Training & Certification
Boeing 777-9 Simulators Gain FAA and EASA Initial Qualification
Boeing’s 777-9 pilot training simulators in Gatwick receive Initial Qualification from FAA and EASA, enabling courseware validation for 2027 entry.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.
In a significant step forward for the delayed 777X program, Boeing announced on February 19, 2026, that it has received “Initial Qualification” for its 777-9 pilot training devices. Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have granted approval for the simulators located at the company’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom.
This regulatory milestone allows Boeing to proceed with validating the training courseware, the syllabus and manuals, that will eventually be used to train airline pilots. According to the manufacturer, this step is a prerequisite for the aircraft’s entry into service, ensuring that a qualified pool of pilots will be ready once the jet receives its final type certification.
The “Initial Qualification” designation applies to the hardware and software of the training devices rather than the pilot training program itself. By securing this approval, Boeing has demonstrated to regulators that the simulators accurately replicate the performance and flight characteristics of the 777-9.
The approved devices at the Gatwick campus include a Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) and a Flight Training Device (FTD). The FFS provides a high-fidelity, motion-based environment that mimics the physical sensations of flight, while the FTD serves as a fixed-base trainer for systems and procedural learning.
Capt. Gary Mandy, Boeing’s 777X Chief Technical Pilot, emphasized the importance of this validation in the company’s official statement:
“Securing these approvals is an important step as we prepare for the start of flight training. Pilots will benefit from an immersive training experience that will help ensure our customers’ operational readiness for the 777-9.”
The simulators were manufactured by CAE, a global leader in aviation training technology. The devices feature specific controls unique to the 777X family, including mechanisms for the aircraft’s folding wingtips, a design necessity allowing the massive jet to fit at standard airport gates, as well as large-format touchscreen displays and dual Head-Up Displays (HUD).
Alexandre Prevost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted in the press release that the qualification represents the culmination of a “multi-year effort” between the two companies. This announcement comes as Boeing works to stabilize the timeline for the 777X, which is currently targeted for entry into service in 2027. The program has faced significant hurdles, including delays related to the GE9X engines and, more recently, structural component issues that paused flight testing in 2024 and 2025.
By securing simulator approval now, Boeing is engaging in parallel processing. While the physical aircraft completes its rigorous certification campaign, the training infrastructure is being finalized simultaneously. Once regulators validate the courseware using these approved devices, customer pilot training can officially commence.
Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, stated:
“The qualification of these training devices underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions that meet the needs of global airline customers and regulators.”
The approval of these simulators is more than a bureaucratic checkbox; it is a signal that the regulatory logjam surrounding the 777X is beginning to clear. Following the intense scrutiny of the 737 MAX certification, regulators like the FAA and EASA have adopted far stricter standards for validating human factors and training protocols. The fact that both agencies have signed off on the hardware suggests that Boeing’s data regarding the aircraft’s flight laws and handling characteristics is maturing to a level regulators trust.
Furthermore, the decision to house these initial devices in Gatwick, UK, rather than solely in the United States, highlights the global nature of the 777X order book. With major customers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa eagerly awaiting delivery, having a validated training hub in the European/Atlantic region positions Boeing to accelerate pilot readiness for its largest international buyers as the 2027 delivery target approaches.
Does this mean airlines can start training pilots today? Where are these simulators located? When is the 777-9 expected to enter service?
Boeing 777-9 Simulators Secure Critical Regulatory Approval from FAA and EASA
Validating the Hardware Before the Pilots
Collaboration with CAE
Program Context and Timeline
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
No. “Initial Qualification” validates the simulator hardware. Regulators must now use these devices to fly and approve the training syllabus (courseware). Only after the courseware is approved can airline pilots begin their type rating training.
The approved devices are located at Boeing’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom.
Based on current industry targets and Boeing’s projections, the aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2027.Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Training & Certification
Cantor Air Adds Three Tecnam P2006T NG Aircraft to Training Fleet
Cantor Air enhances its flight training with three Tecnam P2006T NG aircraft featuring Rotax engines and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics at Valbrembo Airport, Italy.
This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam.
Italian flight training organization Cantor Air has officially expanded its training capabilities by acquiring three new Tecnam P2006T NG (Next Generation) twin-engine Commercial-Aircraft. Confirmed on February 19, 2026, this acquisition marks a strategic move to align the academy’s multi-engine curriculum with modern airline operational standards.
According to the official announcement from Tecnam, the deal includes three firm Orders with options for additional units. The new aircraft will be based at Cantor Air’s headquarters at Valbrembo Airport near Bergamo, Italy. The purchase is designed to streamline the transition for cadets moving from single-engine training to complex multi-engine operations, utilizing a consistent Avionics platform across the fleet.
The P2006T NG is the latest iteration of Tecnam’s certified twin-engine aircraft, which the Manufacturers describes as the lightest in its class. This “Next Generation” model introduces over 300 improvements compared to the previous P2006T MkII, focusing on pilot accessibility, payload, and avionics integration.
