Horizon Swiss Flight Academy Upgrades ELITE Procedures Trainer for DA42 Training

Switzerland – Horizon Swiss Flight Academy, a Swiss Approved Training Organisation (ATO) based in Kloten, has completed an upgrade of its existing ELITE Procedures Trainer, converting the device into a Diamond DA42-specific training platform. The upgraded trainer has supported students preparing for the Multi-Engine Piston and Instrument Rating (MEP/IR) phase of their pilot training since late August 2026.

• Horizon's published DA42 Instrument Rating training package includes 10 hours of ELITE G1000 trainer instruction, alongside 40 hours on a DA42 FNPT II simulator and 15 hours of aircraft training. The upgraded procedures trainer provides an additional aircraft-specific familiarisation environment ahead of practical multi-engine instrument instruction.
• The modification project began in May 2026, with the device returning to student training use at the end of August. According to Horizon, the revised configuration also simplifies operation for students preparing for the MEP/IR phase.
• Horizon has previously invested in DA42-specific simulation equipment, including a Diamond DA42 FNPT II simulator certified by the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) in September 2019. The device, registered CH-337, was introduced alongside two Diamond DA42-VI training aircraft delivered earlier that year.
• Previously configured as a generic procedures trainer with Garmin G1000 avionics and standard engine controls, the upgraded ELITE device now incorporates DA42-specific avionics, cockpit seats, instruments and engine controls. The modifications provide students with a cockpit environment more closely matching the aircraft used during multi-engine training.

About Horizon Swiss Flight Academy
Horizon Swiss Flight Academy is a Swiss aviation training organisation established in 1979 and headquartered in Kloten, near Zurich Airport, operating as part of the Helvetic Airways Group. The academy holds Swiss FOCA ATO approval CH.ATO.0146 and Part-147 maintenance training approval CH.147.0018, providing professional pilot training, multi-engine and instrument ratings, airline cadet programs and aircraft maintenance type training.

About ELITE Simulation Solutions
ELITE Simulation Solutions AG is a Swiss flight simulation equipment manufacturer headquartered in Dübendorf, Zurich, developing IFR training software, cockpit controls and flight training devices since 1987. Its portfolio includes desktop procedures trainers, aircraft-specific simulators and certified flight training devices for flight schools, universities and commercial aviation training organisations.

Source: Horizon Swiss Flight Academy