France headquartered flight simulator manufacturer ALSIM shared the below video about its Debriefing Station. The debriefing station in a flight training device is a dedicated area/system where instructors and trainees can review and analyze the performance of a training session.
See the video below.
Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM
Australia based flight simulator manufacturer Ryan Aerospace has achieved a milestone, shipping its 500th flight simulator. From humble beginnings, Ryan Aerospace started producing rotary wing simulators in 2005 and later ventured into the fixed-wing flight training market. Whilst traditional, certified simulators are part of Ryan’s product offering, virtual and mixed reality technologies have taken the company to the next level, making Ryan a global leader in its field.
The U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army are the top customers of Ryan Aerospace, installing hundreds of devices around the U.S. in support of pilot training transformation (PTT) / undergraduate pilot training (UPT2.5), aviator training next (ATN) and fighter bomber fundamentals to name just a few.
Significant sales have also occurred in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Other key customers and users include prime contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, BAE Systems, CAE, Airbus Helicopters, EDMS as well as regulatory authorities such as the FAA.
Managing Director Chris Ryan said he was thrilled to reach this milestone and very proud of his small but growing team operating out of its Gold Coast Facility in Australia.
“In the meantime, we’re straight back at it with another seventy or so simulators to go out the door in the next two months”, he added.
“We look forward to continuing the work we are doing with Prime working with Vertex Solutions (USA) and Precision Flight Controls (USA) who have been instrumental partners in many of these projects.”
Source: Ryan Aerospace
Flight simulator solution provider and manufacturer HAVELSAN is taking steps to ramp up activities to support airlines and training center operators with their pilot training requirements this includes the ability to manufacturer up to 8 full flight simulators (FFS) and 4 flight training devices (FTD) per year as well as support airlines and simulator training centers with their expansion plans through flexible solutions.
HAVELSAN’s orderbook includes device contract awards from a number of airlines including Turkish Airlines which placed an order for a total of eleven (11) full flight simulators and FTDs as well as full flight simulator operators.
Over the last few months, HAVELSAN delivered a number of Boeing B737MAX and Airbus A320 full flight simulators and achieved subsequent EASA certification of devices. It also collaborated with airline partners such as Turkish Airlines to support its airline customers with flexible solutions such as setting up a Turkish Airlines training center location in Ankara, Türkiye. HAVELSAN is especially putting focus on providing industry leading after sales support and discussing with customers long-term cooperation projects.
Taking its stance in the simulation industry for 40 years, HAVELSAN is dedicated to meet the needs of Flight Simulator Training Devices both domestically and internationally, and continues to provide advanced solutions to its customers. HAVELSAN is currently actively seeking additional airline or training center operators to share information about its products and the unique offering that it can provide.
Source: HAVELSAN
Aerviva, a Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Malta based international aviation recruitment consultancy, published an article entitled “Mental Health Awareness in Aviation: Supporting Pilots” check it out below.
In the world of aviation, where precision, discipline, and focus are top priorities, the mental health of pilots is a critical but often overlooked concern. The demands of irregular schedules, grueling hours, jet lag, and the relentless pressure to perform can take a toll on the well-being of those responsible for our air travel safety. However, it requires a lot of courage to ask for help. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine surveyed nearly 4,000 pilots and found that 56% had avoided seeking healthcare because they feared losing their medical clearance to fly.
In this article, Jainita Hogervorst, Director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy, a company based in Dubai specializing in aviation recruitment and document management, explores the challenges faced by pilots and the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental health needs to ensure their welfare and the safety.
Understanding the Mental Challenges Faced by Pilots
A recent study, focusing on burnout as an indicator of the psychological health of a pilot, conducted by E. Demerouti, W. Veldhuis, C. Coombes, and R. Hunter in 2019, showed that at a range of airline companies from low-cost carriers to traditional flag carriers and operating different types of flights, 40% of the pilot’s experience very high burnout, whereas 20% could be classified as having high burnout.
According to the Director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy, pilots responsible for our safe air travel confront a set of distinct stressors that significantly affect their mental well-being. These challenges include irregular work schedules, long hours, the constant battle with jet lag, and the unrelenting pressure to perform. “Pilots often face unpredictable work hours. They might work during the day, at night, on weekends, or even on holidays. Such irregular schedules disrupt their sleep patterns, make it hard to balance work and personal life, and lead to fatigue and stress. Furthermore, it is important to understand that pilots do not just fly planes; they also spend considerable time on pre-flight preparations, post-flight duties, and safety checks. These extended work hours can keep them away from home and family for extended periods, leading to isolation and straining relationships,” explains Hogervorst.
She also highlights the pressure pilots have to face in their daily life. “Pilots are entrusted with passengers’ safety and are under immense pressure to make quick and precise decisions. The need for flawless execution intensifies this pressure, as even minor errors can have significant consequences in the aviation industry.”
