Simnest Aviation, based in Budapest, Hungary, is in a very good place. Not only does its physical location give it immediate access to the whole of Europe and puts it within easy reach of the important markets in the Gulf and Asia, but it has also situated itself well from the market perspective by developing a range of aviation training devices which match current and future training needs.

Miklós Kacsó, the CEO, is proud of his team, and is clear in his view that “At Simnest Aviation we provide real airliner environment for a price of a generic simulator and it gratifies the professional training expectations.

“We believe that fixed base simulators will have their place in the airline training system allowing recurrent and EBT trainings to become much more cost- effective, making the training process smoother and shorter.”

Long Term Planning

In a rapidly-changing world where safety is paramount and innovation is the key to success, Simnest Aviation has deliberately placed itself in a prime position to continue its expansion of the product customization in anticipation of new regulations. Adopting the present business profile in 2015, Simnest moved into the design and production of certified aviation training devices. The initiative was framed around combining the skills and knowledge of experienced and current commercial airline pilots with the fresh thinking of a young team of design and production engineers. This use of local talent is coupled with specialist advice where needed.

Proposed EASA regulation changes according to NPA 2020-15 mean that Simnest’ simulators could gain more training credit, opening new markets for the fixed base devices. In preparation for this paradigm shift in the FSTD industry, Simnest have engaged in consultancy with Mark Dransfield from SimOps to guide them through the process to determine the FSTD Capability Signature of their simulator product range.

Left: Miklós Kacsó, CEO of Simnest Aviation

Simnest Pilot Academy

Training is at the heart of any safe and competent airline operation, and to be the best requires both excellent instructors and the best equipment. Without the drag of legacy thinking and dated devices, the Simnest Pilot Academy was able to access experienced and highly competent instructors who are both operationally current and locally based, mainly from a nearby energetic low cost carrier. That means that they are very much aware of, and actively operating under, the present regulatory requirements, but also bring current and immediate knowledge of ongoing live operations. The trainees are certainly aware of that experience level, and can therefore have huge confidence in the value of the training that they receive.

The Academy is also an excellent proving ground for the simulators, where those instructors can verify the effective- ness of the training devices and processes in a live environment, and, if necessary, benefit by providing immediate feedback to the nearby design and manufacturing teams.

The online courses lead on to the MCC courses on the Simnest Aviation devices.

Simnest A320 based FNPT II MCC APS/ FAA Level 4-5 Device

With the clear aim of providing a solid bedrock training for A320 pilots, the next step was to produce a first-rate FNPT II. By tapping into the depth of experience of the instructional team this forward-looking company anticipated the need for a platform which could deliver such a product. The engineering team were able to manufacture an FNPT II device which comes really close to all the critical operating characteristics of the A320, and can deliver the training in an environment that is equally user-friendly for the trainees and the instructors – facilitating a seamless information flow.

Given that the Simnest Aviation device is designed from the outset to be able to incorporate capabilities to match the requirements of the new EASA regulation, it means that customers can upgrade their existing device without having to replace it. Consequently it is in a very strong position to capture a significant market share with a system that is so close to the type-specific level that it produces a powerful FNPT II. With experienced instructors leading the way this device will prepare trainees for the introduction to airline operations with the range of variables of commercial jet performance and handling characteristics, with and without the levels of automation available in the aircraft and with all normal and abnormal procedures and skills easily practiced. All of this can be delivered with the latest EBTA processes to further improve the training effectiveness and the shows genuine adoption of the overall “Tool for Task” philosophy.

Remote Support

With long-time partners who share the vision already established around Europe, and robust support available for them, Simnest Aviation is well prepared for expanding into this niche market with the innovative new product.

The Key to Success – The Vision

A bold decision was made early on not simply to copy existing systems, but to use the experience and talents of a young, energetic and enthusiastic company to identify what training current and future airlines need. Such training not only needs to be more effective, but also must ensure that it can be delivered at a lower cost. This Simnest A320 based FNPT II MCC APS/FAA Level 4-5 device will deliver that training more smoothly and in a shorter time than legacy systems.

As a result of determinedly pursuing this vision Simnest has successfully prepared a system to match the present and future needs of the commercial aviation training industry, and has established itself as an innovative and successful training device manufacturer.