Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Integrates Gaming Engine into its Full-Flight Simulator Visual System

CAE became the first leading aviation simulation and training organization to seamlessly integrate a gaming engine into its full-flight simulator (FFS) visual system and achieve level D qualification, the highest level of qualification for a FFS.

The FFS is equipped with the next-generation CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG), which leverages gaming technology through Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, marrying highly realistic 3D visuals with high-end full-motion simulation for more realistic pilot training in a virtual environment.

See video below.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Aviation and Pilot Training Industry Stakeholders Form Consortium to Develop Tool for Evaluating Pilot Behaviour

  • Thales has formed a consortium with ENAC, l’ENS Paris-Saclay, Simaero, AviaSim and Corsair to develop a tooled methodology for evaluating pilot behaviour under the PERCEVAL project (Pilot bEhaviouR and CompEtency EVALuation).
  • The consortium brings together the expertise of all the stakeholders in the airline pilot training community, including airlines, training centres, civil aviation schools, and public and private research organisations.
  • This Thales-led research project is designed to meet the new flight safety requirements of the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Sponsored by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), the PERCEVAL project (Pilot bEhaviouR and CompEtency EVALuation) will be conducted by a Thales-led consortium including the ENAC national civil aviation school, the research Centre Borelli from l’ENS Paris-Saclay, the Corsair airline and the Simaero and AviaSim training centres to validate a new approach to behavioural evaluation of airline pilots and air traffic controllers.

Training programmes are changing rapidly in the civil aviation sector, particularly with the introduction of Evidence-Based Training (EBT) concepts and other new training and evaluation methods. One major benefit of the new approach is its focus on non-technical skills and their role in building trust and developing the capacity of crew members to recognise unexpected or unpredictable situations.

By bringing together all the stakeholders in the training community, the consortium will leverage this collective intelligence to reshape the future of airline pilot training and improve flight safety by continuing to reduce the risk of human error.

From ab initio training to recurrent training and crew training, the consortium has all the resources needed to design, develop and test this new technological concept. As consortium leader, Thales brings to the table the knowledge and technology from its research into human factors analysis for aircraft pilots based on a multi-modal approach combining voice, eye movements and motor skills.

The DGAC supports this project as an innovative initiative contributing to the evolution of airline pilot training.

Partners and sponsors

Thales – Consortium leader

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive. The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Far Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity. Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of €17.6 billion

ENAC – Partner

ENAC (Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile), under the supervision of the French Ministry of Ecology and Solidarity, and the French civil aviation authority (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile, DGAC), brings together teaching and research in aeronautical engineering, air navigation and aircraft piloting. Each year, ENAC welcomes over 2,000 students enrolled across more than 30 study programmes, and 3,500 trainees enrolled in continuing training courses.

ENAC’s 28,000 graduates can be found in a hundred different countries on five continents, proof of the university’s international reach. ENAC’s scope, human resources and teaching methods make it Europe’s leading air transport university.

ENS Paris-Saclay – Partner

The “Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay”, a large and major school for careers in research and higher education, aims to lead its students towards a doctorate. Students are rigorously selected to follow advanced courses in the basic sciences, humanities, social sciences and engineering.

The Centre Borelli is an applied mathematics laboratory. Created in January 2020, it is the result of the merger of two research units: the Center for Mathematics and their applications (CMLA), Mathematics laboratory of ENS Paris-Saclay and CNRS and Cognition Action Groupe (Cognac-G), neuroscience laboratory of the University of Paris, CNRS and army health. The Centre Borelli is a multidisciplinary research laboratory bringing together researchers in mathematics, computer science, neuroscience, but also many doctors. It is involved in the training of graduates of the Ecole Normale Supérieure, and coordinates the Master’s degree in Mathematics, Vision and Learning (MVA).

Simaero – Partner 

An international group specializing in airline pilot training on flight simulators, Simaero is partnering with over 250 airlines from 80 countries. Based in Paris, the group has training centers located in France, South Africa, China, and soon in India, offering training on a wide range of aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, and ATR . Simaero is certified by more than 50 civil aviation authorities, such as the EASA in Europe, the SACAA in South Africa, and the CAAC in China. Simaero also provides its clients with technical expertise for simulator upgrades and relocations through its subsidiary « Simaero Engineering».

