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India Becomes Second Country to Launch Electronic Personnel License for Pilots

India – Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu today launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots, a ground-breaking initiative set to modernize and enhance the safety, security and efficiency of India’s civil aviation sector. With this advancement, India becomes the second country globally to implement this advanced system, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The EPL is a digital version of a personnel license that will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots. It will be securely accessible via the eGCA Mobile Application, ensuring a seamless and transparent process in alignment with the Government of India’s “Ease of Doing Business” and “Digital India” initiatives.

The introduction of EPL follows ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages Member States to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. While major global aviation leaders, are still in the process of implementing similar systems, India has successfully taken the lead in digital aviation solutions.

The Union Minister remarked, “With the unprecedented growth of India’s aviation sector, we will need approximately 20,000 pilots in the near future. Pilots are the backbone of civil aviation, and with eGCA and EPL, we are leveraging innovative, tech-driven solutions to enhance their comfort and employability globally, while providing real-time access to their credentials to support security operations.”

Prior to this implementation, DGCA was issuing licenses to the Pilots in the smart card format and had issued 62,000 card licenses till date. The total licenses issued in the year 2024 requiring printed cards stand at approximately 20,000 which is average of 1,667 cards per month. With the launch of EPL, the need for printed cards will be reduced in a phased manner, significantly streamlining the licensing process. Additionally, this shift will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability by reducing paper and plastic usage.

The Minister, also highlighted other transformative initiatives for reshaping Indian aviation through digital innovation and making operations more efficient. Key advancements include the eGCA platform for streamlined licensing, the Digital Sky Platform for drones, and the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airline operations.

The introduction of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots represents a significant milestone in establishing a globally recognized regulatory framework. It strengthens India’s position as a global leader in aviation innovation and ensuring a more robust and tamper-proof licensing system.

About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Based in New Delhi, India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the country’s regulatory body for civil aviation. It oversees safety regulations, licensing, and operational standards for aviation professionals and organizations in India.

Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation, India

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US’s Flex Air Flight Training Partners with UpskillAir to Modernize Pilot Training in 2025

USA – Flex Air Flight Training, recently recognized as the AOPA Best Regional Flight School (Pacific), has partnered with UpskillAir to enhance its pilot training programs through the integration of the MBytes microlearning platform. This collaboration aims to provide Flex Air students with a modern, efficient, and highly accessible training experience.

  • Flex Air Flight Training is now part of the UpskillAir MBytes platform, offering video-based microlearning content to its students.
  • The MBytes platform provides standardized instruction, neuroscience-backed retention strategies, and mobile access to training materials.
  • Students can access structured content embedded within checklists, flight procedures, and publications, improving pre-flight preparation and check ride readiness.
  • The platform enables pilots to “chair fly” and rehearse procedures anytime, promoting better in-flight performance.

About Flex Air Flight Training
Headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, USA, Flex Air Flight Training offers comprehensive pilot training programs tailored for both civilian and military pathways. The school emphasizes modern learning techniques and has been recognized by AOPA for excellence in flight training.

About UpskillAir
UpskillAir provides advanced microlearning solutions for aviation training organizations. Its MBytes platform focuses on enhancing knowledge retention through neuroscience-backed video-based instruction accessible via mobile devices.

Source: UpskillAir

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Flight Simulation Solution Provider Havelsan to Provide UAE with Advanced Pilot Training System

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Turkish flight simulation solution provider and flight simulator manufacturer Havelsan has been selected to provide its advanced ground-based pilot training system for the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) B-250 aircraft. The collaboration was announced at the IDEX 2025 defense fair in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between Türkiye and the UAE.

