AL42 FNPTII simulators, which are integral to the cadet training process.

In February 2024 Jean Longobardi officially stepped down as the President of Airbus Flight Academy Europe and shared the significant milestones under his leadership?

• establishment of a flight school in 2019 under the high patronage of World Wide ATO of Airbus Commercial
• expanded the academy’s presence to 5 air bases and naval air bases, with the school for airline and military pilots now located in Angoulême-Champniers.
• Academy’s fleet grew with the addition of 15 new aircraft, set to increase to 18 soon, including the latest environmentally friendly Elixir. This modern configuration aims to reduce the environmental footprint of pilot training courses while maintaining high educational standards.

Source: Airbus Flight Academy Europe
Photo Credit: Airbus Flight Academy Europe