Czech Republic-based Blue Sky Aviation Flight School Acquires Airbus A320 APS MCC Flight Simulator

Blue Sky Aviation (BSA) has recently secured itself a leading role not only in the Czech Republic but also in Central Europe for starting training operations on a brand-new ELITE A320 FNPT II MCC, which meets EASA requirements for Airline Pilot Standard training. The simulator is unique, as it provides additionally a wide range of other training options for airline pilots. Apart from the already mentioned MCC training aspects, Type Rating Preparation, Jet Orientation Course JOC, Jet Transition Training JTT, Crew Recourse Management Training CRMT, Emergency Response Procedures Training ERPT, Instrument Rating IR, Threat and Error Management, A320 cockpit and system familiarization, as well as training for proficiency checks or screenings can also be trained.

This high-profile Czech FTO provides professional flight training from PPL right through to ATPL including MCC training – both modular and integrated. With this purchase, BSA is going to significantly increase the revenue and dramatically reduce the costs of running an ATO.

BSA operates its flight school all year round and trains pilots from every part of the world. All the theoretical training modules, including the ATPL theory are online-approved. With this new flight simulator, the demanding Airline Pilot Standard (APS) course can also be undertaken.

“It is with great pride and satisfaction to see how we are now considered to be the most rapidly growing ATO in the Czech Republic,” said BSA’s CEO Igor Slajchrt. “After having run successful courses on our ELITE S812 FNPT II G1000 and even an ELITE Helicopter Flight Control Unit, we decided it was time to take the next step with the ELITE A320 FNPT II MCC.”

BSA operates at the airport of (LKKL), which is only a fifteen-minute drive from Prague International airport (LKPR) and a twenty-minute drive from the capital city of Prague. These proximities offer students the chance of learning to fly in a challenging airspace. Together with BSA’s reputation as the most outstanding ATO in the whole country, the latest purchase of the ELITE A320 FNPT II MCC will ensure that BSA’s individual and professional flight training program is unmatched.

René Huddlestone, ELITE’s Director of Sales & Marketing said: “Our customers in Central Europe are able to profit from our local service and support agency run by ELITE Czech Republic (dba Martin Krouza s.r.o.) in Prague, which ensures the most reliable relationship and long term cooperation with our customers.”

“The cost effective device, its short lead times and trouble-free initial evaluation, coupled with ELITEs money-back guarantee, is second to none,” adds ELITE’s Czech Republic dealer, Martin Krouza.

The close working relationship between BSA and ELITE significantly improves this ever-growing trend in providing more comprehensive flight training solutions.

Source: ELITE
Photo Credit: ELITE

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Swiss Air Rescue Provider Launches Reiser-Manufactured Helicopter Full Flight Simulator

  • Swiss Air-Rescue Rega launches Reiser Simulation and Training (RST) unique Helicopter Full-Flight Simulator (FFS), operated by Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) Switzerland in November 2023
  • New Helicopter FFS incorporates interchangeable cockpits for Rega’s helicopter types, Airbus H145 and H125, and additionally the Leonardo AW169
  • RST’s commitment to full-flight simulators with haptic cockpits meets with the greatest possible approval from the most demanding helicopter operators

Rega strives for new helicopter pilot and crew training levels by adopting the innovative FFS, underscoring their strong commitment to safety and sustainability in air rescue operations. The latest addition to the RST FFS family is officially handed over to Rega at the Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) Site in Opfikon, Switzerland, on November 16th. 

This groundbreaking training device with roll-on/roll-off cockpit meets the high standards of Swiss authorities and incorporates the following modules:

  1. Airbus H145 D2 custom design cockpit, Level-D certified by the Swiss Authorities (BAZL – Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt) in October 2023.
    H145 D3 qualification to follow.
  2. Leonardo AW169 cockpit, developed and manufactured directly by Leonardo Helicopters, marking a significant milestone for RST, as the first OEM cockpit module integrated into the mothership according to RST’s interface.
    Level-D qualification in early 2024.
  3. Airbus H125 custom design cockpit set to achieve Level-D qualification in December 2024.

LAT operates the new simulator and offers available capacities to interested third parties. 

The commercial helicopter operator, Swiss Helicopter AG, and Rega have jointly purchased the cockpit module of the helicopter type, Airbus H125. This will not only enhance the quality of the training of future pilots, but also reduce both costs and the negative environmental impact. By acquiring an H125 simulator in the highest certification category, the two organizations are making a further contribution towards supporting up-and-coming helicopter pilots in Switzerland.

