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VR Flight Simulator Manufacturer, Loft Dynamics, Unveils First Virtual Reality Flight Simulation Hub in North America

Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland), a leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation devices for pilots worldwide, announced the opening of its first Virtual Reality Flight Simulation Hub and the company’s first North American headquarters, located at the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO). The hub features the company’s Airbus H125 VR Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD), offering a hands-on way for even more pilots and aviation leaders to experience the future of pilot training and the benefits of VR technology at a critical time for the aviation industry.

The global pilot shortage looms large, requiring over 600,000 new aviators in the next 20 years. Existing training solutions, including traditional full-motion simulators, remain cost-prohibitive for the average pilot and are confined to select training centers that can house and afford them. By harnessing the power of VR technology, Loft Dynamics’ full-motion FSTDs deliver high-fidelity, immersive pilot training at one-twentieth the cost and one-tenth the size of legacy simulators. The company is gaining widespread adoption among aviation leaders and pilots to scale the next generation of skilled pilots.

“We recognized a significant unmet demand to experience our technology in person in the U.S. Establishing a physical space became the obvious solution, making it more accessible to fly our sims, practice a range of maneuvers, and fully grasp the power of VR technology in this capacity,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Our SMO location offers convenient access for a high concentration of pilots and enhances onsite and remote support for our North American customers.”

Loft Dynamics expanded to North America in 2021, integrating its simulators at various flight schools, helicopter operators, and global regulatory organizations – from Airbus Helicopters to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Today the company also announced that the LAPD Air Support Division, the largest municipal airborne law enforcement operation in the world, has initiated the purchase of Loft Dynamics’ H125 VR FSTD. “It’s incredibly challenging for any pilot today to realistically train for the dangerous maneuvers and diverse scenarios in which we fly. Learning and mastering the skills and procedures needed to fly under Instrument Flight Rules and to survive an inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) flight is no exception,” said Kevin Gallagher, Chief Pilot, Los Angeles Police Department, Air Support Division. “Loft Dynamics’ sims use cloud-based software, allowing us to add new and applicable training scenarios regularly. Additionally, the sim’s full-motion technology precisely replicates the motion of a helicopter in-flight, while the visual technology accurately simulates challenging flight conditions in a realistic 3D view. These features are critical to providing our more than 50 pilots, who fly around the clock, with the type of conditions and maneuvers they often encounter. With the sim onsite, our pilots can regularly and safely train to maintain proficiency in these essential skills.”

About Loft Dynamics AG

Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) specializes in designing, manufacturing and operating VR flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for various aircraft systems. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation by providing best-in-class pilot training that is safe, accessible and affordable. Our immersive simulators, equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, are 20 times less expensive and 10 times smaller than traditional flight simulators. As an ISO 9001-certified flight simulation training device operator, we provide continuous and comprehensive customer support, from installation and maintenance to training and regulatory approvals. Leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools and organizations worldwide choose Loft Dynamics simulators — the world’s first and only VR FSTDs with EASA FTD Level 3 regulatory approval. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics

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Regional Aircraft Manufacturer, Embraer, Highlights its Growing Asia Pacific Presence at the Singapore Airshow

Embraer will display its defense & security, commercial aviation, business aviation and urban air mobility solutions at the Singapore Airshow 2024, taking place from 20 – 25 February 2024. The biennial Singapore Airshow is Asia’s most influential international aerospace and defense exhibition.

“We are excited to be back at the Singapore Airshow with a great lineup of aircraft that showcase the collective strength of Embraer,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO at Embraer. “Our presence in Asia Pacific is growing and the Airshow provides us a great platform to further interact with the aerospace and defense communities across the region.”

For the first time at the show, Embraer will present the C-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical transport aircraft. The aircraft is experiencing a positive sales momentum and was recently selected by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Also making its debut in Singapore is the Praetor 600, the most technologically advanced business jet in its category. The Praetor 600, renowned for its exceptional performance and versatility, was delivered to South Korea’s Flight Inspection Center (FIC) at the end of 2023.

