BAA Training has started virtual reality-based (VR) pilot training and signed a contract with VR technology provider VRpilot. VRpilot will supply a new VRflow emergency procedure trainer to enhance pilot training at the academy. From January 2022, the virtual reality-based solution will be embedded into Airbus A320 Type Rating and MCC training, available for corporate and individual clients. Later, it will also become part of Boeing 737NG and Boeing 737 MAX Type Rating programs and different courses. From the Ab Initio perspective, VR will serve as an additional tool for ground school and flight school students’ lectures and other training.

Aivaras Lukauskis, product manager at BAA Training, said “BAA Training advocates new ideas and innovative solutions that offer a completely immersive, visual and sound-based experience and aims to teach its students to tackle real-life situations in the early stages of the training. VR technology provides a safe and flexible environment to learn and develop necessary skills needed to react quickly and handle even the most difficult scenarios. We have selected VRpilot as the equipment provider and will use VRflow, which offers multi-dimensional real-time simulation and an intuitive and transparent interface.”

Thor Paulli Andersen, founding partner and CTO for VRpilot, said “VRpilot is grateful for this opportunity to work with BAA Training and to be part of their journey on future pilot training and to help increase flight safety through improved quality of pilot training.”

EASA confirms that adopting the latest technologies and applying other training devices than full flight simulators can bring tangible benefits for pilot training. Therefore, it is pursuing the modernisation of its regulation and is moving towards officially approving VR as a suitable concept for professional pilot training purposes.

BAA Training develops programme with ENAC

PHOTO: BAA)

BAA Training and Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) have signed an agreement and developed a BAA Training/ENAC mutual training programme, covering Ab Initio and advanced training. With a proven track record of two-year collaboration, the companies are eager to foster their synergies further and establish long-term business relationships.

Marijus Ravoitis, CEO at BAA Training, said “By signing this agreement, we are further taking steps towards making our strategic partnership stronger. BAA Training will aim to enhance its capacities to reach and maintain ENAC’s standards under the scope of the BAA Training/ENAC mutual training programme. We will apply best industry practices to provide quality training for airlines preparing for the aviation recovery and projected reemerging pilot shortage in years to come.”

Thierry de Basquiat, ENAC Flight School Director, says: “This agreement seals a project to develop a high-quality training program based on ENAC and BAA capacities and competencies. The impact of the global pandemic further emphasises the importance of building relationships and partnerships to maintain and support the development of quality flight training.”

The mutual program is currently available for corporate clients. The first students will start their training in early 2022. On a second step, BAA Training and ENAC may study the possibility to open registration to clients coming from other backgrounds than airline companies. The partners have shared responsibilities regarding the new program’s components: BAA Training will deliver ground school training, VFR, MCC, JOC and Type Rating, whereas ENAC will cover the IFR training stage. BAA Training entered into partnership with ENAC in 2019. Since then, it has supported the French university with both theory and flight training.