Training & Certification
Ricci Family and Flexjet Endow Chairs Boost Aviation Innovation
Kenn and Pamela Ricci fund two endowed chairs at Embry-Riddle to advance aviation, aerospace education, and research innovation.
Ricci Family and Flexjet Fuel Future of Aviation with Endowed Chairs at Embry-Riddle
In a significant move to propel the aviation, aerospace, and space sectors forward, the Kenn and Pamela Ricci family has established two endowed faculty chairs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This philanthropic endeavor aims to cement the university’s role as a global leader in aviation and aerospace higher education by fostering an environment of bold thinking and Innovation. The establishment of these chairs represents a pivotal investment in the intellectual capital required to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges and to educate the next generation of pioneers.
The initiative is not just about funding, it’s a strategic effort to attract and retain top-tier faculty who are leaders in their respective fields. By creating the “Ricci Family Chair for Aviation, Aerospace, or Space Innovation” and the “Flexjet Chair for Aviation, Aerospace, or Space Innovation,” the Ricci family is providing the resources necessary for groundbreaking research and development. This move aligns with Embry-Riddle’s centennial comprehensive campaign, “Imagine What’s Next,” which emphasizes investing in top talent to expand the university’s research capabilities and enhance its academic offerings.
Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet and a newly appointed member of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees, has a long-standing history of investing in transformational aviation technologies. His vision is to cultivate a problem-solving ethos among students, which he believes is the bedrock of innovation. This substantial contribution underscores a commitment to not only advancing the industry but also ensuring that students are equipped with the critical thinking skills needed to lead it into the future. The impact of these endowed chairs is expected to resonate for generations, shaping the trajectory of aviation and space exploration.
A Strategic Investment in Talent and Innovation
The establishment of endowed chairs is a time-honored tradition in academia for recognizing and supporting faculty excellence. At Embry-Riddle, these two new chairs will provide a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining superstar educators and researchers. Each position comes with a stipend and dedicated funds for research, allowing the chair holders the freedom to pursue ambitious projects that could lead to significant breakthroughs in aviation, aerospace, or space technology. This structure is designed to create a hub of innovation within the university, attracting not only leading academics but also promising students who want to learn from the best in the field.
This philanthropic action by the Ricci family is a testament to their long-term vision for the industry. Kenn Ricci’s career, from pilot to entrepreneur, has been marked by a continuous drive for advancement. His company, Flexjet, has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, such as the recent order for the Otto Phantom 3500, an aircraft utilizing laminar flow technology to drastically reduce fuel consumption. This forward-thinking approach is now being embedded into the academic fabric of Embry-Riddle, ensuring that the university remains at the cutting edge of research and education.
The support from university leadership has been overwhelmingly positive. Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler hailed the gift as a “transformative moment” for the institution, enabling it to bolster its research and development efforts and solidify its reputation. Similarly, Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini praised Kenn Ricci’s “visionary leadership and extraordinary generosity,” noting that this contribution sets a new standard for philanthropy in aviation and aerospace education. These endorsements highlight the profound impact the endowed chairs are expected to have on the university’s mission and the industry as a whole.
Fostering a Legacy of Philanthropy and Progress
The Ricci family’s commitment to education and research is not a new development. Their history of philanthropy includes a significant endowed chair at University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland to support cystic fibrosis research, established in 2007. Furthermore, in 2017, Kenn and Pamela Ricci made a landmark $100 million unrestricted gift to the University of Notre Dame. This pattern of giving demonstrates a deep-seated belief in the power of institutions to drive progress and create a better future.
Pamela Ricci articulated the motivation behind their latest contribution, stating, “What better way to elevate the caliber of faculty for Embry-Riddle students and create a better future for our children’s children than creating these endowed chairs?” This sentiment captures the essence of their philanthropic philosophy: investing in education is an investment in the future. By empowering educators, they aim to inspire students and foster an environment where innovation can flourish for decades to come.
The timing of this gift is also significant, coming shortly after Kenn Ricci joined the Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees in March 2024. It serves as a powerful statement of his commitment to the university’s goals and his active role in shaping its future. The endowed chairs are a foundational element of Embry-Riddle’s “Imagine What’s Next” campaign, which seeks to prepare the institution for its next century of leadership in aviation and aerospace.
“We want to encourage bold thinking about the growth and advancement of aviation. In creating these two chairs…we are supporting the kind of educators who will instill an ethos of problem-solving in their students, which inevitably will lead to innovation.”, Kenn Ricci, Flexjet Chairman
Conclusion: Charting the Course for Future Generations
The establishment of the Ricci Family and Flexjet endowed chairs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marks a significant milestone in the advancement of aviation and aerospace education. This strategic investment is poised to attract world-class talent, spur cutting-edge research, and cultivate a new generation of innovators. By providing dedicated resources for faculty leaders, the university is better equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the industry and to maintain its position at the forefront of technological and educational excellence.
