TRU Simulation delivers Beechcraft T-6C Operational Flight Trainer to Tunisian Air Force

TRU Simulation + Training Inc. recently announced delivery of the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) to the Tunisian Air Force. Additional items delivered with the OFT include a Computer Based Training (CBT) Lab with eight workstations, two Avionics Desktop Trainings (ADTs) and field services. The OFT will be the first device of its kind within the region and will support flight training needs at the Sfax Air Base in Sfax, Tunisia.

TRU Simulation, an affiliate of Textron Aviation Defense LLC, the manufacturer of the Beechcraft T-6C, designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for civil and defence customers.

“As the first TRU-built Beechcraft T-6C OFT in the region, this marks a significant milestone in TRU Simulation’s commitment to advancing aviation training technology globally. The dedication and expertise of our team have been crucial in achieving this milestone, and I am immensely proud of their hard work and commitment to excellence,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, of TRU Simulation. “It is a privilege to commemorate the integration of the device into the Tunisian Air Force.”

TRU Simulation delivers Cessna Citation Longitude full-flight simulator to FlightSafety International

This week, TRU Simulation confirmed the Federal Aviation Administration Level D certification and delivery of a Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for FlightSafety International’s Columbus, Ohio Learning Center. The new simulator will support FlightSafety in providing quality training services for Textron Aviation’s flagship super-midsize Cessna Citation jet.

TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company that designs, manufactures and delivers high-fidelity training devices and full-motion flight simulators for civil and defense customers.

“At TRU, the team is committed to delivering cutting-edge training tools that enable pilots to achieve their goals,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “Supplying high-fidelity simulators to FlightSafety aids in expanding access to excellent aviation training for pilots across the globe, and our state-of-the-art technology ensures safe and realistic training experiences.”

FlightSafety International and TRU Simulation formed a joint venture in 2019 to better support customers’ global training needs. This will be the second Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulator delivered to the Columbus, Ohio Training Center and the third built as part of the joint venture of TRU Simulation and FlightSafety International.

.



TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a leading provider of high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for the aviation industry. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, TRU Simulation has been at the forefront of flight simulation technology for over a decade.

Loft Dynamics Becomes World's First VR Flight Simulation Training Device to Receive FAA Qualification

As the First and Only VR Training Devices with Dual Regulatory Qualifications from FAA and EASA, Loft Dynamics is Well-Positioned as It Expands Simulation to Airplanes, eVTOLs, and Additional Helicopters

Former FAA Administrators Randy Babbitt and Michael Huerta Join Loft Dynamics' Advisory Board

U.S. Helicopter Pilots Can Now Train and Receive Credit Toward Pilot Ratings on Loft Dynamics' Qualified VR Flight Training Device

 

                      Loft Dynamics, the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has qualified its VR simulator — the first FAA-qualified VR FSTD in the United States. This achievement is a landmark in aviation safety and a pivotal step in bringing advanced flight simulation technology to pilots and operators nationwide amid intensifying demand for pilots. It also cements VR's increasingly influential role in the future of U.S. pilot training. Outside the U.S., Loft Dynamics is the first and only VR simulator to achieve qualification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

For the first time, U.S. helicopter pilots can train and receive credit toward pilot ratings on an FAA-approved VR FSTD, provided it is a Loft Dynamics VR FSTD. This qualification allows the simulator to be used not only for training in engine failures, abnormal and emergency procedures, and instrument approaches but also for challenging maneuvers such as sling load operations, pinnacle operations, and more.

The FAA's rigorous qualification process requires FSTDs to be evaluated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 60 and meet extensive operational requirements. The FAA evaluated Loft Dynamics' VR simulator using its Airbus-approved H125 VR FSTD at Marshall University. Qualified as a flight training device, Loft Dynamics' H125 VR simulator features a full-scale virtual replica cockpit, a panoramic 360-degree view, verified flight modeling, and a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform that accurately simulates flight visuals, movements, and scenarios. These FSTDs are smaller and significantly more cost-effective than traditional simulators. All pilots in the U.S. are required to train regularly in an aircraft or flight simulator, which is why the qualification of Loft Dynamics' simulator is a crucial step toward helping more operators conduct this training and address the growing pilot shortage, and why regulatory agencies are embracing and mandating the use of the company's FSTDs.

Last year, the FAA installed Loft Dynamics simulators at its William J. Hughes Technical Center (WHTC) to advance the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability goals of its Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). As part of this initiative, the agency uses the simulator to conduct vertical flight safety research, including engaging hundreds of test pilots to fly the simulator.

The FAA's approval of the first VR simulator shifts pilot training paradigms, expanding access to the most immersive, customizable, and scalable training solutions. This is also a pivotal moment for Loft Dynamics, as the company is already developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and airplane simulators, broadening its industry impact and value.

"The FAA's and EASA's unprecedented qualifications of our technology reinforce the safety and fidelity of VR for pilot training," said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. "It provides a tangible path to solving the world's pilot shortage and cultivating the next generation of high-quality pilots. We're not paving this path alone; we're grateful for Airbus Helicopters' conviction in Loft Dynamics, dedication to achieving FAA qualification, and commitment to making our FSTDs available to the masses. We're grateful to the FAA for their support and commitment to improving the trajectory of simulation technology and pilot training. This is an important initial step for modernizing pilot training, and it also signifies a broader industry shift toward leveraging our VR technology to address global challenges." 

