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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Question: What are the names of the two endowed chairs established at Embry-Riddle? Question: What is the main purpose of these endowed chairs? Question: Who is Kenn Ricci? Sources: Flexjet Press Release
Ricci Family and Flexjet Fuel Future of Aviation with Endowed Chairs at Embry-Riddle
A Strategic Investment in Talent and Innovation
Fostering a Legacy of Philanthropy and Progress
Conclusion: Charting the Course for Future Generations
FAQ
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.”
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.
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.
Photo Credit: FlexJet
Training & Certification
Airbus Deploys VR Simulator for Pilot Training in Nepal Himalayas
Airbus Helicopters introduced a VR simulator in Nepal to train pilots on H125 helicopters, enhancing safety in high-altitude Himalayan operations.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
In a bid to enhance aviation Safety in one of the world’s most challenging flying environments, Airbus Helicopters has successfully deployed a state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) simulator in Nepal. The initiative, developed in partnership with Swiss tech firm Loft Dynamics, aims to provide critical, risk-free training to local pilots navigating the Himalayas.
According to an official company statement, the deployment was part of the “Safety First in the Himalayas” roadshow, which concluded on March 25, 2026. The event underscores a growing industry focus on leveraging advanced simulation technology to mitigate the high accident rates associated with mountainous helicopter operations.
The month-long initiative brought together international aviation authorities, local operators, and safety experts to address the unique demands of Nepalese airspace, where unpredictable weather and extreme altitudes leave little room for error.
The safety roadshow officially kicked off on February 24 and 25 with a comprehensive conference in Kathmandu. The gathering united key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and safety experts from both Airbus and Loft Dynamics.
Following the conference, the practical training phase commenced. Airbus reported that all 13 Nepalese operators utilizing the H125 Helicopters were invited to register their flight crews for the program. Ultimately, approximately 30 pilots participated, each receiving a mandatory four-hour Training session in the VR simulator.
Nepal’s topography presents a uniquely demanding operational context for rotorcraft. Pilots must routinely navigate high mountains, complex terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions. These factors contribute to an elevated accident rate in the region, necessitating an exceptional level of pilot expertise and split-second decision-making.
Currently, there are 33 Airbus helicopters operating within Nepal, 30 of which are the H125 model, a light single-engine helicopter renowned for its high-altitude performance. The widespread use of the H125 in the region made it the logical focus for the targeted safety campaign. The cornerstone of the training initiative was the Loft Dynamics H125 virtual reality simulator. Known for its agile deployment capabilities and hyper-realism, the system allows pilots to practice complex maneuvers and emergency procedures that would be too dangerous to execute in an actual aircraft.
In its press release, Airbus noted that the simulator’s ability to reproduce real-world conditions is a major asset for pilot preparation:
“…reproduce the flight environment and emergency situations with astonishing fidelity allows for intensive training, without risk.”
The logistical effort required to transport and set up the simulator in Nepal represents a significant investment of time and expert resources by Airbus and its partners. Based on the positive reception in Nepal, the partners are already evaluating plans to replicate the roadshow in other global regions that face similar operational hurdles.
We observe that the deployment of a high-fidelity VR simulator to a remote, high-risk operational area like Nepal marks a significant shift in helicopter flight training. Historically, full-motion simulators have been massive, stationary installations located at major training hubs, requiring pilots to travel extensively. The portability of the Loft Dynamics VR system democratizes access to top-tier emergency training, bringing the simulator directly to the operators who need it most. If this model proves successful in reducing incident rates in the Himalayas, we anticipate it could become a standard regulatory requirement for operators in other extreme environments, fundamentally altering how the rotorcraft industry approaches recurrent safety training.
Airbus Helicopters deployed the H125 virtual reality simulator, which was developed in collaboration with Loft Dynamics.
Around 30 Nepalese pilots completed a full four-hour session on the VR simulator during the roadshow.
Nepal features high mountains, complex terrain, and rapidly changing weather, creating a high-risk environment with an elevated Incident rate for helicopter operations.
The “Safety First in the Himalayas” Roadshow
Collaborative Training Initiative
Tackling Nepal’s Unique Aviation Challenges
High-Altitude Risks
The Role of Virtual Reality in Flight Safety
Loft Dynamics Simulator
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What simulator was deployed in Nepal?
How many pilots participated in the training?
Why was Nepal chosen for this safety event?
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Training & Certification
KLM E&M Cuts Aircraft Mechanic Training to Nine Months with Dedicated Aircraft
KLM Engineering & Maintenance uses a retired Boeing 737 as a training aircraft to reduce mechanic certification time from over two years to nine months.
This article is based on an official press release from KLM Engineering & Maintenance, supplemented by industry research reports.
