Market Intelligence: -Interview Series

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Elite Simulation Solutions

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Christopher Reville – Chief Commercial Officer at ELITE Simulation Solutions AG, a global provider of IFR train­ing soft­ware, flight con­trols and flight train­ing devices.

The conversation covers:

  1. Evolution and Product Range: ELITE Simulation Solutions, founded in 1987, began as a simulation software company and evolved into a global solution provider of flight training devices. They offer a wide range of products, from basic desktop simulators to advanced flight simulators for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, catering to civilian, military, and educational sectors.
  2. Customizable Solutions and Innovation: A key strength of ELITE is its ability to develop tailored solutions for clients, thanks to in-house control over both hardware and software. This agility enables the company to adapt quickly to specific customer needs, such as developing bespoke dual-pilot configurations or integrating unique avionics setups.
  3. Global Reach and Impact: With installations across the world, including in the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia, ELITE’s devices serve various organizations, from universities and flight schools to government aviation authorities. Recent projects include the delivery of an FNPT II simulator to Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic, a Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) for Cameroon’s Ministry of Interior Civil Aviation Authority, and an A320 FTD Level 4 simulator in Santiago, Chile.
  4. Commitment to Quality and Safety: ELITE emphasizes Swiss-engineered precision, ensuring high-quality flight models that meet and exceed regulatory standards. Their devices are designed to provide realistic training and enhance safety through accurate simulation of high-risk scenarios, thereby preparing pilots effectively.
  5. Industry Trends and Forward-Thinking Vision: The company is actively tracking trends like VR, mixed reality, and emerging aircraft types such as UAVs and EVTOLs. While cautious about adopting new technology, ELITE prioritizes meaningful advancements that improve training value, focusing on enhancing safety and cost efficiency for flight schools and aviation organizations.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – MPS

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Erik Jennes – Chief Commercial Officer at MPS (Multi Pilot Simulations) – a leading manufacturer of flight simulation training devices (including Boeing 737 NG/MAX and Airbus A320 ceo/neo).

The conversation covers:

  • Core Offering: MPS specializes in high-fidelity fixed-base simulators for single-aisle aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The company emphasizes “smarter simulators,” integrating advanced training options and using real aircraft components to ensure precision and safety.
  • Global Airline Partnerships: MPS has been expanding its airline customer base, with installations in countries like the U.S., U.K., Panama, and Canada. Notable partnerships include Frontier Airlines, Jet2, Copa Airlines, and Ryanair. This reflects a shift from ATO-focused sales to increasing collaboration with airlines.
  • Trends in Pilot Training: Erik highlighted that there is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly solutions, sustainability in production, and leveraging AI for enhanced simulation environments and objective performance reviews. Additionally, remote learning through VR and AR is becoming a significant trend.
  • Challenges in the Industry: Supply chain issues, high data package costs, and difficulty in finding skilled personnel—both for production and simulator operation—are major challenges. MPS mitigates these with innovative hiring practices, alternative supply options, and focusing on sustainable operations.
  • Future Outlook: Despite temporary slowdowns, long-term pilot demand is expected to rise significantly. MPS remains committed to high-quality FTDs, seeing them as a cost-efficient and effective training tool over full-flight simulators.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – True Course Simulation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Brett Watts  – CEO of True Course Simulations, a simulator manufacturer that specializes in virtual reality flight training.

True Course Simulation offers a simple 3-step learning process that includes a pre-flight briefing, interactive simulations, and visual demonstrations of maneuvers.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Evolution and Offerings: True Course Simulations (TCS) provides comprehensive VR-based flight training solutions that include hardware (immersive training devices), software (courseware), and data management tools. Originally focused on military contracts, the company has expanded to serve civilian flight schools globally, prioritizing innovation and efficiency in pilot training.
  • Global Expansion and Partnerships: TCS has established partnerships with flight training organizations worldwide, including recent device deployments to Nelson Aviation College (New Zealand), Embry-Riddle Asia (Singapore), and Sydney Flight College (Australia).
  • Key Trends in Pilot Training: Brett highlighted the increasing demand for efficiency due to rising costs and instructor shortages. Another trend is the growing adoption of automation and VR to supplement traditional training, reducing stress on students and instructors.
  • Impact on Training and Safety: TCS tools improve safety and efficiency by enabling students to master core skills in simulations before real-world training. This approach reduces cognitive overload and better prepares students for complex multitasking in the cockpit.
  • Mission: TCS stands out by offering an integrated system of VR labs, self-guided learning, and performance analytics. The company aims to empower students with confidence and proficiency while supporting partners in modernizing their training systems.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Operating the Oldest and One of the Countries Largest Flight School’s – Greece’s Global Aviation SA