AviaSim – Partner

AviaSim is the European leader in aeronautical leisure. The company created in 2012 offers every curious and aviation enthusiast the opportunity to try piloting an airliner on board an ultra-realistic simulator. With its network and its simulators, AviaSim now meets the demand for training or selection of future B737/A320 flight crew.

Corsair – Partner

Corsair is a French long-haul scheduled airline employing 1,100 people. It flies 1.5 million passengers a year. Corsair operates flights to the Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique), the Indian Ocean (Reunion, Mauritius, Mayotte, Madagascar), Africa (Ivory Coast, Mali, Benin) and Canada (Montreal).

Corsair operates from Paris/Orly, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nantes.

DGAC – Sponsor

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has the mission of guaranteeing the safety and security of air transport by placing the logic of sustainable development at the heart of its action. It deals with all the components of civil aviation: sustainable development, safety, air traffic control, economic regulation, support for aeronautical construction, general aviation, aeronautical training.

Source: Thales
Photo Credit: Simaero

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First Full Flight Simulator with Gaming-Engine-Powered CAE Prodigy Image Generator Achieves Level D Qualification

CAE announced that it is the first leading aviation simulation and training organization to seamlessly integrate a gaming engine into its full-flight simulator (FFS) visual system and achieve level D qualification*, the highest level of qualification for a FFS. The FFS is equipped with the next-generation CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG), which leverages gaming technology through Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, marrying highly realistic 3D visuals with high-end full-motion simulation for more realistic pilot training in a virtual environment.

“Our collaboration with Epic Games on the CAE Prodigy Image Generator is a huge leap forward in the use of technology to increase the efficacy of pilot training and make our skies safer,” said CAE’s Chief Technology and Product Officer, Abha Dogra. “The convergence of the simulation and gaming industries will result in an enhanced simulator training experience with ultra-realistic visuals that further narrows the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.”

“CAE Prodigy will elevate pilot training by delivering true-to-life visuals with higher-fidelity graphics that make time in the simulator more realistic than ever before,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE’s Division President, Commercial Aviation Training. “With CAE Prodigy, CAE continues to position itself as a leader in the adoption of new technologies to support its customers and advance aviation safety.”

“We are thrilled that CAE, a global leader in training and simulation, is leveraging Unreal Engine to improve pilot training and aviation safety. Achieving Level D qualification is a testament to CAE’s expertise in this space as they continue to push our technology to new levels of realism,” said Bill Clifford, VP and GM of Unreal Engine at Epic Games.”

The CAE Prodigy product development roadmap includes a progressive deployment on Civil and Defense & Security simulators, based on a growing set of capabilities to support new deployments and update programs.  CAE Prodigy builds on the proven features of CAE’s existing family of visual systems, while leveraging Unreal Engine’s innovative rendering techniques to deliver a highly optimized and flexible Image Generator solution.

For more information on CAE Prodigy’s key features and capabilities, visit https://www.cae.com/Prodigy. CAE Prodigy photos and videos are available on CAE’s Multimedia Centre.

*Level D qualification under the EASA CS-FSTD(A) Issue 2 regulation. A level D simulator fidelity is at such high level that pilots transitioning to a new aircraft can perform all their training in the simulator instead of the aircraft.

The first device to achieve this certification was located at the CAE Bangkok Training Center.

About Epic Games

For more information on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, visit https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/solutions/simulation

About CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, airlines, and defense and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with more than 13,000 employees in approximately 250 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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US Airline Owned Pilot Training Subsidiary to Offer 5 Full ATP CTP Scholarships at Sun N Fun 2024

Delta Professional Serivces (DPS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc. which is headquartered at Delta Air Lines main campus in Atlanta, with additional training locations in Miami, Memphis, and Orlando, has shared that it will be present at the Sun N Fun event from April 9th to 14th in Lakeland, Florida.

Attendees are encouraged to visit Hanger D, Booth #68 to register for a chance to win one of five full Airline Transport Pilot – Certification Training Program Scholarships, valued at a total of $24,475!

In 2023 DPS conducted training on 14 different fleet types for partners such as Delta Air Lines, FedEx, The Boeing Company, Hawaiian Airlines, New Pacific Airlines and others.

Source: Gerardo Arellano (Delta)
Photo Credit: Delta

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Global Pilot Training Group is Seeking Full Flight Simulator Training Center Manager Based in Orlando, Florida, United States

Global pilot training solution provider FlightSafety International is seeking a Center Manager based in Orlando, Florida.

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

  • Maintain an on-going commitment to the promotion of FlightSafety International’s image as the factory designated training organization.
  • For Lead Learning Centers: Ensure that Lead Learning Center responsibilities are provided to the appropriate Satellite Learning Center(s).
  • For Satellite Learning Centers: Ensure that proper coordination and communication with the Lead Learning Center is established and maintained.

Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Plan, direct and organize Center’s activities to ensure FlightSafety International’s overall goals and objectives are achieved while providing Customers with a quality training experience.
  • Seek new ways to improve Learning Center Operations, quality of training products and Learning Center profitability on a continuous basis.
  • Establish quality objectives at the Learning Center that are in support of, and consistent with, the quality objectives established for Operations.
  • Prepare the Center’s Business Action Plan (BAP) and updates. I Exercise sound cost control measures.
  • Analyze and justify new training equipment, capital improvements, and personnel resources.
  • Establish and maintain a ‘˜Customer oriented’ business relationship with each Customer (company, client, vendor, aircraft manufacturer, etc.) impacting FlightSafety International’s business served at the Center.
  • Communicate to Center teammates the importance of meeting Customer, statutory and regulatory requirements.
  • Disseminate the quality policy throughout the Center.
  • Coordinate with the aircraft manufacturer(s) to ensure compliance with the respective training Service Agreement(s) while promoting and maintaining a spirit of teamwork and business partnership, where applicable.
  • Interact with the Director of Regulatory Affairs, as necessary. Examples of interaction include, but are not limited to, identification of nonconforming training, regulatory self-disclosures, changes in Center Manager or Director of QMS/Quality Control (DOQ/QC), additions/deletions of training programs, identification of nonconformities that are regulatory in nature, etc.
  • Interact with other management level personnel, i.e. Center Management Team, Functional Directors, other Center Managers, Corporate Management, etc.
  • Coordinate courseware development in conjunction with Company guidelines and with the cooperation of the Courseware Support Functional Group.
  • Initiate marketing and sales activities, in conjunction with Company guidelines, and with the cooperation of the Marketing Functional Group.
  • Provide pertinent data and information to Operations personnel.
  • Monitor and maintain Monthly Salary Management Report; report discrepancies, if any, to Salary Administration.
  • Ensure that Learning Center Management Reviews are completed.
  • Ensure the availability of resources necessary to implement and sustain the QMS including but not limited to the Preventative Action and Corrective Action processes.
  • Ensure that the Quality Management System (QMS) is used to encourage continual improvement and compliance with all applicable regulations.
  • Organize, direct the preparation of, and originate reports, proposals, bids, letters to Customers, and other written communication, as necessary.
  • Utilize the SAP computer system to locate appropriate data concerning Customers, Instructors, training schedules, prospects, receivables, payables, and other data pertinent to the operation of the Center.
  • Mentoring/Managerial Activities: Monitor and direct the management of expenditures associated with the Manager’s Fund.
  • Monitor and approve Performance Appraisal preparations and appropriate merit increases for other supervisors on a timely basis.
  • Appoint Center teammates to the Learning Center Quality Team.
  • Interview prospective employees, evaluate and recommend employment.
  • Provide project direction(s), set priorities and monitor staff achievement.
  • Direct and/or facilitate departmental staff meetings and oversee distribution of meeting minutes to appropriate personnel. Coordinate and manage department staffing levels with approval from the V.P of Operations and/or the Regional.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university preferred.

Minimum Experience

  • Ten (10) years of related experience.
  • Five + (5) years of management experience.
  • Minimum of six (6) months’ experience in a teaching/training environment, especially where the material is designed for adults (over 18 years) participants.
  • Aviation related experience in management, marketing and/or administration of technical training, highly desirable.
  • Experience related to operating and/or managing a small business or corporate cost center, desired.

To learn more about the position and to apply click here.

Source: FlightSafety International
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International (shown as meta image)

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