KLM Engineering & Maintenance (E&M) has announced a significant overhaul of its technical training pipeline, converting a phased-out Boeing 737 into a dedicated training aircraft. According to an official company press release, this initiative is designed to drastically accelerate the development of new technical talent by providing a permanent, hands-on learning environment for trainee mechanics.
By removing the reliance on active fleet maintenance schedules, KLM E&M states that the pathway to becoming a certified ground engineer will be reduced from more than two years to just nine months. The first training groups are scheduled to begin practical instruction on the converted aircraft in June 2026.
We are seeing airlines increasingly forced to innovate their internal training programs as the global aviation industry faces a severe shortage of qualified maintenance personnel. KLM’s investment highlights a growing trend among legacy carriers to take workforce development into their own hands to ensure operational reliability in the coming decades.
Historically, aviation mechanic trainees have had to rely on the maintenance schedules of operational aircraft to gain practical experience. According to KLM E&M, this traditional approach often resulted in long wait times, as students could only practice specific procedures when an active aircraft required that exact type of maintenance. This bottleneck unnecessarily extended the overall training process.
With the introduction of the dedicated Boeing 737 training aircraft, trainees can now practice all necessary maintenance procedures immediately and at an individual pace. Because the aircraft is completely independent of day-to-day airline operations, instructors can simulate real-world maintenance challenges without the pressure of returning the plane to revenue service.
“It’s incredible that we now have our own aircraft to practice on. You learn so much faster when you can really get hands-on.”
Kortekaas is scheduled to begin working on the new training aircraft in September 2026.
KLM’s localized initiative is a direct response to a macro-level crisis. The global demand for well-trained aircraft technicians is outpacing the current supply, driven by a combination of an aging workforce and rapid fleet expansion. According to Boeing’s 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the global aviation industry will require 710,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians by the year 2044. The immediate deficits are already being felt. The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) and Oliver Wyman’s 2025 Pipeline Report projected a 10% shortage in certificated mechanics in 2025 for commercial air transport. In North-America alone, the shortage currently stands at approximately 24,000 unfilled positions, a figure projected by Oliver Wyman to reach nearly 40,000 by 2028. Furthermore, the report notes that 27% of certified mechanics in North America are over the age of 64, with 80% expected to retire within the next six years.
“Competition for technical talent is strong… With this training aircraft, we can respond more quickly and effectively to future demand, without compromising on quality or safety.”
Industry leaders acknowledge the uphill battle. Commenting on the 2025 workforce pipeline, ATEC President Jim Hall noted the dual nature of the current landscape.
“We’re seeing some measurably positive trends at the grassroots level… Near-term challenges will include bolstering these trends while ensuring that we have enough specialized personnel.”
We view KLM E&M’s strategy as a highly pragmatic solution to a complex logistical problem. By repurposing a phased-out Boeing 737, the airline is effectively solving two issues at once: finding a productive end-of-life use for an older-generation airframe and eliminating the most frustrating bottleneck in aviation education, waiting for an active plane to enter scheduled maintenance.
Furthermore, reducing the certification timeline from over 24 months to just nine months is a massive competitive advantage. In an era where aviation is losing technical talent to the automotive, renewable energy, and broader technology sectors, lowering the barrier to entry while maintaining safety standards is essential. We expect other major MRO organizations to closely monitor the efficacy of KLM’s June 2026 launch, potentially adopting similar dedicated-airframe models to accelerate their own knowledge transfer before the impending wave of baby boomer retirements peaks.
KLM Engineering & Maintenance has fully converted a retired Boeing 737 into a dedicated training aircraft. This allows trainee mechanics to practice maintenance procedures hands-on without relying on the schedules of active, operational aircraft.
According to KLM E&M, the dedicated training aircraft reduces the pathway to becoming a certified ground engineer from more than two years to just nine months.
The shortage is driven by a massive wave of impending retirements among older mechanics, the rapid expansion of the global Commercial-Aircraft fleet, and cross-industry competition for technical talent from sectors like renewable energy and automotive.
Unclogging the Training Pipeline
Independence from Daily Operations
The Broader Industry Crisis: A Race Against Retirement
Demographic Shifts and Fleet Expansion
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KLM E&M training initiative?
How much time does the new training program save?
Why is there a shortage of aviation mechanics?
Photo Credit: KLM E&M
Training & Certification
Skyfarer Academy and True Course Simulations Partner for VR Flight Training
Skyfarer Academy and True Course Simulations partner to integrate VR flight training systems nationwide, aiming to reduce pilot training costs and dropout rates.
This article is based on an official press release from Skyfarer Academy.
On March 18, 2026, Skyfarer Academy, a rapidly expanding U.S. aviation training marketplace, announced a strategic partnership with True Course Simulations (TCS), a veteran-owned developer of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) flight training systems. The collaboration is designed to integrate TCS’s immersive simulation hardware and FAA-aligned courseware into Skyfarer’s nationwide network of flight schools, independent instructors, and STEM educators.
