Market Intelligence: Africa

Cirrus Approach Flight Training App Relaunches with Augmented Reality Pre-Flight

USA – Cirrus Aircraft has unveiled a significant update to its Cirrus Approach app, redefining flight training for its SR Series and Vision Jet models. The app, optimized for Apple iPads, provides pilots and instructors with access to advanced digital resources, interactive training tools, and a revolutionary Augmented Reality (AR) feature for pre-flight procedures.

Key Features of the Relaunch

  • Augmented Reality (AR) Pre-Flight Training:
    • Users can master pre-flight procedures and safety checks in a virtual, interactive environment.
    • Designed for SR Series and Vision Jet aircraft, AR enhances real-world readiness by replicating operational scenarios.
  • Cirrus Private Pilot Program:
    • Provides ground school training tailored for the SR Series aircraft.
    • Combined with Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs), the program supports earning a Private Pilot License in a Cirrus aircraft.
  • Extensive Course Library:
    • Over 50 training courses include transition training, specialty programs, and interactive modules.
    • Courses integrate engaging videos, quizzes, and simulations to simplify complex topics.
  • Enhanced Instructor Tools:
    • CSIPs can monitor student progress, manage flight logs, and tailor instruction.
    • Interactive materials and real-time feedback capabilities enhance training outcomes.

Industry Perspective

Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen remarked on the transformative potential of the new features: “AR is set to revolutionize the flight training experience for Cirrus aircraft owners. This innovation ensures pilots are thoroughly prepared for real-world flying while making training more engaging and effective.”

Availability

The updated Cirrus Approach app, including the Private Pilot Program and complimentary AR pre-flight features, is available for download on the Apple iPad.

Cirrus Aircraft’s investment in augmented reality and comprehensive digital training reflects a broader industry trend toward adopting cutting-edge technology to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility in pilot training.

About Cirrus
Cirrus is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft is 18 million hours, and 265 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Source: Cirrus
Photo Credit: Cirrus

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South African Pilot Training Group 43 Air School Unveils Aviation-Focused High School Program

Port Alfred, South Africa – based 43 Air School hosted the official launch of the Eastern Cape Aviation School on January 17, 2025, led by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Education MEC Fundile Gade. This launch marks a significant advancement in the province’s education sector through the introduction of a specialized STEM-focused program.

  • The Eastern Cape Aviation School is part of the province’s three-stream model pilot program, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
  • A High School for Aerospace Science will be established under this initiative, integrating aviation-focused studies into the public education system.
  • The program is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between 43 Air School and the Eastern Cape Department of Education, with support from industry experts.
  • The initiative will initially enroll Grade 10 learners from across the province, equipping them with skills aligned with South Africa’s economic demands.

Statements:

“This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to providing innovative education and training opportunities, ultimately developing future leaders in all sectors of society,” said Bhisho spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie.

“A dream came true at 43 Air School after 12 years of working on this. Great to be part of empowering access for learners into the aviation sector. We must do all we can to enable the next generation to be professional aviators,” added Attie Niemann, Executive Chairman at 43 Air School.

Source: Excerpts from local media
Photo Credit: 43 Air School

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Airways Aviation Group Chairman Highlights Vision for the Future of Aviation Education and Training

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, and India, has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the aviation industry’s critical skilled workforce shortage through strategic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and innovation in education and training. It’s Chairman Romy Hawatt shared the following

“The aviation industry is at a critical juncture, driven by the pressures of expanding global business and personal travel, cargo, defence and security requirements, an ageing workforce and the need to modernise fleets and related spare parts and equipment.

Over the coming decades, both Boeing and Airbus Aircraft forecast that hundreds of thousands of new pilots, maintenance engineers and cabin crew in the civilian sector will be required. In addition, millions of other aviation and aerospace industry related professionals including technicians, air traffic controllers, ground handlers, airport administrative, operations and security personnel, customs and quarantine officers etc are also rapidly rising presenting both an unparalleled opportunity and adding to what is already a considerable challenge in filling skilled employment gaps.

Meeting these demands calls for strategic vision, decisive action and innovative approaches across the aviation industry at large and the Airways Aviation Group is rising to meet the challenges. Within our own Aviation Education and Training sector we apply rigorous policies driven by market analysis an unwavering commitment to excellence to drive growth.

Our success rests largely on the unique, bespoke Airways Aviation Group structure, policies, business, industry and academic partner engagement model to deliver at the B2C, B2B and Military customer levels. Added to this are also strategies to seek out high-demand regions for new acquisitions – as evidenced by the recent acquisitions of Professione Volare S.r.l. in Forli, Italy and Patria Pilot Training in Pirkkala and Vantaa, Finland and Cordoba, Spain.

There are recent Cooperation Alliances signed with OATC – Omni Aviation Training Center in Cascais and also a soon to be opened Airways Aviation Satellite base in Portugal and the EASA Cabin Crew Training partnership with Dynamic Advanced Training in Dubai. Added to this, is the growing number of Airways Aviation Foundation Assessment and Selection facilities in Dubai UAE, Hyderabad India and Casablanca Morocco along with the significant expansion into our third Australian training location to enhance and complement the Gold Coast and Lismore also soon to be formally announced.

We believe that by balancing a combination of organic growth with strategic expansion, the Group ensures that while we grow, we also remain conscious and balance off the need to maintain our quality and consistency at high levels while achieving global reach.

Central to this approach is a diverse and skilled workforce that we implore to rise to the challenge of achieving excellence through a dedication to maintaining industry best standards and practices. We then support this with strategic marketing communications and brand-building activities that amplify our messaging and impact.

Aviation connects people, economies and cultures as the world population and need for qualified professionals continues to rise. Through its data-driven strategies, utilisation of applicable technologies, thoughtful growth initiatives and commitment to talent development, the Airways Aviation Group has established itself as a global leader in aviation education and training. By maintaining high-quality standards and cultivating meaningful partnerships, the Group confidently aims to set new benchmarks for success in the industry.”

Source: Airways Aviation

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