The E195-E2 commercial jet, the world’s most fuel-efficient and quietest single-aisle aircraft returns to the Singapore Airshow, this time sporting the newest ‘Tech Eagle’ livery. The E2 received important orders in the region last year, including Scoot, and deliveries more than doubled in 2023 in comparison with the previous year.

Making the company’s debut at the Singapore Air Show, Eve Air Mobility will be presenting an overview of its eVTOL, services and operations solutions including its Urban Air Traffic Management software solution at Exhibition Hall C Booth #C-C87. The company will have its full-size eVTOL cabin mockup on display, marking its first trip to Asia Pacific as part of its world tour. Eve and will also offer visitors a unique virtual reality (VR) flight experience.

Singapore is the nerve center for Embraer’s Asia Pacific operations, in addition to the Company’s China office in Beijing.

Embraer Press Activities at the Show:

20 Feb 2024: Embraer Group Press Briefing (2pm, Function Room 3)
21 Feb 2024: Embraer C-390 Press Briefing (11am, Function Room 3)
20 – 22 Feb 2024, 3.30pm: Aircraft visits for journalists

About Embraer

Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly owned entities and authorized agents.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

About Embraer Commercial Aviation

Embraer’s E-Jets E2 family aircraft, the E190-E2 and E195-E2, are the most efficient narrow body aircraft on the market, providing the lowest operating costs and highest yields for airlines, as well as greater comfort for passengers and space for their luggage, and less noise and less impact on the environment. CO2 emissions from E2 jets are up to 25% lower compared to the previous generation of aircraft, and this reduction could reach up to 85% with the use of SAF.

This year, the company introduces the E195-E2 Tech Eagle Profit Hunter in recognition of the growing number of new E2 customers around the world. The impressive livery reflects the aircraft’s high-tech features and excellent performance. Like an eagle, the E2 flies efficiently and silently.

About Embraer Defense & Security

Embraer Defense & Security products and solutions are present in more than 60 countries and include the multi-mission C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft and the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft.

The C-390 aircraft was first delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and has proven its capability, reliability, and outstanding performance on domestic and overseas missions, as well as its ability to quickly respond to emergency or humanitarian situations. The aircraft has been contracted by Brazil, Portugal and Hungary and selected by the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and most recently, South Korea.

About Embraer Executive Jets

Embraer is creating tomorrow’s world of bespoke private air travel today, utilizing industry-leading innovation, design, and technology—all the while incorporating sustainable and socially responsible practices. As a global company with more than 54 years in aerospace, Embraer delivers the ultimate experience in business aviation through aircraft that feature disruptive performance, technology and comfort. Its portfolio consists of the Phenom 100EX, which offers unmatched cabin comfort, the highest levels of operational versatility and enhanced pilot-centric avionics; the Phenom 300E, which is the best-selling light jet for the past 11 consecutive years; and the Praetor 500 and the Praetor 600, the most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize and super-midsize business jets, respectively. Every day, Embraer business aircraft operate around the globe, supported by a strong, responsive customer support network that’s top-ranked in service across the industry. For more information, visit executive.embraer.com.

About Eve Air Mobility

Eve is dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Benefitting from a start-up mindset, backed by Embraer S.A.’s more than 50-year history of aerospace expertise, and with a singular focus, Eve is taking a holistic approach to progressing the UAM ecosystem, with an advanced eVTOL project, a comprehensive global services and support network and a unique air traffic management solution. Since May 10, 2022, Eve has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, where its shares of common stock and public warrants trade under the tickers “EVEX” and “EVEXW”. For more information, please visit eveairmobility.com.  

Embraer Sustainability Commitment

For over 20 years, Embraer has been working on and developing green initiatives to make aircraft cleaner and quieter to contribute to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Embraer aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and achieve carbon neutral growth from 2022. It plans to implement 25% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use in its operations by 2040 and 100% renewable energy sources by 2030.