  • Havelsan’s training system, developed by Turkish engineers, will enhance pilot training efficiency for the UAE’s B-250 aircraft.
  • The system features full 360-degree motion simulation and integrates augmented reality for an immersive training experience.
  • The project was developed in partnership with UAE-based Calidus, strengthening the defense collaboration between the two companies.
  • In addition to pilot training, Havelsan and Calidus collaborated on a tactical command and control system for the UAE’s AL WASHAQ 4×4 unmanned ground vehicle

Source: Turkish Media
Photo Credit: Havelsan

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flydubai to Expand Fleet with 12 B737 Aircraft in 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – flydubai has reported its strongest financial performance since its inception, achieving a record profit before tax of AED 2.5 billion (USD 674 million) for the financial year ending 31 December 2024, marking a 16% increase compared to 2023. The airline also saw a 15% surge in annual revenue to AED 12.8 billion (USD 3.5 billion) and carried 15.4 million passengers, up 11% year-on-year.

  • Passenger numbers grew by 11% to 15.4 million, with a 10% increase in capacity (ASKM) and a 1.2 percentage point rise in Passenger Load Factor.
  • flydubai’s fleet totaled 88 aircraft by year-end, with an average age of 5.3 years. Four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft were delivered in early 2024, though scheduled deliveries for the remainder of the year were delayed due to Boeing’s ongoing supply chain issues.
  • The airline extended leases on four Boeing 737-800 aircraft to maintain capacity.
  • flydubai’s current order book includes 127 Boeing 737 aircraft for delivery over the next decade and 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners—its first wide-body order—valued at USD 11 billion, with deliveries starting in 2027.

Outlook for 2025

  • flydubai plans to receive 12 new Boeing 737 aircraft in 2025 to support fleet growth, replacements, and network expansion.
  • Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, commenting on the outlook for 2025, said: “we are looking forward to another positive performance this year where we have laid strong foundations for further growth. Our strategic plans are highly influenced by the manufacturer’s ability to deliver on their promise to bring the aircraft delivery schedules back on track and clear the backlog. flydubai will receive 12 new Boeing 737s in 2025 to continue growing its fleet, replace some of its existing aircraft and support its network expansion plans. We are well-versed in managing external challenges such as rising inflation, supply chain disruptions as well as geopolitical tensions. Our focus will be on transformation and innovation through further investment in technologies that will support our sustainability efforts, improve operational efficiencies and strengthen our inhouse capabilities. We look forward to realising the full potential of our new Flight Training centre and growing our inhouse capabilities with the launch of Cabin Crew Training Organisation (CCTO) as well as Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).”

Source: flydubai

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APS Expands UPRT Fleet with Third S211 Jet to Meet Rising Pilot Training Demand

USA – Aviation Performance Solutions LLC (APS), the global leader in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), announced the addition of a third SIAI-Marchetti S211 sweptwing jet to its fleet. This strategic expansion enhances APS’s ability to meet the increasing demand for advanced jet upset training and further strengthens its commitment to mitigating Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I), the leading cause of aviation fatalities.

The APS S211 jet program is designed to provide professional pilots with the most effective, real-world upset prevention and recovery training available. Each aircraft is equipped with a glass cockpit, digital angle of attack integration, multi-axis autopilot, high-altitude stall training, hooded instrument jet upset recovery, and in-flight-selectable flight control feel options. These features closely replicate modern business jet cockpits, ensuring that pilots receive training that is directly applicable to their day-to-day operations.

In addition to expanding its fleet, APS is reinforcing its industry-leading approach to pilot training with the Every Pilot in Control UPRT Mastery Program™. APS’s turnkey UPRT programs combat Loss of Control In-flight with a powerful integration of on-aircraft, simulator, academic, and virtual reality training. The APS team of UPRT experts works with pilots to select the optimal training solution tailored to their specific operational needs and aircraft type(s). Through the UPRT Mastery Program, pilots achieve recognized levels of expertise—from Bronze to Platinum—ensuring clear standards of excellence in upset prevention and recovery capabilities.

“The addition of our third S211 jet is more than fleet expansion—it is a commitment to delivering the most effective jet upset training available,” said Paul BJ Ransbury, CEO of APS. “With the introduction of the Every Pilot in Control UPRT Mastery Program, APS graduates are not just trained; they achieve a clearly defined level of mastery in critical upset prevention and recovery skills.”