Key technical specifications highlighted in the release include:
Tecnam emphasizes the aircraft’s efficiency, noting that the Rotax engines consume approximately 14 liters (3.7 US gallons) per hour per engine. This fuel economy allows for a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 60% compared to legacy competitors, aligning with the aviation industry’s broader push toward Sustainability.
Cantor Air’s decision to acquire the P2006T NG is driven by a desire for fleet consistency. The academy already operates Tecnam P2008JC and P2010 TDI aircraft, both of which utilize the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. By maintaining the same flight deck technology across single and multi-engine platforms, the school aims to reduce the learning curve for students.
Capt. Roberto Magnani, Head of Training at Cantor Air, explained the operational logic behind the purchase in a statement provided by Tecnam:
“The acquisition of the new Tecnam P2006T NG aircraft will undoubtedly bring innovation and, above all, continuity with the decisions made two years ago… Today our students will continue the IFR and CPL phases started on the P2010 TDI… moving on to the brand-new P2006T NG while maintaining the same avionics platform.”
, Capt. Roberto Magnani, Head of Training at Cantor Air
The inclusion of the FMS keypad is particularly relevant for Competency-Based Training (CBT). It allows cadets to practice complex data entry workflows similar to those found in commercial airliners like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, bridging the gap between ab-initio training and type ratings.
Francesco Sferra, Tecnam’s Sales and Business Development Manager, commented on the partnership:
“We are proud to see Cantor Air confirm their trust in Tecnam… By moving from the P2010 TDI to the P2006T NG, Cantor Air is offering its students a logical, modern, and sustainable progression that perfectly prepares them for the professional aviation environment.”
, Francesco Sferra, Tecnam Sales and Business Development Manager
The shift toward “glass cockpit” standardization is a dominant trend in modern flight training. By standardizing on the Garmin G1000 NXi, schools like Cantor Air reduce the cognitive load on students, allowing them to focus on airmanship and procedures rather than relearning avionics interfaces. Furthermore, the pressure on European flight schools to reduce noise and emissions makes the Rotax-powered P2006T NG an attractive option for operations near populated areas like Bergamo.
What is the primary advantage of the P2006T NG over previous models? Why is fleet consistency important for flight schools? What engines does the P2006T NG use?
Cantor Air Modernizes Fleet with Three New Tecnam P2006T NG Aircraft
Enhancing the Multi-Engine Curriculum
Strategic Fleet Integration
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The NG model features over 300 improvements, including a higher Maximum Take-Off Weight (1,290 kg), a dedicated co-pilot door, and advanced avionics integration with an FMS keypad.
Using the same avionics suite (in this case, Garmin G1000 NXi) across different aircraft types allows students to transfer their skills seamlessly from basic to advanced training without needing to learn new instrument layouts.
It is powered by two Rotax 912 iSc3 fuel-injected engines, known for their fuel efficiency and ability to run on both Avgas and Mogas.
Sources
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
Airbus and Loft Dynamics Launch VR Training for H125 Helicopter
Airbus and Loft Dynamics introduce a VR pilot training system for the H125 helicopter with EASA and FAA approvals, enhancing safety and reducing costs.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
On February 19, 2026, Airbus Helicopters officially highlighted the operational success and expansion of its Virtual Reality (VR) pilot training program for the H125 helicopter. Developed in partnership with the Swiss technology firm Loft Dynamics, the system is now fully operational at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Marignane, France. According to the company, this simulator represents a significant shift in aviation instruction, functioning not merely as a training aid but as a regulatory-approved Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD).
The new system addresses long-standing industry challenges, including pilot shortages and the high costs associated with traditional training methods. By utilizing this technology, pilots can now log flight hours and perform proficiency checks (LPC/OPC) without ever leaving the ground, a capability previously reserved for massive, full-motion dome simulators.
The core of the H125 training program is a high-fidelity system that combines a 3D stereoscopic headset with a dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DoF) motion platform. Airbus states that the headset provides a 360-degree view, allowing pilots to look down and around naturally, a critical requirement for vertical reference operations like sling loading.
Unlike generic VR setups, this device features a full-scale replica of the H125 cockpit, complete with authentic flight controls and avionics. Airbus engineers have verified the flight model to ensure it is indistinguishable from the actual aircraft. This integration allows the simulator to replicate the physical and visual sensations of flight with near-perfect accuracy.
A major aspect of this announcement involves the regulatory qualifications achieved by the device. According to Airbus and Loft Dynamics, the system has secured approval from major aviation authorities:
Fabi Riesen, CEO of Loft Dynamics, emphasized the significance of these approvals in the company’s statement:
“Level 7 [qualification] now extends that foundation… embedding FAA-approved VR at the university level as a new blueprint for training pilots. This milestone shows what’s possible when the entire aviation ecosystem… comes together.”
The primary operational benefit of the VR simulator is the ability to practice high-risk scenarios that are too dangerous to attempt in a real helicopter. Airbus notes that the system supports advanced recurrent training modules for conditions such as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), engine failures, and whiteout or brownout landings.
Yann Guérin, Head of Pilot Training at Airbus Helicopters, described the impact on instruction: “The training is much more consistent and efficient. Instructors are able to demonstrate and assist their trainees… ultimately, the goal is enhanced professionalism and mission proficiency.”
