Market Intelligence: Asia Pacific

University of Southern Australia Study Urges Enhanced Training and Simulator Adoption to Strengthen General Aviation Pilot Training

Australia – A new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) is calling for stronger pilot training measures to address persistent safety challenges in general aviation (GA), which accounts for more than 90% of aviation-related fatalities. The findings, published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, highlight the urgent need for recurrent training, simulator use, and innovative learning tools to improve safety standards.

  • Review of 46 studies showed human factors and training deficiencies are the leading contributors to fatal GA accidents.

  • Human factors cited include pilot error, poor decision-making, reduced situational awareness, and spatial disorientation, particularly in poor weather and at night.

  • GA flights in poor visibility are seven times more likely to result in fatal crashes, while night operations have accident rates up to eight times higher than daytime.

  • Critical flight phases such as takeoff, landing, and low-altitude manoeuvring were identified as the most hazardous.

  • Researchers warn that many GA pilots maintain only minimum legal currency rather than true proficiency, with long gaps between flights causing sharp skill declines.

  • The study calls for:

    • More recurrent and emergency training

    • Greater use of simulators, VR, and AI-driven tools for cost-effective skill building

    • Proactive use of real-time flight data to identify risks before accidents occur

    • Expanded focus on mental health, following evidence that fatigue, financial stress, and workplace culture may contribute to safety risks.

Statements

  • “It is not just a recreational sector, but an integral part of Australia’s aviation system, yet the data consistently shows a poor safety record when compared with commercial airline operations,” said lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Emma Sheffield.
  • “We need to normalise ongoing, hands-on training, whether in the air, in simulators, or through the use of emerging technologies,” added UniSA Associate Professor Paul Lee.
  • “General aviation doesn’t have to accept its poor safety record. We know where the risks are and it’s time to act on that knowledge,” concluded UniSA Aviation Professor Shane Zhang.

Source: University of South Australia

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Fiji Airways Invests in Next-Generation Fire Trainer from Flame Aviation in 2025

Fiji – Fiji Airways has selected Flame Aviation’s V9000 Commander™ Fire Trainer to enhance cabin crew safety training at its new training centre in Nadi, marking a significant upgrade in the airline’s emergency preparedness capabilities.

  • The V9000 Commander™ is Flame Aviation’s flagship fire trainer, designed to deliver realistic fire and smoke simulations, including lithium-ion battery fire scenarios.

  • The system also features advanced instructor controls, allowing training staff to tailor scenarios for high-fidelity, hands-on exercises.

  • The trainer has already been delivered to Fiji and will be commissioned this month at the airline’s new facility.

  • Fiji Airways’ investment underscores its commitment to ensuring cabin crew are thoroughly prepared to handle inflight fire emergencies, strengthening both passenger and crew safety.

About Flame Aviation
Flame Aviation, based in the Netherlands, is a global specialist in cabin crew fire training equipment. Its flagship product, the V9000 Commander™, is used by airlines and training organisations worldwide to provide high-fidelity, safe, and repeatable fire training scenarios, including modern lithium-ion battery incidents.

Source: Flame Aviation

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Australian Flight Training Group SFC Australia Engages Over 60 Students in NSW August 2025 Roadshow

Australia – Sydney Flight College (SFC Australia), a flight training group operating two bases, completed a successful roadshow across six regional towns in the New England region of New South Wales as part of its Connection Program.

  • SFC visited seven locations: Bankstown Aerodrome (as a starting hub), Coonabarabran, Narrabri, Armidale, Tamworth, Glen Innes, and Inverell.

  • The initiative engaged with 64 students across 10 high schools, along with educators and career advisers.

Sydney Flight College (SFC Australia) previously shared its 2024 Yearly Recap, showcasing a year of expansion, record-breaking achievements, and strong community engagement. With milestones such as the launch of its second airbase and significant additions to its fleet and training resources, SFC has solidified its position as a leading aviation training provider in Australia.

  • Expansion and Growth:
    • Opened the Pilot Academy in Tamworth, SFC’s second Australian airbase.
    • Hosted the first Pilot Academy Open Day in Tamworth.
  • Membership and Training:
    • 773 members, with 225 new students and 167 graduates in 2024.
    • Achieved a record-breaking 20,000 flight hours during the year.
    • Operates a fleet of 40 aircraft and employs 40 instructors.
  • Fleet and Simulator Updates:
    • Added 2 Piper Archer, 1 Super Decathlon, and 2 Piper Archer LX aircraft.
    • Expanded training tools with 2 True Course VR Simulators, 2 Redbird MCX Full Motion Simulators, and 2 Redbird TD-G Simulators.
  • Community and Outreach:
    • Conducted 20 Aviation Experience Days, 60 expos, and 4 roadshows across Tamworth, Brisbane, Northern NSW, and Albury.
    • Engaged in 3,500 conversations at expos, with 465 meet-and-greets—a 13% increase compared to 2023.
    • Traveled 8,624 kilometers during roadshows and hosted 28 club events.
    • Featured 13 times in Australian media.
  • Charitable Initiatives:
    • Raised $65,000 for Angel Flight during the SFC Air Race 2024.
  • Social Media Impact:
    • Reached 9,879 followers and generated 30,325 likes on social platforms in 2024.

Source: SFC Australia

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