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Alexandros Tsaktanis – Managing Director of Global Aviation SA – a flight training organization founded in 1997 in Athens, Greece, which provides Pilot Training, Cabin Crew Training, Aircraft Sales and Maintenance Services.

The conversation covers:

  • Overview of Global Aviation: Founded in 1997 in Athens, Global Aviation is the country’s oldest pilot training organization, focusing primarily on fixed-wing commercial pilot training. It operates with 20 aircraft at Megara Airport, three simulators, and soon expanding to a private airfield, Icaros Airport, to meet growing demands.
  • Innovations and Partnerships: Global Aviation collaborates with Aegean Airlines for a Cadet Pilot Training Program, which restarted post-pandemic in 2023 and will continue till 2025. This partnership subsidizes costs, making pilot training more accessible. On another note, a new agreement with ATPL Questions enhances theoretical training by offering advanced learning resources and an LMS system to improve student outcomes.
  • Challenges and Solutions: According to Alex, flight schools face several significant challenges including congested airspace and airports (especially in Europe). Increased commercial flights activity has made it difficult to secure training slots at public airports. Another challenge is instructor availability. Global Aviation is addressing congested airports and instructor shortages through private airport investments and sponsored instructor training programs.
  • Safety and Training Standards: Global Aviation maintains an impeccable safety record and instills a rigorous safety-first mindset in students, preparing them for professional roles while prioritizing risk-free operations. The Greek flight school emphasizes preparing students for airline careers by aligning its training with the airline safety requirements.
  • Competitive Advantage: Global Aviation combines high-quality training with competitive pricing and efficient course durations. Graduates have strong employability, with 90% securing airline jobs within six months, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the aviation industry.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Growing Middle East and Europe Flight Training Bases – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Wissam Mehyou, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) which operates flight training organisations across Lebanon and Cyprus.

The conversation covers:

  1. IAE Background and Growth: Wissam Mehyou founded Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE) in 2018, building on his family’s business legacy. IAE expanded to pilot training in Lebanon and Cyprus to provide Middle Eastern students with high-quality training closer to home.
  2. Addressing Pilot Shortages: Wissam discussed the global demand for pilots and highlighted that training academies often fall short of their promises, contributing to a pilot shortage. IAE aims to close this gap by providing consistent, high-quality training that meets industry needs.
  3. Partnerships for Capacity Building: IAE Global Training Partner – Airways Aviation Group has one of the most advanced training facilities and one of the largest capacities, This partnership supports flexible training paths for Middle Eastern students in multiple locations across the globe, especially when regional instabilities impact operations.
  4. Emphasis on Safety and Quality: IAE prioritizes a “safety-first” culture, implementing self-audits, transparent reporting, and regular safety briefings. This approach fosters honesty and responsibility among students and instructors, ensuring high standards in training.
  5. Student-Centric Approach: IAE is committed to supporting students through challenges. Their focus on student success underlines the organization’s dedication to producing well-trained pilots while emphasizing a global, multicultural learning environment.

For more information:

 You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Operating One of the Largest Flight Schools in Europe – Portugal’s Sevenair Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Carlos Amaro – CEO of Sevenair Academy – one of the largest flight training organisations based at Ponte de Sor, Portugal.

