Training Resources And Partnerships

Recent developments in training and simulation include new simulators, training facilities and partnerships, as summarized below.

Piper M600/SLS Simulator
Legacy Flight Training in Vero Beach, Florida, has received FAA certification to use the new Frasca flight simulator for the Piper M600/SLS as part of its initial and recurrent training curriculum. 

Legacy Flight Training is an Authorized Piper Training Provider for the entire Piper Aircraft family of aircraft and the exclusive provider for the M600. The flight school provides simulator training in addition to in-aircraft training, with initial training for new Piper owners as well as annual recurrent training.

The M600/SLS simulator provides a realistic flight experience using an actual M600 fuselage, pilot seating, sub panels, switching and flight controls and a multi-channel projection system with wraparound visuals. The Frasca training device features M600 type-specific Garmin G3000 avionics with Piper’s Halo safety system, inflight stability protection, level mode and auto throttle system.

“By allowing pilots to practice scenarios not ideal for in-aircraft training, our customers can achieve a higher level of safety and proficiency,” said Bill Inglis, Legacy Flight Training owner and president. “Realistically experiencing and training in scenarios involving start sequence anomalies, stalls, upset recognition and recovery techniques, maneuvers in icing conditions, takeoffs and landings in gusting crosswinds, unusual mechanical failures and more provides a proven advantage to pilots of all aircraft.” 

Legacy Flight Training provides flight instructors with Piper PA-46 specific experience and knowledge at the Vero Beach (KVRB), Scottsdale, Arizona (KSDL), and Sun Valley, Idaho (KSUN) airports.
https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/legacy-flight-training
 
New Flight Training Center

West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has opened a new Flight Training Center to support its aviation program. The multi-functional center includes 33,200 sq. ft. of hangar space as well as classroom space, simulation labs and an open construction bay for projects and courses such as “Build-a-Plane.”

The new training center, which will also serve as a business operation space for Mayday Avionics, was made possible through the generosity of individual donors, foundations and local corporations. The building has opened for the fall 2021 semester. 

WMAA, a public charter school supported by a 501 (c)(3) foundation, says it is one of the few institutions in the U.S. where a student can earn a private pilot’s license as part of the high school curriculum. A total of 115 WMAA students have earned their private pilot license since 2014, with hundreds more pursuing careers as aviation mechanics, aerospace designers and engineers.

“The future of the aviation/aerospace industry hinges on having qualified talent, and WMAA is doing its share to cultivate that talent,” said George Pavey, dean of Aviation and Engineering. “In light of the projected industry demand for the future, our school continues to ignite passion in the next generation of pilots.”
https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/west-michigan-aviation-aca…

AAM Pilot And Maintainer Training

Advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle developer Beta Technologies has selected CAE to develop its pilot and maintenance technician training programs for the Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and supporting charging infrastructure.

CAE said it will develop a full suite of digitally integrated curriculum and courseware solutions for Beta Technologies, which is based in Burlington, Vermont. The training program will be built in parallel with the certification of the Alia. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2024.

Beta has orders for the 7,000-lb. gross-weight Alia: in the express logistics market from UPS; in passenger operation from Blade Urban Air Mobility; and in organ transportation from United Therapeutics.

Montreal-based CAE has formed a dedicated AAM group to provide training and operational support programs. In July, CAE partnered with Voorlooper to develop an eVTOL pilot training program. Volocopter’s VoloCity eVTOL is also planned to enter service by 2024.

In May, CAE was selected by startup Jaunt Air Mobility to develop an aircraft systems integration laboratory for its planned Journey eVTOL aircraft. Jaunt is seeking a strategic investor and plans to move its operations to Canada—potentially to Montreal.
https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/beta-technologies
https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/cae-inc