Market Intelligence: North America

Vertex Solutions, Varjo, and Aechelon Technology Join Forces with FAA to Redefine Virtual Reality Standards for Flight Simulation

Niceville, Florida, USA – Vertex Solutions, a Woman-Owned Small Business recognized for its excellence in systems integration and advanced learning technology, is thrilled to announce they have been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to lead an exciting new research initiative on VR flight simulation standards, alongside esteemed partners Varjo and Aechelon. Through the FAA’s Immersive Flight Simulation CRADA RFI (692M15-IFS-RFI-CRADA), this partnership unites Vertex’s extensive experience in extended reality (XR) training, Varjo’s industry-leading XR headsets, and Aechelon’s advanced visual simulation systems to explore the transformative impact of XR in pilot training. Vertex Solutions will also incorporate a mixed reality (MR) approach to advance the study with the best technology available.

With this landmark collaboration, Vertex, Varjo, and Aechelon will combine their expertise to assist the agency in enhancing the FAA’s CSF S-76 simulator for XR visualization. This setup will allow the FAA to conduct rigorous experiments on XR head-mounted display (HMD) specifications, including latency, resolution, and field of view. These trials will assess how XR variables affect pilot performance and workload, providing critical insights for establishing new XR standards in aviation training.

“Partnering with Varjo and Aechelon enables us to bring the very best in VR technology to this FAA project,” said Dennis Wikoff, President & COO at Vertex Solutions. “Together, we aim to help the FAA set new benchmarks that could redefine training methods and support the integration of VR into official flight simulator standards. We’re honored to collaborate on this project and shape the future of immersive flight training.”

The core objective of this collaborative agreement is to identify the minimum XR system specifications required for effective use in pilot training. Vertex Solutions will work alongside the FAA to enhance the S-76 simulator with XR functionality, allowing the FAA to conduct in-depth research scenarios using the new setup. FAA pilots will run through these scenarios, which will involve varying key XR parameters such as field of view and latency to determine their impact on pilot performance.

The final output of this collaboration will include a comprehensive report on the findings, detailing how specific XR HMD metrics influence pilot workload and training efficacy. This report will be shared with FAA sponsors to guide decisions on potential updates to federal flight simulator regulations.

About Vertex Solutions
Vertex Solutions delivers mission-critical training solutions that empower people to excel in complex, real-world environments. Specializing in systems integration for XR training technology, Vertex has a proven record of success with U.S. and international military clients, as well as Government, Commercial, and Civil Aviation sectors. Vertex is dedicated to enhancing training quality, reducing costs, and improving safety through innovative integration and expert collaboration.

About Varjo
Varjo is the world-leading provider of enterprise virtual and mixed reality solutions, delivering the highest levels of immersion, performance, and security for the most demanding industrial customers globally. Used by over 25% of the Fortune 100 and 19/20 of the world’s largest defense and aerospace companies, Varjo is known for virtual and mixed reality that look and feel as real as the real world, allowing training astronauts and fighter jet pilots, designing cars, and conducting pioneering medical research across virtual environments.

Our hardware and software solutions integrate with the world’s largest ecosystem of professional 3D software, image generators, and advanced simulator hardware. With Varjo’s offering, including the latest XR-4 Series and the government-compliant XR-4 Secure Edition, professionals can recreate the exact feeling and conditions of real life in 3D, allowing them to train faster, better and more cost effectively.

About Aechelon Technology
Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of real-time computer graphics solutions for training, simulation, and commercial markets. The company specializes in COTS-based, high-resolution, multi-channel, geo-specific image generators, out-the-window (OTW) displays, and correlated worldwide sensor databases, along with comprehensive integration services.

Aechelon delivers top-tier solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, and prime contractors in commercial applications. Its image generators are field-proven, fully supported with logistics, and accompanied by comprehensive documentation. Aechelon Technology is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA.