How to Deal with Stress and Mental Health Challenges? The Role of Airlines
For pilots navigating the challenges of their profession, several resources and strategies are available to support their mental well-being. “First of all, we always recommend trusting mental health professionals. Pilots can benefit from the expertise of specialists such as therapists and counselors who specialize in addressing the unique stressors faced in aviation. Of course, joining support groups or peer networks can be immensely helpful as well. These groups provide a safe space for pilots to share experiences, seek advice, and receive emotional support from those who understand their profession’s demands,” says Hogervorst and mentions the example of all UK Air Transport Operators who are now mandated to implement a pilot Support Programme which includes using trained Pilot Peer volunteers.
There is no need to mention that airlines play a crucial role in safeguarding the mental well-being of their pilots, recognizing that a mentally healthy workforce is essential for safe and reliable air travel. According to Hogervorst, “Airlines bear the responsibility of ensuring that their pilots have the necessary support systems in place to address mental health concerns. There are many various initiatives and programs initiated to support the mental well-being of the flight crews. For example, training programs that educate pilots and other crew members about recognizing signs of mental health issues and how to seek help when needed. Also, Pilot Assistance Programs are also popular. They offer confidential counseling services and resources to address a wide range of personal and work-related challenges. For example, “Pilot Well-being”. The Association holistically supports the pilot during distressing circumstances (be they professional, personal, or societal in nature) and stresses in their personal lives which may impact professional performance”.
Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues
Pilots struggling with mental health issues may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms, including changes in behavior, physical symptoms, performance decline, or emotional changes. “Usually, sudden changes, such as increased irritability, withdrawal from social interactions, or uncharacteristic outbursts, a noticeable decline in a pilot’s performance, including lapses in concentration, decision-making errors, or missed flight procedures, can be a sign of mental distress. Pilots may experience heightened anxiety, mood swings, or persistent sadness. Crew members play a critical role in noticing these signs and providing support to their colleagues. If another crew member observes concerning behavior or symptoms, they should address the problem and encourage the pilot to seek help or support,” explains Hogervorst.
In the study regarding the risk management system in aviation, conducted by S. Hulínská and J. Kraus in 2016, it was discovered that 88% of pilots reported that their colleagues appeared to be suffering from fatigue at the beginning of their duty, and 19% to be suffering from burnout at the beginning of their duty.
The Director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy also mentions the importance of anonymous reporting systems. “Airlines should consider setting up confidential reporting systems that allow pilots to report mental health concerns without fear of retaliation, promoting open communication. Early detection of mental health issues is of paramount importance in the aviation industry.”
Source: Aerviva
In 2023, Airbus Helicopters logged 410 gross orders (net: 393), highlighting a steady market recovery with a strong performance this year for the light twin and medium twin helicopters. Orders came from 179 customers in 47 countries. The Company delivered 346 helicopters in 2023, resulting in a preliminary 54% share of the civil and parapublic market.
“Airbus Helicopters’ order intake in 2023, with an increase bordering 10 percent in units in comparison to 2022, highlights its stable growth despite the ongoing global context of inflation and geopolitical instability,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “It’s also a testament to the versatility of our products on both the civil and military market and I’d like to thank our customers for continuing to entrust their critical missions to Airbus Helicopters,” he added.
2023 was a year of many firsts, with the first flight of the DisruptiveLab demonstrator featuring a new aerodynamic architecture aimed at reducing fuel consumption and the first flight of the NH90 Sea Tiger, the state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the German Navy. The Company also welcomed a new member to the Airbus family when the Spanish Navy took delivery of their first H135 helicopters.
“Defence and security is one of Airbus Helicopters’ strategic priorities and we continue to innovate and develop to increase mission capabilities for our customers. The German armed forces signing the largest H145M contract with up to 82 light attack helicopters at the end of 2023 is testimony to that. On the development side, the H175M successfully performed flight demonstrations in the extremely hot and high conditions of the desert in Saudi Arabia while the VSR700 demonstrated its performance during sea trials from a French Navy multi-mission frigate. We also continue to expand our UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Aerovel which will allow us to offer our customers additional mission capabilities with manned-unmanned teaming,” continued Even.
Global support contracts and the HCare offering continued to prove popular in 2023 both with civil and military customers. 140 new helicopters were covered by “by-the-hour” contracts bringing the total to 2760 helicopters.
Innovation and sustainability remained a strong focus for the Company as it continued to invest in demonstrators aimed at advancing its decarbonisation roadmap and enhancing aviation safety. Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLab successfully tested an electric flight control system that allowed for a single pilot stick to replace all three conventional pilot controls, a first in the helicopter industry. Following these successful FBW flight trials, Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with Airbus UpNext, was able to test advanced autonomous features in order to simplify mission preparation and management, reduce helicopter pilot workload, and further increase safety.
“In the same way as the DisruptiveLab will be used to test hybridisation for single-engine helicopters, we unveiled the PioneerLab with the aim of testing hybridisation for twin-engine aircraft as well as introducing bio-based materials. We also started assembling CityAirbus NextGen in Donauwörth and wrapped up the year by performing the power-on. We also ramped up the use of SAF for our own development test flights, training, deliveries and ferry flights in Marignane and Donauwörth to 10% and we will continue to roll this out to our other sites in 2024,” continued Even.
Airbus’ 2023 full year financial results will be disclosed on 15 February 2024.
Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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