As demand for jet upset training solutions continues to rise among corporate, government, and military operators, this fleet expansion allows APS to provide unparalleled training opportunities. APS remains dedicated to its mission: to equip pilots with the skills needed to prevent LOC-I accidents and bring everyone home safely through world-class UPRT solutions.

About Aviation Performance Solutions (APS)
Headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, USA, Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) specializes in comprehensive UPRT solutions aimed at reducing Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) incidents. APS serves airlines, military units, and corporate flight departments worldwide through integrated on-aircraft, simulator, academic, and virtual reality training programs.

Source: APS
Photo Credit:APS

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Bye Aerospace Secures LOI with CheckSix AeroSolutions for 6 eFlyer

USA – CheckSix AeroSolutions, a leading provider of aviation maintenance and flight support services, is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of four eFlyer 2 and two eFlyer 4 aircraft from Bye Aerospace. The aircraft will be introduced to professional pilot training programs and flight schools in the Pacific Northwest for initial trial and evaluation to determine a transition path to electric aircraft for these programs and schools.

This initiative aims to explore the transition to electric aircraft within flight training programs, as these schools assess the benefits of adopting sustainable aviation solutions. Although formal agreements with specific flight schools have not yet been finalized, CheckSix AeroSolutions is working closely with regional pilot training centers to evaluate the eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 for their performance, capabilities, and operating costs.

The aviation industry is currently facing a significant pilot shortage, with many flight schools struggling to meet the demand for trained pilots. CheckSix AeroSolutions’ purchase of the eFlyer aircraft will play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. With significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional gas-powered aircraft, the eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 will help reduce the cost of pilot training hours, making flight school programs more affordable and accessible for aspiring pilots.

“We are excited to bring these electric aircraft into the Pacific Northwest,” said Kyle Skalisky, President & CEO of CheckSix AeroSolutions. “The transition to sustainable, carbon-free aviation is vital to the future of the industry, and we’re proud to partner with Bye Aerospace in advancing this cause. The eFlyer aircraft will not only reduce carbon emissions but also significantly lower the operating costs of flight training, ultimately making aviation more affordable for the next generation of pilots.”

The eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 aircraft are known for their advanced technology, remarkable performance, and environmental benefits. With the aviation industry under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and combat the pilot shortage, electric aircraft represent a promising future for cleaner, more efficient aviation and more cost-effective pilot training.

This initial fleet will serve as a key steppingstone for professional pilot training programs to explore the viability of electric aircraft and determine when they might begin integrating these technologies into their curricula.

About CheckSix AeroSolutions
Headquartered in the USA, CheckSix AeroSolutions provides aviation maintenance and flight support services. The company focuses on innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability within the aviation sector.

About Bye Aerospace
Based in Colorado, USA, Bye Aerospace develops electric aircraft aimed at reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. Its eFlyer series targets the general aviation and flight training markets with a focus on cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions.

Source: CheckSix AeroSolutions
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace (shown as meta image)

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Flight School Resource and Training Timeline Forecasting Tool, Aeroplanned, Highlights New Progress Report for External Stakeholder Feature

Global – Aeroplanned, the pioneering resource planning platform for flight training, has launched a new feature aimed at streamlining the sharing of student progress reports with external stakeholders. The feature, which allows for custom reports and external logins, is designed to improve transparency and efficiency across the pilot training pipeline, benefiting both flight schools and partner airlines.

  • The new feature enables flight schools to create customized progress reports for external stakeholders such as partner airlines, sponsors, funding partners, and regulators.
  • External logins grant stakeholders real-time access to student training data, reducing reliance on time-consuming, static reports.
  • The tool aims to simplify the reporting process for flight schools, which often spend significant time compiling updates for cadet programs.
  • Airlines and other stakeholders can now monitor cadet progress and expected completion dates instantly, enabling more accurate planning for the next stages of training and employment.
  • The feature supports Aeroplanned’s mission to bring greater visibility and connectivity to the pilot training process.

For more information contact the Aeroplanned team.

Source: Aeroplanned

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