Source: Vertex Solutions
Photo Credit: Vertex Solutions

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American Cargo Airline Adopts Qualtero Training Management Solutions for Enhanced Training Management

United States – Lynden Air Cargo, a prominent global air freight services provider, has selected Qualtero’s Training and Qualification Management System (TQMS) to enhance its training and qualification processes.

  • Qualtero’s TQMS is designed to streamline and improve the management of training and qualifications, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
  • The adoption of TQMS aligns with industry trends of leveraging digital tools for workforce development and operational standardization.

Source: Qualtero

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US Aviation and Flight Training Group, Epic Flight Academy, Shares Video of its History

New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA – headquartered flight and aircraft maintenance training group Epic Flight Academy started with a single Cessna 152 and a dream. Founded by Danny Perna, whose family legacy in aviation inspired his vision, Epic has grown into a global leader in flight and mechanic training. From humble beginnings in New Smyrna Beach, Danny and his team overcame challenges—and today, Epic is renowned for its cutting-edge training, commitment to safety, and family-like community.

Watch Epic’s history below.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer, Bye Aerospace, Announces 2024 Appointment for Director of Information Infrastructure

Colorado, USA – Bye Aerospace has appointed Chuck McCaffrey as the new Director of Information Infrastructure. With over 30 years of experience leading technology transformations, Charles has guided organizations through complex transitions and enhanced operational efficiencies. His work at the Chicago Board of Trade, as well as his expertise in process modeling and predictive analytics, has revolutionized industries.

“Charles’ strategic leadership in global operations and tech optimization will be invaluable to our continued growth,” said Bye Aerospace.

In November 2024 Bye Aerospace begun constructing its first all-electric aircraft, the eFlyer 2, marking a key milestone for the company. The project, based at Bye Aerospace’s facility at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Denver, focuses on creating a fully composite structure, validating design specifications, and establishing production protocols for the aircraft.

  • The eFlyer 2, engineered specifically for the aviation training market, is designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in pilot training.
  • Company officials state that the aircraft’s clean-sheet design, featuring optimized aerodynamics and lightweight composite materials, aims to reduce operating costs by up to 80% and maintenance needs by up to 75%.
  • Serial Number 00001 will undergo extensive aerodynamic testing once assembly is complete, as part of the aircraft’s certification and validation process.

Source: Bye Aerospace
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace

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Flight School Management Software Provider, Flight Schedule Pro, Appoints 2024 Chief Marketing Officer

USA – Flight Schedule Pro, a software solutions provider specializing in flight training and pilot management, has appointed Bryan Landaburu as its new Chief Marketing Officer. The announcement comes as the company, part of the Mainsail Partners portfolio, focuses on consolidating its recent acquisitions and redefining its market approach.

  • Landaburu brings significant expertise in marketing to support Flight Schedule Pro’s strategic growth initiatives.
  • Flight Schedule Pro has achieved dominant market leadership in the flight training software sector, with over 50% of flight schools and airline cadet programs utilizing its services.
  • Since its acquisition by Mainsail Partners in 2022, the company has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Coradine Aviation, LogTen Pilot Logbook, and Pilotbase.
  • Over 50,000 professional pilots currently log their flights daily using Flight Schedule Pro’s applications.
  • The organization is focused on creating a new, unified category that maximizes the potential of its combined brands, with an emphasis on maintaining pilots as the central figure in its narrative.

Statements:

  • “I am pleased to announce that I recently joined Mainsail Partners portfolio company, Flight Schedule Pro, as their Chief Marketing Officer. This is an exciting opportunity and a great fit for me,” said Bryan Landaburu. “In order for these strategic acquisitions to harmonize and realize their combined potential, we must rewrite the story and construct a new category. Staying true to the roots of our business, pilots will remain the hero of our story.”

Learn more about Flight Schedule Pro or Mr. Landaburu by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Bryan Landaburu (Flight Schedule Pro)
Photo Credit: Flight Schedule Pro

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