In addition to safety, the system offers substantial efficiency gains. The simulator is approximately one-tenth the size of a traditional full-flight simulator, allowing it to be installed directly at customer bases or smaller flight schools. Furthermore, data provided by the partnership indicates the cost is approximately one-twentieth of a traditional Full Flight Simulator (FFS), drastically lowering the barrier to entry for operators.
The deployment of the H125 VR simulator signals a democratization of safety standards in the vertical lift industry. Historically, “airline-grade” simulation, where pilots can type-rate without touching the actual aircraft, was financially restricted to large transport category aircraft. Single-engine helicopter operators often relied on training in the actual aircraft, which carries inherent risks, particularly during emergency procedure practice.
By securing FAA Level 7 and EASA Level 3 qualifications, Airbus and Loft Dynamics are effectively ending the “real steel” era, where the industry believed that physical flight was the only valid method for developing muscle memory. This shift is likely to have profound implications for high-risk sectors such as air ambulance and law enforcement, where the ability to practice fatal scenarios like tail rotor failure in a zero-risk environment could save lives.
Looking ahead, Airbus has confirmed that the partnership with Loft Dynamics will expand beyond the single-engine market. The companies are currently developing a similar VR training device for the twin-engine H145, which is expected to enter service later in 2026. This expansion suggests a broader strategy to integrate VR simulation across the manufacturer’s entire light and medium helicopter fleet.
Beyond the Cockpit: Airbus and Loft Dynamics Revolutionize H125 Training with VR
Immersive Technology and Realistic Flight Physics
Regulatory Milestones
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
AirPro News Analysis
Future Developments
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Training & Certification
Frontier Airlines Wins FAA Diamond Award for Maintenance Training 2025
Frontier Airlines receives the FAA Diamond Award for 2025, recognizing full participation in advanced safety training for maintenance technicians.
This article is based on an official press release from Frontier Airlines.
Frontier Airlines has been awarded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Diamond Award of Excellence for 2025, the agency’s highest honor for aircraft maintenance and training. The recognition underscores the Denver-based carrier’s commitment to safety and the continuous professional development of its technical operations team.
The Diamond Award is widely regarded in the aviation industry as a benchmark for maintenance quality. It is not granted based on a single inspection or event but rather for a sustained, year-long commitment to education. According to the company’s announcement, the award recognizes both the airline and its Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) for exceeding standard regulatory requirements in safety training.
The FAA Diamond Award of Excellence is rigorous in its eligibility criteria. To qualify, an airline must achieve 100 percent participation from its eligible workforce. Every single eligible maintenance technician must complete a series of additional FAA-developed safety training courses throughout the calendar year. Failure by even a small fraction of the technical workforce to complete the curriculum would disqualify an airline from the Diamond tier.
Jeff Moore, Vice President of Technical Operations at Frontier Airlines, emphasized the collective effort required to secure the accolade.
“We are honored to once again receive this recognition from the FAA, shining a spotlight on our incredible AMTs who went above and beyond throughout 2025 to complete valuable safety training courses. Safety is always Frontier’s top priority, and this award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment.”
, Jeff Moore, Vice President of Technical Operations, Frontier Airlines
In its official release, Frontier noted that the award follows a period of significant investment in its training infrastructure. The airline has recently modernized its Technical Operations training program curriculum. These updates include the introduction of new courses and the development of advanced training techniques, such as structured on-the-job experience.
Bill Russo, Director of Technical Operations Training at Frontier, highlighted the operational impact of these educational initiatives. “We are pleased to receive the FAA’s Diamond Award, demonstrating the value of an in-depth education program and a highly motivated, highly talented team.”
, Bill Russo, Director of Technical Operations Training, Frontier Airlines
Russo added that the program ensures AMTs receive world-class training, empowering them to support the carrier’s daily flight operations effectively.
For ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Frontier, earning the FAA Diamond Award serves a dual purpose. Operationally, it ensures that the maintenance workforce is up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and technical systems, which is critical for minimizing mechanical delays. Reputationally, it provides a verified counter-narrative to the common consumer misconception that lower ticket prices might correlate with reduced operational standards. By achieving 100 percent participation in voluntary safety training, Frontier demonstrates that its cost-cutting measures do not extend to its maintenance hangars.
What is the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence? How does an airline qualify for the award? Does this award affect flight safety?
Frontier Airlines Earns FAA Diamond Award for Maintenance Training Excellence
Achieving the Diamond Standard
Modernizing Technical Training
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the Federal Aviation Administration’s most prestigious award for aviation maintenance technicians and employers. It recognizes a commitment to initial and recurrent training that exceeds standard regulatory mandates.
To earn the Diamond Award of Excellence, 100 percent of an organization’s eligible maintenance technicians must complete specialized FAA-developed safety training courses within a calendar year.
While the award specifically honors training rather than operational metrics, a highly trained maintenance workforce is a foundational element of flight safety and fleet reliability.
Sources
Photo Credit: Frontier Airlines
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