Dr. Johannes Hain, CEO of RST, highlights his enthusiasm for the project’s success, stating “Our partners were extremely positive about the smooth installation of this complex system and praised our colleagues for their professional training of the Lufthansa Aviation Training maintenance engineers. Even when a project goes well, we may not take such customer feedback for granted. For the entire team that realized this flagship project and all colleagues here at Reiser, this is an encouragement to stay on track and keep the pace.”

Heinz Leibundgut, Head of Helicopter Procedures and Training as well as member of the Management Board of Rega: “Highly trained cockpit crews are fundamental for performing rescue flights safely and successfully. In the simulator, Rega’s cockpit crews – that is, pilots and paramedics – have the opportunity to efficiently train standard situations and emergency procedures that would hardly, if at all, be possible to practise in real life. Moreover, on doing so, they neither generate noise nor pollute the environment. We are very satisfied with the newly developed simulator, which meets all our high demands.”

Rega and their partners lead the way, ensuring the highest training standards for air rescue and aerial work missions by conducting their training on this unique Helicopter Simulator. The simulator’s versatility and commitment to sustainability underscore its role as a game-changer in the industry.

About Swiss Air-Rescue Rega

With its 20 rescue helicopters and three ambulance jets, Rega is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the service of the Swiss population. Rega’s nationwide Operations Centre organizes 21,000 missions and the Rega crews come to the aid of more than 14,000 patients every year. Fourteen helicopter bases distributed throughout the country ensure that the Rega helicopters can reach any location in Switzerland within 15 minutes’ flying time.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training

Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is one of the leading companies in the field of aviation training with its competence in the training and further education of cockpit and cabin personnel at ten training locations. The company employs around 700 people at different training locations. The registered office is at Munich Airport. The customer portfolio includes over 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, including the Lufthansa Group airlines. Lufthansa Aviation Training has almost 200 training devices within its training fleet, including aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators of all common aircraft types for pilot training and emergency and service mock-ups for the training of flight attendants. Under the European Flight Academy (EFA) brand, Lufthansa Aviation Training bundles all Lufthansa Group flight schools.

About Reiser Simulation and Training

Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (RST) has been actively shaping change in aviation training for more than 30 years. RST supplies innovative developments made in Germany worldwide, contributing to the efficient and safe training of flying personnel. RST approaches all individual training solutions holistically and consistently with the highest precision and attention to detail. The company offers support right from the planning stage, considering economic and technical aspects, project management and, last but not least, the development and production of unique training solutions.

Source: Reiser
Photo Credit: Reiser

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Middle East Airline Selects Cabin Crew Training Equipment Provider, Spatial, to Supply an A350 Cabin Service Trainer

Spatial, the world’s leading provider of cabin crew training equipment, which is based in the UAE, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement at the Dubai Air Show with Emirates Airline to supply an A350 cabin service trainer (CST). The device will be delivered in Summer 2024 to support the entry into service of the A350 to Emirates’ fleet.

The full cabin mock-up encompasses the business class, premium economy, and economy cabins, elevating Emirates’ world-class in-flight service training to new heights. The device will be built in the UAE and installed in Emirates’ dedicated cabin crew training facility.

The CST will be meticulously engineered to accurately replicate the distinctive features of Emirates’ new A350 fleet incorporating sophisticated communications and service-oriented facilities as well as Emirates’ superior cabin interiors.

Spatial, proudly rooted in the UAE, is rapidly expanding on a global scale and is an industry wide acknowledged leading manufacturer of cabin crew training equipment.

Marc Van Den Broucque, Spatial’s Managing Partner remarks, “We are thrilled to have been awarded this prestigious contract.  It is a tremendous privilege to contribute to the evolution of cabin crew training in the UAE. We are deeply appreciative of Emirates continued support for local talent.”

Source: Spatial
Photo Credit: Spatial

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Portuguese Flight School Enters into Partnership with Virtual Reality Pilot Training Solution Provider, VRpilot

Major Portuguese flight school, Nortávia, has entered a partnership with VRpilot to deliver interactive procedure training solutions for all phases of Nortávia’s ATPL program. This will provide their students and instructors with cutting-edge procedure training tools to maximize the efficiency of time spent in the aircraft and simulators.

Offering integrated ATPL courses at their Maia Aerodrome near Porto, Nortávia operates a diverse fleet of aircraft. VRpilot will deliver its VRflow procedure training platform for Nortávia’s training on the Cessna C152, Cessna 172, Tecnam P2006T, and Airbus A320.

