Business Aviation Looks Beyond the Full-Flight Simulator

Business aviation operators are increasingly looking beyond the full-flight simulator as new technologies and evolving regulations open the door to more flexible approaches to pilot training.

Christian Theuermann, Director of AX Aero Group and Executive Board Member of AXIS Flight Simulation, says customer demand is shifting towards a wider range of training devices, including virtual reality and web-based learning, alongside traditional simulator training.

"At the moment the most used training device in business aviation is in full flight simulator," he says. But "customers are asking more and more for web-based training solutions, VR solutions and lower-level devices.”

The trend comes as EASA prepares to introduce a capability-based approach to flight simulation training devices, allowing approved training to be spread across a wider range of devices rather than relying predominantly on traditional simulator classifications.

"The new training regulations will support exactly this approach," says Theuermann. "Training organisations will be able to choose different devices to collect the required training credits, making training more flexible and more cost efficient."

Using the right device for the task

Theuermann stresses that the changes are not about replacing the full-flight simulator, but using it where it adds the greatest value.

Motion training, UPRT training and specialised approaches will continue to require a full-flight simulator, he says. Procedure training, Flight Management System (FMS) familiarisation and systems training, however, can increasingly be delivered using different FTDs, tablet trainers, web-based platforms or virtual reality devices.

By moving appropriate elements of training outside the simulator, operators could make better use of limited simulator availability while preparing pilots before they arrive at the training centre.

Competency over curriculum

Theuermann also believes pilot training should continue moving towards competency- and evidence-based approaches rather than treating every trainee identically.

"Pilots are learning differently," he says. "One has strengths in this area, another has weaknesses somewhere else. Competency- or evidence-based training will be the key."

He also believes training methods need to evolve for a new generation of pilots who have grown up using smartphones and mobile technology. "They are not motivated to learn on PowerPoint presentations or PDF documents," he says. "You need to give them integrated training solutions, web-based training solutions, and gamification."

Innovation requires faster adoption

While technology continues to develop rapidly, Theuermann believes adoption across aviation remains comparatively slow.

"I would like the whole industry to move faster," he says. "Technology is faster than our industry."

He acknowledges that aviation's strong regulatory framework and focus on safety naturally encourage caution, but argues that innovation is essential if the industry is to address pilot shortages and make training more scalable.

"If everyone is doing the same thing at the same time, there will be no innovation” he says.