The conversation covers:

  • Independent Growth and Expansion: Sevenair Academy has grown substantially, now independently owned by Carlos and his partner after separating from Sevenair Group. Located in Ponte de Sor, Portugal, the academy boasts 45 aircraft and a campus that accommodates up to 600 cadets, making it one of Europe’s largest training facilities.
  • Advanced Training Infrastructure: The academy benefits from a dedicated runway, advanced ILS (Instrument Landing System), extensive facilities, and optimal weather for flight training, with about 330 flyable days per year. These resources, combined with a robust fleet and new simulators, create ideal conditions for training pilots.
  • Partnerships and Pilot Shortage Solutions: Sevenair Academy collaborates with airlines like Luxair on sponsored cadet programs, aiming to address pilot shortages by supporting cadets financially and guaranteeing employment. They are also in talks with government bodies to explore cost-free training programs for talented cadets, hoping to make pilot training accessible regardless of financial background.
  • Safety and Quality Focus: Safety is a core value, with Sevenair prioritizing a strong safety culture embedded throughout its facilities and training protocols.
  • Advocacy for Industry Changes: Carlos highlighted challenges in the European pilot training sector, such as the shortage of qualified instructors, and advocates for regulatory adjustments to simplify instructor certification.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Growing to Become One of the Largest Flight Schools in Greece – Egnatia Aviation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with George Triantafyllidis – Chief Commercial Officer at Egnatia Aviation – one of the largest flight training organisations in Europe conducting high quality pilot training for airlines and individuals.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Growth and New Facilities: Egnatia Aviation, based in Kavala, Greece, has expanded significantly, including the development of a private general aviation airport, Lydia Airport, to enhance pilot training facilities. More than 240 full time students are undergoing commercial training in Egnatia’s own General Aviation airport “Lydia” in Kavala, Greece.
  • Enhanced Training and Fleet: With a Diamond fleet of 18 aircraft and advanced simulators, Egnatia’s facilities reflect their commitment to high training standards. A notable aspect of Egnatia’s training model is that all aircraft and simulators are fully owned by the company, underscoring their strong financial stability. Additionally, Egnatia has an in-house maintenance department staffed with experienced technicians, allowing them to ensure that all aircraft are kept in optimal condition.
  • High employment rate: Egnatia boasts a high employment rate for graduates, exceeding 95% within the first year, fueled by airline partnerships with companies like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Wizz Air and Iraqi Airways.
  • Industry Demand and Challenges: George highlighted the global pilot demand, as well as the challenges of limited training capacity and flight instructor shortages, which Egnatia addresses through cadet scholarships and fleet expansion. As airlines ramp up hiring to fulfill pilot demand, instructors at flight schools are often recruited into commercial airline roles, making it challenging for training organizations to retain them. Egnatia Aviation addresses this by implementing cadet scholarships specifically aimed at training instructors, thus creating a pathway for student pilots to transition into instructional roles within the academy. Egnatia also collaborates with experienced airline captains and former Greek Air Force pilots, leveraging their expertise to maintain high training standards while ensuring a steady supply of instructors

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Growing to Become One of the Largest Flight Schools in Italy – Professional Aviation Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Vito Preti – the CEO of Professional Aviation – one of the largest Italian flight academies, based in Bologna. Professional Aviation Academy is a premier provider of aviation training, offering a full range of programs that include both theoretical and practical instruction for aspiring pilots.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Background: Vito Preti, with a military aviation background, founded Professional Aviation based on the best practices from his career, aiming to offer high-quality training for pilots. The academy is known for its high-quality training in both technical flying skills and professional attitudes.
  • Modern Fleet and Facilities: Professional Aviation boasts a fleet mainly consisting of Tecnam Aircraft, Cirrus Aircraft for instrument training, with Garmin avionics for seamless student transitions. They also offer now training in helicopters, ensuring a modern and versatile learning environment.
  • Student Intake and International Outreach: The school trains 80 to 100 students annually, with an increasing number of international students. Classes are conducted in English, and the academy offers both EASA and GCAA licenses, expanding its global reach. Partnerships with banks provide financial support for Italian students, with plans to extend this to international students. The academy has recently expanded into helicopter training, addressing the growing demand for pilots in sectors such as offshore operations and air ambulance services.
  • Industry Trends and Challenges: Vito notes a strong demand for pilots expected to continue for the next 10-15 years. Vito highlighted the importance of long-term investment and infrastructure in aviation training, noting the growing demand for pilots globally. He also discussed challenges like instructor retention and the need for improved campus facilities to meet students expectations. Professional Aviation is focusing on developing a campus to offer a comprehensive training environment.
  • Key Advantages: Professional Aviation employs 100% full-time flight instructors, many of whom have military or airline experience. This ensures a highly professional and standardized training process, with instructors fully dedicated to student development. The school operates a modern aircraft fleet and uses advanced scheduling tools (such as FlightLogger) to ensure efficient planning for both instructors and students. The recent expansion into helicopter training further broadens their scope and appeal.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Oscar Yankee

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Jens Rahbek – the Customer Success Manager at Oscar Yankee. Oscar Yankee is a Danish FMS Provider that brings modern usable software to the General Aviation industry and flight training organisations so that pilots and aviation professionals can focus on what they love the most – flying.