The company has a recognized history of innovation in sustainable fuels, which includes the industry’s first certified ethanol-powered aircraft in 2004. Collaborating closely with its customers and partners, the company has been continually enhancing the efficiency and performance of its current and future products. The E2 family of jets, for example, is targeted to be certified compatible with 100% SAF before 2030.

Source: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer

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Canada’s Collège Air Richelieu Reinforces its Partnership with ALSIM by Acquiring Two New Simulators

Canada’s Collège Air Richelieu reinforces its dedication to ALSIM with the acquisition of two advanced AL250compact simulators, solidifying a collaborative history spanning almost two decades.

The AL250compact is a unique project that adapts to the specific needs expressed by Collège Air Richelieu. Thanks to its particular dimensions and simplified overall architecture, it fits into small areas to meet Collège Air Richelieu’s requirements. Moreover, the AL250compact is equipped with three flat screens that ensure excellent image quality. At the same time, it retains all the functionalities of the AL250.

The AL250 simulator addresses initial phase training needs (PPL, CPL, IR/ME) and is SEP/MEP re-configurable simulator certified as an EASA FNPT II and TC Level 2 IPC, as well as AATD (FAA). In addition, it offers both classic and glass cockpit for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch. This device has been extremely well received since its creation and more than 100 of these have already been installed and are in successful operation worldwide.

Thierry Dugrippe, Operation Manager of Collège Air Richelieu, explains his choice: “ALSIM has been our steadfast partner over the years. We are convinced that the AL250compact will play a significant role in enhancing our training programs by offering optimum versatility with its six flight models.”

Jean-Paul Monnin, President of ALSIM, adds: “We are delighted with this new sale to one of our very first customers!  Indeed, since 2003, ALSIM has proudly supported Collège Air Richelieu. We see them as a long-term partner with a modern vision of simulators’ use. We have enjoyed supporting their development over all these years, and we hope to continue this collaboration in the future.”

About Collège Air Richelieu

Since 1928, the Collège Air Richelieu has been a training center that was formerly known as Aeroclub de Montreal.

Located on the regional airport of Montreal/St Hubert since 1971, it seeks day after day to meet the expectations of the aviation market and its student pilots. The Collège Air Richelieu trains more than a hundred private, professional, multi-engine/IFR and airline pilots each year.

Thanks to its national and international reputation, it has become a recognized college by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This allows the Collège Air Richelieu to offer a Diplôme d’Études Collégiales (DEC) in addition to the ATPL Airline Transport Pilot Licence issued by Transport Canada.

About ALSIM

ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators since 1994. ALSIM is well recognized for its know-how, based on 30 years of experience. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. ALSIM’s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our client’s needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology. Today, ALSIM have more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

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Simulator Manufacturer FRASCA Highlights Partnership with CTE Academy’s High School Aviation Program

South Dakota based Career and Technology Education (CTE) Academy integrated three Frasca Reconfigurable Training Devices (RTDs). The Aviation program, led by dedicated educator Laureen Mehlert, embodies this ethos by offering passionate students the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of aviation. “The whole goal of the program is to get kids who are passionate about aviation the experience they need,” says Mehlert. She further emphasizes that the introduction of Frasca RTDs has been a game changer for their program, providing a vital edge to students’ skill development and career aspirations.

Source: Frasca
Photo Credit: Frasca

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Flight School Management Software Solution Provider Private-Radar to Showcase Advanced Flight School Solutions at February Trade Shows

Spain-based Flight School Management Software Solution Provider Private-Radar is gearing up to participate in two major trade shows this February:

  • The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) in Las Vegas
  • Pilot Expo in Berlin

The FSANA’s 15th Annual International Flight School Operators Conference and Trade Show will unfold at Caesars Palace Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas from Wednesday, February 21st, to Friday, February 23rd. This event, highly regarded by industry leaders like David Morse, FTO Leader, Americas and Europe at CAE, is deemed a “can’t miss event” for flight school owners, managers, chief flight instructors, assistant chief flight instructors, and those involved in the operational aspects of flight schools.