Looking ahead, the long-term impact of this initiative will likely be seen in the breakthroughs and the leaders that emerge from Embry-Riddle. The emphasis on a “problem-solving ethos” is crucial in an industry that is constantly evolving, facing challenges from sustainability to supersonic travel. The generosity and vision of the Kenn and Pamela Ricci family have set a new benchmark for philanthropy in the sector, creating a powerful legacy that will undoubtedly fuel progress and inspire excellence for many years to come.
FAQ
Question: What are the names of the two endowed chairs established at Embry-Riddle?
Answer: The two chairs are named the “Ricci Family Chair for Aviation, Aerospace, or Space Innovation” and the “Flexjet Chair for Aviation, Aerospace, or Space Innovation.”
Question: What is the main purpose of these endowed chairs?
Answer: The primary goal is to foster innovation in aviation, aerospace, and space by attracting top-tier faculty, enhancing research and development, and instilling a problem-solving ethos in students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Question: Who is Kenn Ricci?
Answer: Kenn Ricci is the Chairman of Flexjet and a principal of Directional Aviation Capital. He is a prominent figure in the aviation industry and was appointed to the Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees in March 2024.
Sources: Flexjet Press Release
Photo Credit: FlexJet
Training & Certification
CAE Adds Four Business Jet Simulators Across the Americas
CAE deploys four full-flight simulators in the Americas for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 amid talent shortage.
Canadian training provider CAE announced the deployment of four additional full-flight simulators across the Americas on October 20, 2026, expanding localized training capacity for high-demand business jets.
Revealed during the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the expansion targets a projected long-term shortage of aviation professionals. In a press release, the company stated the new hardware will support training for the Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer Praetor 600, Pilatus PC-24, and Cessna Citation CJ4.
Expanding localized training capacity
The addition of the four simulators is designed to align CAE’s global training network with growing customer and fleet demand. By placing training hardware closer to where operators require it, the company aims to reduce the need for flight crews to travel long distances for initial and recurrent training.
While the specific cities or training center locations for the four new simulators within the Americas region were not detailed in the October 20 announcement, the deployment fits into a broader strategy of regionalized training hubs.
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of localized access for operators.
“These simulator deployments expand access to high-quality training on the aircraft our customers fly, where they need it, while delivering the quality and experience they expect from CAE. It’s about helping crews stay ready, perform at their best and fly safely.”
Addressing the aviation talent shortage
The business aviation sector is experiencing sustained growth, driving a long-term need for qualified personnel. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the industry will require 102,000 new business aviation professionals worldwide by 2034.
That projection comprises 33,000 new business aviation pilots and 69,000 maintenance technicians. Prévost stated that as business aviation demand grows, the company is strengthening its global training network to meet the evolving needs of operators facing these workforce pressures.
CAE’s decade of business aviation growth
Over the past decade, CAE has nearly doubled its business aviation training capacity. The company’s global business aviation training network now includes more than 130 full-flight simulators.
To support this infrastructure, CAE employs approximately 1,000 instructors worldwide. Together, this network delivers more than 300,000 hours of training annually across both pilot and maintenance disciplines.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to deploy simulators for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 reflects the current delivery mix and utilization rates in the Americas. By distributing simulator capacity regionally rather than centralizing it, training providers are directly addressing operator concerns about crew downtime. In a tight labor market where 33,000 new business aviation pilots are needed over the next decade, minimizing the days crews spend traveling to training events becomes a competitive advantage for both the operators and the training providers they select.
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Bombardier Opens Wichita Training Center in $50M Investment
Bombardier inaugurated its North American Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, training 250 mechanics annually as part of a $50M site expansion.
Bombardier Inc. inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development facility for United States aircraft technicians on October 15, 2026, anchoring an approximately $50 million investment in its Wichita, Kansas, operations.
The North American Learning Center and an expanded wheel and tire shop are designed to address industry-wide skilled labor constraints by internalizing mechanic training and boosting component repair capacity. In a press release issued on October 15, the Canadian manufacturer stated the investment ensures a steady pipeline of qualified personnel to support its growing network of 10 American service centers.
Training infrastructure and capacity
The newly opened North American Learning Center represents a strategic shift for Bombardier in how it prepares its aftermarket workforce. The facility features a retired Bombardier Global 5000 fuselage mounted on jack stands. This setup allows students to practice maintenance procedures on an actual airframe without the risk of damaging a customer aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation International News and the Wichita Business Journal, the center will host two-week training courses for cohorts of up to 40 students. Over the next 12 months, Bombardier expects approximately 250 newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics to pass through the curriculum.
The facility also incorporates dedicated back shops where trainees practice foundational aviation maintenance skills, including sheet metal fabrication, safety wire twisting, and digital manual navigation. Bombardier plans to expand the curriculum in the future to include advanced maintenance training and interior removal and installation courses.