Gonçalo Moreira, General Manager, Nortávia: “At Nortávia we are constantly looking for methods to improve our flight instruction and as such we have been seeking the best digital tools to complement our well-seasoned teaching techniques. With VRpilot, we are confident that our student pilots will benefit from accelerated learning of SOPs and cockpit flows. We expect it to reduce 10-15% in cockpit adaptation time, leading to more hours of effective flight training in the aircraft and in the simulator, crucial on the early development stages of any student. As we incorporate VRpilot into our curriculum, we remain committed to provide comprehensive guidance and support, ensuring that our students maximize the benefits of this advanced technology. Continuous feedback assessment will further aid us in refining our approach and optimizing the overall learning experience.”

Daniel Maass, Partner, VRpilot: “Nortávia has made an unprecedented move for a European flight school to integrate virtual reality procedure training across all phases of their ATPL training program, providing their students with the unique advantage of having the same technology available for procedure training from their first flight up to their MCC/APS course. We are proud to partner with Nortávia on shaping the pilot education of the future – today.”

Nortávia’s collaboration with VRpilot positions them as trailblazers in Portugal’s aviation education landscape. The integration of VRflow is set to distinguish Nortávia as the first Portuguese flight school to incorporate VR technology as an integral part of their pilot training curriculum.

Integrating VR into its ATPL program signifies a commitment to foster a new generation of highly skilled and competent aviators. By embracing VR technology, Nortávia aims to provide its students with a training experience that’s not only immersive but also highly effective.

About Nortávia

Established in 1989, Nortávia is a leading aviation training institution in the North of Portugal. Over the years, we have evolved from training private pilots and aerial work to specializing in professional pilot education. Our commitment to excellence is evident through ongoing investments in infrastructure, a fleet of 22 aircraft, and the adoption of cutting-edge glass cockpits and flight simulators. Located in the beautiful Vilar de Luz area near Porto, we’re dedicated to preparing the next generation of professional pilots for the dynamic aviation industry.

About VRpilot

VRpilot is a leading provider of virtual reality training solutions for the aviation industry. Its innovative VR technology is designed to enhance pilot and maintenance training by offering realistic, immersive experiences that improve skills and knowledge in a safe and controlled environment.

Source: VRpilot
Photo Credit: VRpilot

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Global Simulator Manufacturer, L3Harris, to Supply Two AIRSIDESIM Ground Handling Training Simulators to Saudia Academy

At the Dubai Airshow 2023, global pilot training solution provider L3Harris Commercial Aviation has signed an agreement with Jeddah, Saudia Arabia based aviation training group and full flight simulator training center Saudia Academy (formerly Prince Sultan Aviation Academy), a subsidiary of Saudia Group, to supply the latter with two (2) AIRSIDESIM™ Ground Handling Training Simulators for their Jeddah facility. Saudia Academy will become the first training organization in the Middle East to operate such L3Harris technology. The devices place Saudia Academy at the forefront of Airport Ground Operation training in Saudi Arabia.

Source: L3Harris Commercial Aviation
Photo Credit: L3Harris Commercial Aviation

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Middle East Airline Signs Deal with CAE and Announces Plans to Open USD 56 Million Full-Flight Simulator and Training Facility

  • The purpose-built Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) and Training Facility for flydubai’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft is set to open by January 2025
  • The new facility will feature six simulator bays to cater to the carrier’s training needs for its growing pilot community and will reduce its future training costs

The Dubai-based carrier, flydubai, announced plans to open a USD 56 million Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) and Training Facility. The construction work has already commenced and the advanced facility is scheduled to be fully operational by January 2025.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Over the last 14 years, flydubai has been on a tremendous growth trajectory that has seen the carrier evolve and innovate to become the airline it is today. The USD 56 million investment in the new training facility marks another milestone in our success story and reflects our unwavering commitment to operational efficiency and excellence. With more than 130 aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2035, the pressure of confirming available training slots with third-party simulator providers is alleviated by having our own simulator facility.”

The new 38,000 sq. ft facility is located on the grounds of the flydubai Campus and will be home to six simulator bays, offering capacity of more than 43,000 training hours a year. The building’s modular construction design allows for future expansion.

Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, Chief Technology and Supply Chain Officer at flydubai, said: “We are proud to announce the plans for our very own Full-Flight Simulator facility which has always been a vital part of our growth strategy. As the demand for pilots and pilot training continues to soar in the region, it has become essential for airlines to have their own training facilities, enabling them to take more control over their training requirements. The new facility, which is set to open in 2025, will enable us to reduce our training cost, have firm control over our pilot training and retraining schedules and further support our growth trajectory.”