Loft Dynamics' recent opening of its North American headquarters in Santa Monica has established a base for its continental expansion, now accelerated by the FAA qualification. The company's growing market trust is evidenced by its customers and partners, including the Los Angeles Police Department, which uses its H125 VR simulator to train its pilots safely and effectively, and Airbus Helicopters, which co-developed the H125 VR simulator and supported its FAA qualification through sponsorship under their Part 142 Certificate.

Riesen continued, "We spent the past year ensuring our technology meets regulatory requirements and thoughtfully scaling our talent, production, and high-touch customer support for this next chapter. We're looking forward to continuously innovating and serving the critical needs of the helicopter industry while also bringing our FAA- and EASA-qualified solution to more aircraft markets. As part of this growth, we're thrilled to welcome two former FAA administrators and aviation veterans, Randy Babbitt and Michael Huerta, to our advisory board to help catalyze our mission."

The new advisors will be instrumental in the company's next phase of growth, especially in developing products that meet the needs of the entire aviation ecosystem: pilots, airlines and commercial operators, manufacturers, and regulators. 

Business jet simulators - the changing face of pilot training

With strikes, delays, crowded airports and staff shortages across the aviation industry, the last few years have seen an unparalleled rise in the use of private aviation for both business and pleasure, with clients now seeing it as an essential rather than a luxury expense.

However, private as well as commercial pilots need to complete their training and then re-test regularly in order to keep their licences. Part of this involves training on a simulator identical to the plane they will be flying, but there are now so many different types of private aircraft that getting a slot on a relevant simulator is becoming problematic.

Here, Jim Scott, owner of components solutions specialist Artemis Aerospace, discusses the emergence of 'bespoke' flight simulators in response to this issue and how the company is leading the way in business jet simulator creation.

A simulator, or training device, artificially recreates an aircraft flight. It reacts to internal factors such as the use of flight controls and can reproduce the effects of external ones such as weather, turbulence, air density and wind force.

Apache attack helicopter mixed reality trainer now available.......

A new modern and comprehensive training solution for the most survivable multi-role attack helicopter in the world - the Apache is available from Vrgineers and DigiFlight. 

With over 1200 aircraft currently in service, the Advanced Mixed Reality Apache Trainer (AMRAT) will accelerate training pilots with high-fidelity MR solutions and therefore significantly reduce the number of aircraft hours normally required to support training individual and crew tasks.

The AMRAT is built on a proprietary portable platform designed by Vrgineers, which was originally created for the USAF.  It provides the most affordable, immersive, and realistic experience offered on the market today without expensive visual display systems, complicated support systems or unique facility design requirements. The trainer includes two separate but interconnected crew stations, (the pilot and co-pilot gunner station), with replicated switches, panels, flight instruments, and displays connected to a computer and integrated virtual reality image generator. Currently, it is supported by a leading vendor of immersive, flight simulator software, ED Mission Systems.

This novel product is the resultant cooperation between Vrgineers, (an innovative manufacturer of flight training simulators), and Digifight, a technology company with extensive worldwide pilot training experience. "We strongly feel that by combining our skills, we are able to deliver a training device capable of supporting Apache training tasks including individual and crew skills, preparing them to operate in any environment, fulfilling critical mission requirements," explains Marek Polcak, CEO of Vrgineers.

The Future of Possible:

"The possibility to conduct a seamless mixed reality environment with a portable haptic flight seat run by a true-to-life simulation engine ensures the pilots' proficiency, but most importantly delivers the sensation of a unique and genuine experience encompassing complex operational scenarios. This enables our users to save time and effort along with minimizing the cost of training infrastructure and related running hours," says Matthias Techmanski, ED Mission Systems Director and Marek Polcak, Vrgineers CEO, adds: "Similar type of modern trainer is expected to play a crucial role of pilot training in the future. Not only for Apache but for Defiant (LMCO & Boeing) and Valor (Bell) which are currently being developed and competing in future vertical lift program in the U.S."

Revolution in aviation: flight training centre at home

Avion Group presents a new perspective

Avion A320 FFS in the flight training centre at Malta                                         (photo Avion Group)

For years, pilots had to travel around the world to get their required training. Now, in troubling times where companies are looking for more reliable and cost-effective ways to train their personnel, Avion Group presents a groundbreaking idea which will change aviation. You can now get your own flight training centre at your doorstep, no investments required.

Erik Varwijk, CEO of Avion Group, gets excited talking about it: “Based on our own flight training centre experience, we can support companies with setting up their own training centre.” The Avion Full Flight Simulators have a unique self-contained design and do not require an access bridge or separate server or aircon rooms. This results in simplified building requirements and therefore lower costs. If needed, Avion Group sees to 24/7 operational support with the selection and training of local maintenance staff. When you can guarantee the hours, Avion Group will set-up and operate the centre for you. It’s even possible to operate a single bay centre. “It’s a quick win, with no more hassle. We give aviation companies of all sizes the opportunity to reduce training costs and minimize travel time of pilots”, Erik Varwijk explains. “But more importantly, we deliver an ultimate training experience that surprisingly excites even the most seasoned pilots in the world.”

GA-ASI Installs New Predator Mission Trainer at Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Photo CAE.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) has installed a new Predator Mission Trainer (PMT) at its Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The aircraft flight simulator, produced by CAE, will be used to train operators of MQ-9 Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). GA-ASI offers a range of pilot and sensor operator training at the FTTC for operators of GA-ASI’s family of RPA systems. The new PMT extends the training capability of the FTTC, which already features a Block 1 simulator and Ground Control Systems (GCS).