Georgia, US Magnolia Aviation Academy Names President & COO 2025 Appointment

Georgia, USA – Magnolia Aviation Academy has announced the appointment of Bud DeWayne as its new President & COO at the LZU (Lawrenceville) campus, marking a new chapter in leadership as the academy continues to expand its industry-leading pilot training operations.

Magnolia Aviation Academy, which rebranded from Thrasher Aviation effective January 1, 2025, operates major campuses in Lawrenceville, GA (LZU), and Millington, TN (2M8).

The flight training organisations operates a fleet of Cessna 172, Cessna 182 and RV-12iS Aircraft.

Source: Bud DeWayne (Magnolia Aviation Academy)
Photo Credit: Bud DeWayne (Magnolia Aviation Academy)

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Simaero’s Johannesburg Centre Begins CRJ 200/700 FFS Training in Partnership with ICARE

Johannesburg, South Africa – Simaero, a lglobal operator of full‑flight simulator pilot training centres, has achieved SACAA certification for its Bombardier CRJ 200/700 full‑flight simulator and commenced training operations.

  • The CRJ 200/700 simulator, relocated from ICARE in France, had been certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) as of May 2025 and is fully operational for pilot training.
  • The device is operated in partnership with France based FFS training center ICAE
  • The Johannesburg Training Center welcomed CemAir as one of the initial operators on the device.

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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Portugal’s IFA Academy Expands its Fleet with New ALSIM AL250 Simulator

Portugal & France — IFA Academy has chosen ALSIM to enhance its pilot training with the addition of the AL250 simulator at its Viseu base in Portugal. The AL250 simulator addresses the initial phase of training needs (PPL, CPL, IR/ME) and is a SEP/MEP reconfigurable simulator certified as an EASA FNPT II. In addition, it offers both classic and glass cockpits for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch. This device has been extremely well received since its creation and more than 100 units have already been installed and are in successful operation worldwide.

IFA’s Group CEO José Madeira, explains, “We selected the ALSIM AL250 for its advanced capabilities and EASA FNPT II certification, recognizing it as a powerful tool for enhancing pilot proficiency, particularly in instrument flight training.

This simulator will deliver a fully immersive and highly realistic experience, replicating the flight characteristics of three aircraft types: the Cessna 172, Piper PA28R Arrow, and Piper PA44. Its flexibility in offering both analog and EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) cockpit configurations will also allow our students to seamlessly adapt to diverse flight scenarios and operational standards.

The AL250 joins our existing ALSIM FNPT II flight simulator, creating a complementary training ecosystem that elevates our instructional capabilities. Together, these two state-of-the-art devices provide a dynamic and comprehensive simulation environment, ensuring that our students benefit from a broad spectrum of flight experiences aligned with the demands of modern aviation.”

Leonardo Rodrigues, Sales Manager at ALSIM, adds, “We’re especially proud to continue our partnership with the Instituto de Formação Aeronáutica, which first chose our simulator for their Cascais facility in 2019. Their decision to purchase an AL250 for their Viseu base is a strong vote of confidence in the quality and reliability of our systems and we’re honored to be a trusted part of their pilot training journey.”

About IFA Academy
At the forefront of aviation education in Portugal, IFA (International Flight Academy) stands as a beacon of excellence, distinction, and innovation. Renowned for its state-of-the-art fleet and cutting-edge flight simulators, IFA is the premier destination for aspiring aviators seeking a world-class training experience. This commitment to excellence is embodied in every aspect of the academy, from expert instruction to immersive, real-world learning environments that prepare students for the dynamic world of aviation. With a legacy spanning over 26 years, IFA is an EASA-ANAC certified Approved Training Organisation (ATO), setting the benchmark in aviation instruction. IFA’s mission is clear: to deliver training that mirrors the realities of modern aviation, producing skilled professionals ready to take flight in roles as pilots, cabin crew and aircraft maintenance technicians. Operating from two strategic flight bases in Cascais and Viseu, Portugal, IFA has become recognized for its pioneering achievements in aviation training. IFA is the first academy in Portugal to integrate a 100% electric aircraft into its fleet, and the first to launch a certified APS MCC course in its own A320 FNPT-II simulator, proving its relentless pursuit of progress.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators. ALSIM is well recognized for its experience and know-how since 1994. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. ALSIM’s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our clients’ needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology. Today, we have more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

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Indonesia’s Perkasa Flight School Announces 2025 Partnership with Government Owned University Conducting Flight Training

Indonesia – Perkasa Flight School has entered into a strategic partnership with Akademi Penerbang Indonesia (API) Banyuwangi, a government-run aviation university under Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation (located in Rogojampi District, Banyuwangi, East Java Province).

The partnership aims to expand training capacity, enabling Perkasa to accommodate a larger number of cadets at Banyuwangi as Perkasas has signed a number of partnerships over the last twelve months including in Vietnam and Libya.

Source: Perkasa Flight School
Photo Credit: Perkasa Flight School

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