“We are working closely with CAE who will be providing the Boeing 737 MAX simulators in time to commence the first scheduled pilot training at the new centre in January 2025, as well as the readiness for two additional simulator bays suitable for either narrow body or wide body aircraft simulators,” added AlMheiri.

Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation, said: “We are happy to be building on our longstanding relationship with flydubai and supporting their growth with the four state-of-the-art B737 MAX full-flight simulators and the flight training device included in these agreements. CAE has been flydubai’s training partner since they began operations, and we look forward to providing our expertise and solutions as they expand and develop a new training centre in the region.”

flydubai’s new Full-Flight Simulator and Training Facility will lead to cost savings over the first 10 years of its operations. The facility primarily caters to flydubai’s pilot training needs as well as its Cabin Crew training. ​ The increased flexibility in the pilot training schedule and on-demand access to the simulator bays will enable further expansion of the airline’s training capabilities, which can be extended to other airlines in the future.

In addition to the advanced training facilities for its flight deck crew, flydubai offers a range of training and development programmes for its growing workforce and for other aviation professionals from its Campus in Dubai, which includes a cadet programme, a maintenance and engineering apprentice programme as well as its flydubai Cabin Crew Training Centre.

Source: flydubai
Photo Credit: flydubai

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FMS Training Solution Provider, Heading365, Announces Partnership with Canary Islands-based Airline

Heading365, the specialist in custom Flight Management System (FMS) training solutions, announced its partnership with Binter Canarias. The Canary Islands-based airline has chosen Heading365 as their trusted partner in enhancing their pilot training programs through the latter’s E190 FMS Trainer PRO.

The contract was signed at the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) 2023 in Cascais, Portugal held on November 8-9, 2023.

Source: Heading365
Photo Credit: Heading365

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FMS Training Solution Provider, Heading365, Announces Partnership with Belgian Airline

Heading365, the specialist in custom Flight Management System (FMS) training solutions, has finalised a contract with Brussels Airlines, the home carrier of Belgium and one of the four network airlines of the Lufthansa Group, for the provision of Heading365’s A320 FMS Trainer PRO solution to the airline’s Airbus 320 family fleet. The contract was signed at the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) 2023 in Cascais, Portugal held on November 8-9, 2023.

“In the dynamic field of aviation, continuous advancement in training technology is crucial,” said Heading365. “Our collaboration with Brussels Airlines reflects a shared commitment to enhancing pilot training programs through innovative solutions.”

The A320 FMS Trainer PRO is designed to meet the high standards of pilot training, offering a realistic and detailed simulation environment. This tool is tailored to the specific needs of Brussels Airlines, supporting their pilots to maintain excellence in flight operations.

Source: Heading365
Photo Credit: Heading365

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Global Simulator Manufacturer, L3Harris, Signs Agreement with UK Airline to Supply A321neo Full Flight Simulator

Full flight simulator manufacturer and pilot training solution provider L3Harris Commercial Aviation signed an agreement with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to supply an Airbus A321neo Full Flight Simulator for their UK training center. This will be the world’s first A321neo full flight simulator to be delivered to an airline with an expected delivery in 2025.

Source: L3Harris Commercial Aviation
Photo Credit: L3Harris Commercial Aviation

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FMS Training Solution Provider, Heading365, Announces Partnership with Train-By-Wire

Heading365 and Train-By-Wire (TBW) announced their partnership during the European Airline Training Symposium (EATS) 2023 in Cascais, Portugal held on November 8-9, 2023.

This collaboration will introduce Heading365’s advanced Flight Management System (FMS) trainers across Train-By-Wire’s training sites in Paris, Brussels, and Lisbon.

“This cooperation aligns with our commitment to continuously elevate the standards of pilot training through the integration of leading-edge technologies,” said Heading365. “We are confident that this effort will deliver substantial value to TBW’s trainees, providing a more comprehensive and practical training experience.”

“This partnership will provide us with cutting-edge technology and expertise to ensure our clients receive the highest level of training, allowing them to “take the training” with them wherever they go,” said Train-By-Wire.

Available whenever one finds the time and predisposition to study, Heading365 FMS Trainer PRO is a perfect addition to Computer-Based Training, virtual reality e-learning, classroom courses, and Flight Simulation Training Device sessions.

Source: Heading365 and Train-By-Wire
Photo Credit: Heading365

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