Component repair expansion
Alongside the training center, the $50 million investment funded a significant modernization of the Wichita site’s wheel and tire shop. The upgraded facility is projected to double its throughput from 2,300 units last year to 5,000 units this year.
Once fully ramped up, the expanded shop will have the capacity to service 15,000 wheels and tires annually. This increased Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capability is intended to directly support the company’s distributed service network across the country.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the dual focus of the investment.
“Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations,” Sislian said. “This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth.”
Transitioning the Air Capital footprint
The October 15, 2026, inauguration marks the latest phase in Bombardier’s repositioning of its Wichita footprint. Known historically as the “Air Capital of the World,” the city was the manufacturing home of the Learjet program for six decades.
Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production on February 11, 2021, to focus resources on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families. The final Learjet 75 rolled off the Wichita assembly line on March 28, 2022.
Rather than drawing down its presence following the end of aircraft manufacturing at the site, Bombardier designated the one-million-square-foot facility as its United States headquarters on April 19, 2022. The location also became the base for the newly launched Bombardier Defense division, alongside an existing major service center and flight test center.
Today, Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Kansas out of a total United States workforce of 3,500. The company reports an annual supplier spend of $2.5 billion across the country.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the inauguration alongside Lieutenant Governor David Toland, noted the state’s ongoing relationship with the manufacturer.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” Kelly said.
AirPro News analysis
The aviation aftermarket is currently constrained by a severe shortage of skilled labor. By moving technician training in-house and simultaneously expanding component repair capacity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Bombardier are acknowledging that physical hangar space is no longer the primary bottleneck to aftermarket growth. We view this $50 million investment as a defensive strategy to protect service revenue. If an OEM cannot guarantee a steady supply of qualified mechanics and overhauled components, its expanded service centers cannot operate at capacity. Internalizing the training pipeline reduces reliance on third-party technical schools and ensures new hires are immediately productive on specific airframes like the Global 5000.
Photo Credit: Bombardier Inc.
Training & Certification
FAA Approves First US G600 G700 Convertible Simulator
FAA certifies FlightSafety International’s Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible Level D simulator in Long Beach, CA.
The FAA has approved FlightSafety International’s new Gulfstream G600 and G700 convertible Level D Full-Flight Simulator, establishing the first dual-configuration training device for the aircraft types in the United States.
Announced in a company press release on October 1, 2026, the approval allows the training provider to serve operators of both the Gulfstream GVII and GVIII platforms from a single device at its Long Beach, California, facility. The certification addresses a growing domestic requirement for pilot training capacity as the G700 fleet expands.
Expanding domestic training capacity
The new simulator was engineered and manufactured at FlightSafety International’s facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, before installation at the Long Beach Learning Center. The convertible design allows the device to switch between G600 and G700 configurations, optimizing scheduling for type-rated pilots.
Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International, stated that the new convertible simulator reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions.
“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” Carter said.
The Long Beach approval follows a similar certification in Asia. In August 2026, the FAA certified the company’s other G600 and G700 convertible device in Singapore for G600 training, which currently serves regional operators.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Long Beach device is certified as a Level D Full-Flight Simulator, the highest level of flight simulator qualification, requiring a comprehensive aerodynamic model and a full motion platform.
The simulator is equipped with the company’s proprietary VITAL 1150 image generator and a 42-inch electric motion base. The system supports advanced training requirements, specifically including steep approach operations for the G600.
Gulfstream fleet expansion and training demand
The introduction of the convertible simulator aligns with the operational growth of Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range business jet portfolio. The G600 entered service in August 2019, establishing a mature operator base requiring recurrent training.
Demand for G700 training is currently accelerating following the aircraft’s recent entry into service. The FAA granted type certification for the G700 on March 29, 2024, and Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries on April 23, 2024.
FlightSafety International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996, is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company provides training to aviation professionals from more than 170 countries and operates one of the largest global fleets of advanced flight simulators.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of convertible simulators as a necessary capital efficiency strategy for training providers managing the transition between aircraft generations. Because the G700 fleet is still in its early delivery phase, a dedicated G700 simulator might experience lower utilization rates in the near term. By combining GVII and GVIII configurations into a single Level D device, FlightSafety International can maintain high utilization through the established G600 market while simultaneously absorbing the growing wave of initial type-rating demand for the G700.
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International
-
Business Aviation4 days agoDTA Aircraft JP1 eVTOL Targets April 2027 US Flight Testing
-
Regulations & Safety4 days agoFAA Launches MedGuide Medication Database for Aviators
-
Business Aviation5 days agoCivil Air Patrol Orders 21 Cessna Aircraft From Textron Aviation
-
Space & Satellites4 days agoBAE Systems Acquires Colorado Facility for Space Hardware
-
Technology & Innovation3 days agoSkyfly Technologies Raises $10M to Certify Axe eVTOL