According to the official press release, the primary objective of this alliance is to modernize pilot training by expanding access to structured, technology-driven solutions across all 50 U.S. states. By combining Skyfarer’s digital connectivity with TCS’s proven simulation technology, the two companies aim to reduce the high cost of flight hours and combat the historically high dropout rate among student pilots.
We note that this partnership arrives at a critical time for the aviation industry, which continues to seek scalable solutions to maintain a robust pilot pipeline. By shifting foundational learning to advanced simulators, the initiative promises to make high-quality aviation instruction more accessible to a broader demographic.
Under the new agreement, Skyfarer Academy will act as a conduit to introduce its extensive network to TCS’s immersive simulators. These systems feature professional-grade controls, subtle motion capabilities, and an integrated Learning Management System (LMS). To incentivize adoption, schools and aviation organizations referred through the Skyfarer platform will receive an exclusive partner discount on TCS systems.
Furthermore, the press release outlines that the partnership will co-produce educational content. These resources will highlight how simulation can effectively reduce training time and costs, while providing dedicated support to help aviation programs seamlessly integrate simulators into their existing curricula.
“Flight training today is evolving rapidly, and simulation plays a critical role in improving accessibility and efficiency. True Course Simulations has built a structured training ecosystem that helps students arrive at the aircraft better prepared, and we’re excited to help more schools and educators discover these solutions through Skyfarer.”
The aviation training sector has long struggled with student retention. According to historical data from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) cited in the provided research, the dropout rate among student pilots sits at a staggering 70% to 80%. Industry data indicates that the primary barriers are the high cost of aircraft rental, often upwards of $150 to $200 or more per hour, and the overwhelming difficulty of learning complex tasks in a noisy, fast-moving cockpit environment.
True Course Simulations addresses these barriers through its patented “Virtual Flight Instructor” courseware, which utilizes a “Read, Watch, Do” methodology. This approach allows students to practice maneuvers and receive real-time feedback in a virtual environment before ever stepping into a physical aircraft. By building “muscle memory” and procedural knowledge on the ground, students can maximize the efficiency of their actual flight hours. The results of this methodology are measurable. According to data from institutional partner Alaska Flight Academy, students who utilize TCS courseware are able to solo up to 30% faster than students in traditional training programs.
Founded in October 2024 by CEO Nick Tsang and Chief Aviation Officer Todd Davis, Skyfarer Academy initially launched as a digital platform offering one-on-one live online ground and flight instruction. The company expanded into in-person flight training in March 2025. Following its acquisition of InstructAir in late 2025, Skyfarer successfully expanded its network to cover all 48 continental U.S. states, serving students in both Part 61 (independent) and Part 141 (structured academy) flight programs.
Based in Prescott, Arizona, True Course Simulations brings significant credibility to the partnership. The veteran-owned company holds federal contracts with the Department of the Air Force, and its systems are currently utilized by prestigious aviation institutions, including the U.S. Air Force Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
“Skyfarer’s platform connects directly with the next generation of pilots and the institutions that support them, making it a natural partner as we continue expanding into flight schools, STEM, and CTE programs across the country.”
We view this partnership as a significant step toward democratizing aviation education, particularly at the secondary school level. Because TCS’s courseware is standardized and self-paced, it empowers high schools and STEM programs to deliver high-quality aviation education even if they lack a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) on staff. When paired with Skyfarer’s expansive reach into educational institutions, this creates a highly scalable solution for the aviation talent pipeline. By allowing younger, more diverse demographics to explore aviation careers through VR before committing thousands of dollars to actual flight hours, the industry may finally begin to reverse the prohibitive 70% to 80% dropout trend.
The partnership aims to integrate True Course Simulations’ VR and MR flight training systems into Skyfarer Academy’s nationwide network of flight schools and educators, ultimately reducing the cost of flight training and lowering student pilot dropout rates.
VR simulation allows students to learn procedures and build muscle memory in a controlled, cost-effective environment using a “Read, Watch, Do” methodology. This prepares them better for actual flight, with data showing students can solo up to 30% faster.
TCS systems are used by prestigious institutions including the U.S. Air-Forces Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the company holds federal contracts with the Department of the Air Force.
Sources:
The Mechanics of the Partnership
Expanding Access to Simulation Technology
Tackling the Flight Training Dropout Crisis
The Cost and Complexity Barrier
The Role of VR and MR Simulation
Background on the Partnering Entities
Skyfarer Academy’s Rapid Expansion
True Course Simulations’ Proven Track Record
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the goal of the Skyfarer and TCS partnership?
How does VR simulation help student pilots?
Who uses True Course Simulations?
Photo Credit: Skyfarer Academy
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