Varjo Headsets Selected as Part of First FAA Approved VR Flight Simulation Training Device

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States Department of Transportation has for the first time officially qualified a virtual reality-based training solution for aviation training. Developed and built by Loft Dynamics, the global leader in virtual reality flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), the simulator uses Varjo’s high-resolution virtual reality headsets to simulate a realistic training experience in an immersive environment.

With the FAA-approved Loft Dynamics VR FSTD, U.S. helicopter pilots can now train and receive credit toward pilot ratings. Pilots operating Loft Dynamics H125 simulator will use Varjo’s industry-leading VR headsets which feature the widest field of view to accurately simulate flight visuals, movements, and scenarios. This qualification allows the simulator to be used not only for training in engine failures, abnormal and emergency procedures, and instrument approaches but also for challenging maneuvers such as sling load operations, pinnacle operations, and more.

The FAA’s authorization of the first virtual reality FSTD for helicopter pilot training is a pivotal moment for the entire aviation industry,” said Tristan Cotter, General Manager, Americas at Varjo. “Receiving the FAA qualification is a testament to the rigorous standards and exceptional quality of Varjo’s technology. Together with Loft Dynamics, our highest-immersion training solutions are enabling a paradigm shift across training and simulation, creating more efficient, safer and cost-effective solutions for our customers.

All pilots are required to train regularly in an aircraft or flight simulator and this step will play a crucial role in addressing the growing pilot shortage. Previously, Varjo’s headsets were approved for pilot training by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in partnership with Loft Dynamics.

Source: Varjo
Photo Credit: Varjo

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Middle East Aviation Career Conference & Exhibition (MEAC) Scheduled for November 19-21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi

The Middle East Aviation Career Conference & Exhibition (MEAC) is scheduled for November 19-21, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Middle East’s premier aviation training event, designed by and for aviation professionals, is set to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center next November. MEAC 2024 will convene the global aviation training community, including airline representatives, training academies, national and international airlines, regulators, and suppliers.

MEAC 2024 will feature conference streams with a focus on pilots, cabin crew, maintenance training, flight schools, and will include a dedicated student program and workshops. Additionally, the event will host the sector’s largest trade show, providing attendees with opportunities to connect with industry leaders and explore the latest innovations in aviation training.

With a strong emphasis on addressing current and future training challenges impacting the aviation industry, MEAC 2024 will cover a wide range of topics, including personnel selection and recruitment, regulatory compliance, and training technologies.

https://www.meaviationcareer.com

Source: MEAC
Photo Credit: MEAC

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Aeroplanned and Smart Enhance Integration to Benefit Flight Schools Including Auckland-based Ardmore Flying School

In late 2023, Ardmore Flying School (based in Auckland, NZ) welcomed onboard Aeroplanned; a NZ based company who have created a resource planning software tool designed specifically for the pilot training industry. The software develops precise student timelines and forecasts the necessary instructors and aircraft to achieve optimal outcomes.

Aeroplanned is now delighted to announce a new collaboration with Smart Management Systems to streamline the integration between their systems.

Smart, an aviation management platform focused on streamlining day-to-day flight operations, and Aeroplanned, a forecasting platform designed to help flight schools complete students on time and optimise resource use, are simplifying customer workflows by enabling the synchronisation of student progress updates between their software systems.

Ardmore Flying School (AFS) use both systems and are thrilled with the collaboration. GM Irene King stated “This integration is critical for the effective operation of our flight school. It ticks the boxes in so many areas: enhanced transparency of student information, improved capability to plan aircraft asset and human resource deployment, increased assurance of regulatory compliance, and meeting the organisation’s KPIs even better from my perspective!

Jen Liddle, CEO of Aeroplanned is also excited about the partnership: “We are passionate about providing accurate forecasts so flight schools can achieve the best possible results. The more integration we can provide with day-to-day systems, the better for our customers. It’s a pleasure to work with forward-thinking companies like Smart that prioritise the best outcomes for our mutual customers.

Jen Liddle also remarked that though they provide support to multiple flight training businesses, they had never worked with a female management team previously as they have at Ardmore Flying School!

Nathan James, CEO of Smart Management Systems describes the partnership as “A massive win for the industry as Smart schools are now afforded the valuable forecasting data they require to maximise their resource utilisation and ensure on-time completions.  Aeroplanned share our passion for General Aviation, and for reducing the complexities of managing a profitable and efficient flight training business.  The business insights this platform can offer our existing and future Smart customers are a great value-add for our platform.

Source: Ardmore Flying School
Photo Credit: Ardmore Flying School

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Czech Flight Training Group F AIR Welcomes New T3 Aviation Academy Students to Benešov Airfield

One of Europe’s largest flight training organisations when measured by aircraft fleet size, Czech Republic based F AIR, has announced the commencement of a new group of student pilots from United Arab Emirates based aviation and pilot training group T3 Aviation Academy. This marks the continuation of a successful collaboration between the two organizations, aimed at cultivating the next generation of pilots and training will be conducted at Benešov Airfield (LKBE).

In August 2022 T3 Aviation Academy which operates the world’s longest running Multi-Crew Pilot License Program had announced that it has partnered with the largest Flight School in the Czech Republic, F Air, as another flight training location through which its cadet pilots will do their core flying phase of training.

Source: F AIR
Photo Credit: F AIR

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Norwegian Flight School, Pilot Flight Academy, Announces Recipients of 2024 Scholarship

Sandefjord, Norway – Pilot Flight Academy is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Scholarship Program. Initially, only one scholarship was planned, but due to the outstanding quality of applications received, the Academy has awarded an additional scholarship to a second deserving candidate.

After a rigorous selection process, the scholarship committee has chosen two exceptional individuals who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a deep passion for aviation and a clear commitment to becoming future leaders in the field.

Evie Carter from Ireland has been awarded the Fall 2024 scholarship and will commence her training in the September 2024 class. With a lifelong dream of flying and a remarkable track record of dedication to her aviation passion, Evie impressed the selection panel with her determination, leadership potential, and enthusiasm for life on the flight deck.

Max Robertson from Germany has been selected as scholarship recipient for the Spring 2025 scholarship and will begin his journey at Pilot Flight Academy in the January 2025 class. Max’s application stood out for his exceptional academic achievements and his unwavering ambition to pursue a career in aviation.

We were incredibly impressed by the caliber of applicants this year,” said Mikael Eriksson, CEO of Pilot Flight Academy. “Evie and Max both exemplify the qualities we seek in future pilots: passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to welcome them to our Academy and support them on their journey to becoming professional pilots.

The Pilot Flight Academy Scholarship Program was established to support aspiring pilots in achieving their dreams by providing financial assistance and access to one of Europe’s leading flight training institutions. This year’s scholarship recipients will receive full tuition coverage for their training, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in this competitive and rewarding field.

Pilot Flight Academy congratulates Evie and Max on their well-deserved scholarships and looks forward to seeing their progress in the coming months.

Source: Pilot Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Pilot Flight Academy

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