Market Intelligence: -Flight School

US Flight Training Group Epic Flight Academy Hosts Grand Opening at Tuscaloosa National Airport

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA – Epic Flight Academy held the grand opening of its ninth FAA Part 141 flight school on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Tuscaloosa National Airport. Members of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony the day before. Members of the community enjoyed free discovery flights and simulator time.

Brock Rees, Director of Satellite Operations, reported a well-attended event. “We welcomed many families to the grand opening and were busy with discovery flights. The weather cooperated, and we had a great day.”

Founder and CEO Danny Perna added, “We’ve really been grateful to the community for their support and engagement. We have already enrolled students and are proud to be training pilots in Tuscaloosa.”

Epic Flight Academy has been training pilots since 1999. It is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S. with multiple locations. Epic also trains aircraft mechanics at other sites under FAA Part 147.

Source: Epic Flight Academy

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ELITE Installs and Certifies A320 FNPT II MCC APS for F AIR Flight School under EASA CS-FSTD(A)

Czech Republic – ELITE Simulation Solutions is pleased to announce the successful installation and certification of an Airbus A320 FNPT II MCC APS training device for F AIR Flight School, a highly reputable training organisation founded in 1990 and based in the Czech Republic.

The device, designed, manufactured, and certified by ELITE, has achieved full compliance under the EASA CS-FSTD(A) FNPT II MCC APS category and has received an impeccable evaluation from the Czech Civil Aviation Authority, confirming that there were no findings following a thorough inspection. The ELITE Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) passed every check flawlessly.

ELITE’s A320 FNPT II MCC APS incorporates advanced avionics and hardware including dual Primary Flight Displays (PFD), Multi-Function Displays (MFD), functional OEM Airbus sidesticks, circuit breaker panels, and full system integration. It is optimized to support a wide range of airline pilot training scenarios, from Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC APS) courses to type-rating preparation.

F AIR Flight School, founded in 1990 as the first private flight school in the Czech Republic and Central & Eastern Europe, has earned a leading position in professional pilot training. Holding full EASA ATO approval (certificate No. 001), the school trains over 2900 commercial pilots from more than 45 countries, achieving a high training completion rate. Operating from three bases, Prague/Benešov, Karlovy Vary, and Brno, it offers comprehensive pilot training throughout the region.

Key Highlights of This Collaboration

  • Certified Excellence: ELITE’s A320 FNPT II MCC APS device has been officially certified by EASA under CS-FSTD(A) and passed Czech CAA inspection with no findings.
  • Enhanced Training Capability: The simulator brings high-fidelity, Airbus-standard cockpit systems and visuals to F AIR’s training environment, supporting advanced MCC and type-rating courses.
  • Strategic Partnership: F AIR benefits from the latest in simulation technology, while ELITE reinforces its global reputation for delivering certified, tailored FSTDs since 1987.
  • Mutual Commitment to Safety and Quality: This partnership reflects both organisations’ dedication to elevating aviation training standards and preparing the next generation of airline pilots in Europe.

“We are honoured to have been selected by F AIR, a pillar of pilot education in Central Europe, to deliver this A320 FNPT II MCC device. This installation—and its flawless certification process—underscores our commitment to excellence, regulatory compliance, and innovation in simulation,” said ELITE’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Rene Huddlestone.

“F AIR continually seeks to raise the bar in pilot training quality. The addition of ELITE’s certified A320 FNPT II MCC will significantly enhance our instructors’ ability to prepare cadets for the multi-crew environment and type rating requirements. We look forward to leveraging this advanced simulator in our training programs,” said F AIR.

About ELITE Simulation Solutions
Founded in 1987, ELITE Simulation Solutions is a Swiss-based global provider of flight simulation hardware and software, specializing in EASA-certified FSTDs including FNPT II, MCC, FTD, and AATDs. With proprietary simulation core software and manufacturing capabilities, ELITE delivers customized, regulation-compliant solutions across more than 70 countries.

About F AIR Flight School
Established in 1990 as the first private flight school in the Czech Republic, F AIR is one of the most reputable flight training institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. With over 2900 graduates, multiple accredited training bases, and full EASA ATO certification, F AIR continues to advance pilot training with modern infrastructure and outstanding safety records.

Source: ELITE Simulation Solutions

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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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Czech Flight Training Group F AIR Highlights Airline Training Partnerships at Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium 2025

Czech Republic – headquartered flight training group F AIR has shared insights from its participation at the Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium (APATS) 2025, where its delegation engaged with several key airline training partners across the region.

The F AIR team, represented by Viliam Visokai and Katarína Kepesiová, held meetings with its airline partners

  • Vietnam Airlines (VNA)

  • VietJet Aviation Academy (VJAA)

  • Qatar Airways (QA)

  • Air Arabia Academy (AAA)

  • Smartwings

Source: F AIR

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Airways Aviation UAE to Host Exclusive Free Aviation Seminar in Doha in September 2025

Middle East – Airways Aviation, one of the largest aviation and pilot training group’s in the world operating pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia/Australia, India and Africa, has shared that Airways Aviation UAE is set to host a free in-person aviation seminar in Doha, Qatar, on 6th September 2025. The event is aimed at individuals interested in exploring a professional career in aviation and experiencing firsthand what life is like as a student pilot.

  • The seminar will take place at The Gate Tower 2, Salam Globex Business Centre, Floor 7, The Gate Mall, West Bay, Doha.

  • Two sessions will be held on the day: one at 12:00 PM and another at 2:00 PM.

  • Each session will be limited to 10–15 participants to ensure personalized engagement.

Source: Airways Aviation UAE

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Western Michigan University Names President Emeritus in 2025

USA – Western Michigan University (WMU) has conferred the title of President Emeritus upon Dr. Edward B. Montgomery, effective July 1, 2025, in recognition of his transformative eight-year tenure as the institution’s ninth president. Learn more about WMU or Dr. Montgomery by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

In July, WMU proudly welcomed Russ Kavalhuna, an aviation alumnus and former Executive Director of Flight Operations of the University’s College of Aviation, as the new President of Western Michigan University.

Earlier this year, WMU expanded its training infrastructure with the addition of four Frasca TRAC20 G7 flight simulators to support its growing pilot training operations. In July 2023, WMU also entered a fleet renewal agreement with Cirrus Aircraft, upgrading its current 28 SR20s to 32 TRAC20 G7 aircraft to align with evolving industry training standards.

Source: Western Michigan University

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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Marks Milestone with Training Completion of First British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadets

United Kingdom – global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has marked a major milestone as the first cohort of British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy trainees successfully completed their training at the academy.

  • Following 18 months of intensive instruction, these graduates will now progress to their Airbus A320 type ratings with British Airways, before officially joining the airline’s flight decks as First Officers.
  • This achievement makes them the first ever graduates of the Speedbird Pilot Academy, a program launched by British Airways to widen access to airline careers by funding training for aspiring pilots.
  • The multi-million-pound training initiative, launched in 2023, offers aspiring pilots of all backgrounds a fully-funded path to the flight deck with British Airways. Successful candidates will undergo a joint selection process with BA and Skyborne, before training at the academy’s premier facilities in the UK and the United States.
  • For the 2025 edition British Airways will fund the full training costs for up to 200 future pilots.

Source: Skyborne

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