Meet our partner: ELITE Simulation Solutions

Let us introduce you to our partner ELITE Simulation Solutions.

Thank you for having me. Please tell us a bit about ELITE Simulation Solutions, like where are you based and what are you offering.

ELITE Simulation Solutins AG was founded in 1987. Our Headquarter is located in Duebendorf, Switzerland.

We offer a wide range of products, starting from desktop trainers for private users up to EASA certified FNPT II, and even FTD certified simulators which can be used for training purposes.

The range of products offered by ELITE Simulation Solutions has been growing steadily since the company was founded in 1987. Iconic aircraft such as the Cessna 172, the Piper Seneca III, the Beechcraft King Air B200 have been part of your simulators for quite some time. What aircraft models have recently joined your fleet of training devices?

Currently we are offering the worlds most cost efficient FNPT II. Furthermore, we have been able to launch our Diamond DA 42, Airbus A320 as well as our ELITE Virtual Reality Simulator. Those belong to our latest products.

ELITE training devices have earned certification for various systems world-wide by  EASA, the FAA, Indian DGAC, CASA and ANAC to name a few. What is your approach regarding certification and re-certification and how do you support the customer?

The certification of our FSTDs is one of our top priorities.
A FSTD actually acquires its role as a flight training device once it is certified by the competent authority. Before that, it is just an expensive toy…
It is our goal to accompany the customer throughout the entire certification process, from the completion of the initial evaluation application to the inspection of the FSTD by the local civil aviation authorities and the subsequent resolution of objections, if any.
ELITE guarantees that its FSTDs will be initially approved. If not, we will refund your money!
As far as recertification is concerned, ELITE offers its team of professionals should the customer require any assistance on this regard.

Some trends in simulation emerge from the gaming industry - VR (Virtual Reality) is no exception to that. How is ELITE embracing VR solutions?

In general, we are convinced that Virtual Reality Simulators will have a significant future in flight training – also in terms of certification. Our ELITE Virtual Reality Simulator shows that pilots can train their skills with a compatible and cost-efficient device. The VR technology offers a 360 view in and outside the cockpit and gives a close to reality flight feeling, which results in a decrease of training hours in terms of familiarization. Of course, we are continuously developing our Simulators to improve in every aspect.

The pandemic has affected initial flight training, recurrent flight training and almost all other aspects of private and commercial aviation. What is your outlook regarding training needs in the coming years?

As in every crisis there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As we emerge from the pandemic, we see a sharp increase in the number of passengers, so the demand for pilot also increases in parallel. Current pilots need to be re-trained before they enter the cockpit again and the demand for new pilots is huge. We are working proactively in order to be ready for this new situation.

What untapped opportunities are you seeing in terms of digitalization within flight training?

We think that the opportunities of digitalization will bring a wide variety of advantages such as more efficiency during the certification process or even pilot training instructions

Follow ELITE Simulation Solutions on LinkedIn or find their offering on www.flyelite.swiss.