Meanwhile, in Berlin, Private-Radar will also showcase its solutions at Pilot Expo, Europe’s largest event dedicated to Flight Crew Recruitment and Training. The event will be hosted in Halls 18-19 of Messe Berlin on Friday, February 23rd, and Saturday, February 24th. Described as two intensive days of conferences, exhibitions, and recruitment processes, Pilot Expo will culminate with the annual Airliners’ Party on Friday night, providing attendees with an exceptional opportunity to unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.

Attendees at both events are invited to visit Private-Radar’s booths in the exhibition hall, where the team will be on hand to provide an introduction about their Flight School Management and Aircraft Tracking solutions with a focus on automation and efficiency, Private-Radar aims to demonstrate how its tools can elevate flight schools to the next level.

Source: Private-Radar
Photo Credit: Private-Radar

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Cabin Crew Simulator Manufacturer, Spatial Composite Solutions, Successfully Completes Factory Acceptance Test for A320 Trainer

United Arab Emirates headquartered cabin crew simulator manufacturer Spatial Composite Solutions welcomed Nisakorn Suwansingha, Training Center Manager from APDI Training Center at Kasem Bundit University, Bangkok, Thailand

Spatial Composite Solutions announced the successful completion of the factory acceptance test for their A320 over-wing exit trainer. As this cutting-edge Airbus device prepares to embark on its journey from Spatial’s factory, anticipation is building for its arrival at its new home. The A320 trainer is poised to become an invaluable resource, facilitating realistic and efficient cabin crew training for years to come.

Source: Spatial Composite Solutions
Photo Credit: Spatial Composite Solutions

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VR Flight Training Solutions Provider, True Course Simulations, Unveils Solutions to Pilot Training Challenges

Flight training is a critical phase in the journey of aspiring pilots, and flight schools often encounter various challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. True Course Simulations, a pioneering company specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) flight training, offers innovative solutions to address these challenges, benefiting both students and flight schools alike.

Better Prepared Students
Flight schools want their students to be well-prepared for their flights. True Course Simulations achieves this by providing immersive VR training environments that allow students to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled setting. This ensures that students gain essential knowledge and confidence before they ever step into an actual aircraft.

Reduced Training Hours
Flight training can be expensive and time-consuming. True Course Simulations helps students achieve their licenses more efficiently by offering realistic VR scenarios that allow for repeated practice without the limitations of aircraft availability or weather conditions. This can significantly reduce the number of flight hours required for certification.

Shortage of Instructors and High Student Ratios
With VR training, flight schools can alleviate the burden of instructor shortages and high student-to-instructor ratios. Virtual instructors can guide multiple students simultaneously, offering personalized feedback and guidance, thereby improving the learning experience and ensuring more efficient progress.

Weather, Maintenance, and Instructor Availability
Aircraft downtime due to weather, maintenance, or instructor unavailability can disrupt training schedules. True Course Simulations mitigates these issues by offering consistent access to training scenarios regardless of external factors. This continuity ensures that students can maintain a steady learning pace.

Remedial Training
For students who require extra training or remediation, True Course Simulations provides an ideal platform. Students can revisit challenging scenarios, practice emergency procedures, and improve specific skills until they reach proficiency, all within a controlled and supportive VR environment.

Eliminating Gaps Between Flights
The gaps between flights, caused by various factors, can hinder student progress. With VR training, students can continue their learning and skill development during these downtime periods, ensuring that they stay engaged and retain what they’ve learned.

Emergency Training
True Course Simulations allows flight schools to simulate emergencies in a safe and controlled environment. Students can practice responding to critical situations, honing their decision-making skills and improving their ability to handle emergencies during actual flights.

Cost Reduction
The cost of flight training can be a barrier to aspiring pilots. VR training reduces costs associated with fuel, aircraft maintenance, and instructor fees. This can make flight training more affordable and accessible, helping students pursue their dreams of becoming pilots.