The conversation covers:

  • Background & Growth: Oscar Yankee was founded in 2017 to provide simple booking and management software for flying clubs, now offering a full-fledged pilot training management platform. Oscar Yankee has steadily grown and it now includes tools for managing flight training programs, handling complex compliance requirements, and integrating additional products like TrueTrack for tracking real-time flight data.
  • Recent Developments: Over recent months, Oscar Yankee has accelerated its growth by engaging a dedicated team of developers to enhance its web application and continuously improve the product based on client feedback. Oscar Yankee has been focusing on core features, particularly for compliance with European regulations, helping flight schools manage their training, flight time limitations, and safety requirements.
  • Industry Trends: According to Jens, digitalization and the integration of AI are key trends in pilot training. Pilot training organizations, which have historically relied on paper-based processes, are now adopting digital solutions to streamline training and operations. Digital tools offer better integration, data management, and compliance tracking, enabling flight schools to reduce administrative burdens and focus more on the quality of training. Oscar Yankee is continuously working on simplifying processes, such as maintenance scheduling and compliance, by leveraging the latest technologies.
  • Challenges in Flight Training: Compliance is a major challenge for flight schools. Regulations, especially in Europe, are strict and require detailed documentation to ensure schools adhere to safety standards. Oscar Yankee’s software helps automate the compliance process, ensuring that all required documentation, training logs, and safety reports are digitally stored and easily accessible. Instructors no longer have to chase down signatures or ensure grading and comments are completed on time. Oscar Yankee’s software helps flight schools focus on training rather than administration.
  • Major Benefits: Oscar Yankee stands out as a top choice for flight schools due to its user-friendly, compliance-focused software designed to meet European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. It offers an affordable, scalable solution that automates administrative tasks, enhances safety management, and provides real-time flight data through its integrated TrueTrack system. With customizable features and a straightforward interface, Oscar Yankee allows schools to streamline operations while maintaining high safety standards.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Aviatize

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Tom Verbruggen – the Founder and CEO of Aviatize – all-in-one digital platform to manage all processes needed in a flight school, flying club, operator, or maintenance facility.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Overview: Tom Verbruggen, CEO of Aviatize, discussed the company’s history and growth. Aviatize provides an advanced all-in-one and customizable digital platform for flight schools to manage all key processes. They initially started with drone operators in 2015 and expanded to manned aviation in 2019.
  • Recent Developments: Aviatize recently partnered with LOT Polish Airlines Flight Academy as their TMS provider and established its commercial headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, to support rapid growth in the U.S. market.
  • Industry Trends: Tom noted increasing demand for pilots and pilot training, particularly in Asia, driven by rising air travel and the retirement of older pilots. He highlighted a trend towards the need for operational efficiency and the use of advanced software and technologies like augmented reality in pilot training.
  • Challenges for Flight Schools: Aviatize helps flight schools address the challenge of training more pilots efficiently and safely without increasing their administrative burden. It also offers tools for data-driven decision-making and improving safety through proactive measures.
  • Unique Selling Points: Aviatize offers a powerful advanced all-in-one platform designed to streamline flight school operations by integrating all key processes such as training planning and follow-up, billing, maintenance planning and execution, safety, documentation management and compliance into a single smart and adaptable system. With advanced features in each module, the platform caters to the needs of both small flight schools and large academies, offering highly configurable options that adapt to each organization’s unique workflows which often is not the case with other solutions. A standout feature is the mobile companion app, which allows students and instructors to access critical information and track and replay flights. By providing data-driven insights on most of the data points that are captured by the system, Aviatize helps schools make proactive, informed decisions, improving student progress, safety, and overall performance.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.
To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts