ELITE, a seasoned player in the aviation industry with over 30 years of experience, boasts in-house hardware and software teams, establishing itself as a go-to partner for Flight Training Devices (FTDs). The global market has witnessed the significant impact of FTDs, and ELITE has solidified its standing with a range of full-size replicas.
Following the success of FSTDs like AATD, FNPT II, and FNPT II MCC, ELITE has embarked on a notable journey by offering custom-built FTDs—full-size flight training devices with a grounded base, crafted using cutting-edge technology, also known as Fixed Base Simulators (FBS). ELITE’s approach involves building simulators within original aircraft and cockpit frames, addressing specific aircraft types and providing an immersive flight experience.
A growing trend in the aviation industry reflects customer desires for custom-built FTDs, allowing pilots and students to encounter an exceptionally realistic flight simulator environment in original cockpits. This enhancement, described by pilots as resembling “stepping into the real thing,” brings added value to flight training organizations and operators, presenting a secure investment with high returns.
ELITE underscores the cost-effectiveness of its flight training devices, with both purchase and operating costs significantly lower than those of full flight simulators. Leveraging a robust Systems Engineering competence in flight simulation, ELITE ensures a comprehensive project lifecycle, from requirements gathering to successful On-Site-Acceptance. The company’s expertise extends across various aircraft types and designs, with a team of engineers closely linked to Zurich ETH, ensuring the highest standards and meeting aviation authority certifications such as EASA, FAA, or other local regulations.
Defining the new training device, FTDs represent full-size replicas of specific aircraft types’ instruments, equipment, flight dynamics, panels, and controls within an enclosed aircraft flight deck. EASA qualifies FTDs into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (helicopters only) training devices, offering training in standard operating procedures, checklist flow, and aircraft systems. Recent EASA regulations permit type ratings on FTDs, and flight operators can use them in part 1 and part 2 of the ATPL or CPL syllabus.
ELITE’s reputation for providing cost-efficient, technically advanced flight simulator hardware and software is well-established. Numerous air force and civil customers have experienced the extensive capabilities and fidelity of ELITE’s full-size FTDs. ELITE’s engineering team, known for its “can-do attitude,” has garnered the trust of flight training operators worldwide.
The entire process of FTD projects, from inception to on-site acceptance, is meticulously managed by ELITE’s marketing, sales, engineering, technical, and QTG teams. Critical design reviews ensure that expectations are met, resulting in individually designed and manufactured flight training devices delivered with speed and uncompromising quality.
In the past, ELITE successfully equipped customers across Europe, Africa, and Asia with various FTD systems. The company is currently showcasing its expertise in constructing a Learjet FTD for a prestigious client, exemplifying its ability to interpret customer needs swiftly and offer state-of-the-art flight simulators.
ELITE’s Chief Commercial Officer, Christopher Reville, emphasizes the pivotal role of FTDs in aviation training, particularly with recent EASA regulation changes. ELITE’s commitment to innovation is evident in its new engineering program, exemplified by a significant order secured in June 2022. This order, from a Scandinavian flight training operator, underscores ELITE’s excellence in high-tech engineering. The project involves an FTD replicating an Airbus H135 helicopter, showcasing ELITE’s dedication to providing inventive and reliable FTD services, thereby making a substantial impact on the future of flight training devices.