Reducing Carbon Emissions
Flight schools are increasingly concerned about environmental impact. By reducing the need for actual flight hours, True Course Simulations helps flight schools contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals and mandates.

Assessment and Readiness Insights
True Course Simulations offers flight schools valuable insights into their students’ abilities and readiness. Schools can track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that only students truly prepared for flight are sent up in the air, maximizing safety and efficiency.

True Course Simulations provides a transformative solution to many of the challenges faced by flight schools. By leveraging virtual reality technology, they enhance training efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety, ultimately helping students achieve their goals and ensuring flight schools can operate more effectively in a rapidly changing aviation landscape.

Source: True Course Simulations
Photo Credit: True Course Simulations

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Simulator Manufacturer MPS Installs Boeing 737 MAX-8200 FTD at Atlantic Flight Training Academy

Netherlands headquartered MPS has installed a Boeing 737 MAX-8200 FTD at Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) located in Cork, Ireland. The new device sits next to the B737-800W FTD previously delivered by MPS. The FTD has been qualified by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and is ready to be applied in AFTA’s extensive training program including Ryanair’s Mentored Program.

Erik Jennes, MPS Chief Commercial Officer said: “MPS is excited that AFTA has ordered an additional simulator from MPS reaffirming our long-standing relationship. This will be an important extension of AFTA’s training capability and capacity. We are proud to be a partner in this endeavor.”

AFTA was established in 1995 and has seen a remarkable success rate with trainees. Over 2700 pilots who started their careers at AFTA are employed by leading airlines globally including Ryanair, a Boeing 737 MAX customer, who have a long-standing partnership with AFTA. The training contract with Ryanair is called the Ryanair mentored pilot programme and pilots are trained to Ryanair specific SOPs, procedures and standards before doing their type rating with the airline. The addition of the B737 MAX 8200 from MPS compliments AFTAs ability to “raise the bar” even further and will greatly enhance the training experience for AFTA mentored cadets.

About Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA)

Atlantic Flight Training Academy, founded in 1995, is Ireland’s largest – and one of Europe’s leading – Independent Flight Training Organisations. The Academy is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and is headquartered at Cork International Airport with a secondary base at Waterford Airport.

The Academy has been training international cadets since 1995, with contracts including, Ryanair, Air Astana, VistaJet, GlobeAir, ASL, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines & many more.

The academy is equipped with a modern training fleet and boasts state-of-the-art aircraft such as the Diamond DA42 Next Generation as well as Boeing 737 800 NG and the newly delivered Boeing 737-8200 (MAX) simulator from MPS. AFTA has an unrivalled success rate and have trained in excess of 2,700 high-calibre pilot graduates for commercial airlines since the business was founded in 1995.

AFTA is recognised by leading global airlines as a pioneer in the Pilot Training industry, working with its University partners Munster Technological University (MTU) in providing prospective pilots with a unique blended approach to becoming a commercial pilot, while also gaining an Honours primary degree, through the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Global Business and Pilot Studies (BSc) programme and also through the BA (Hons) in International Business with Aviation Studies programme. Students have a choice of Integrated or Modular Pilot Training Programmes.

About MPS

MPS develops, manufactures, and maintains type specific simulators, using actual Boeing B737 and Airbus A320 flight decks. The simulators are designed to support the needs of training organizations and airlines for high quality devices that support affordable training. MPS delivers its products and services worldwide to independent and major airline’s in- house training organisations and commercial flight schools. MPS has a global installed base of simulators qualified to the highest standards, such as FAA and EASA. 

Source: MPS and AFTA
Photo Credit: MPS and AFTA

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Aviation Distance Learning Provider, CPaT Global, Exhibits at the Vietnam Aero Summit

CPaT Global, a market leader in distance learning for the aviation industry, exhibited in the recently concluded Vietnam Aero Summit held on January 24-25, 2024 in Hanoi.

CPaT Global transforms aviation instruction by providing smart training solutions and a vision for a curriculum spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures.

Source: CPaT Global
Photo Credit: CPaT Global

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