Flight training organisation Tayside Aviation has made a £300,000 investment in an Alsim ALX simulator, which is is part funded by a £80,000 Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant from Scottish Enterprise. The new simulator allows pilots to simulate small twin engine aircraft, as well as medium range jet transport.
Now certified for training by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the simulator will be used by students taking part in Tayside Aviation’s BSc (Hons) Professional Aviation Pilot Practice degree, in conjunction with Middlesex University and Aviation Skills Partnership.
James Watt, Managing Director said:
“Superior in almost every way to our previous model, which was no longer fit for practice, the new simulator came pre-installed with advanced airport graphics giving students a highly realistic approach to training outside of the aircraft. It’s an incredibly sophisticated simulator and essentially echoes the experience of flying a medium range, 200 passenger jet, providing the best commercial training experience Scotland has to offer, and one which meets exacting new industry standards.
“Now is a particularly important time for pilot training due to the global shortage of pilots. Boeing’s latest estimate states that the commercial aviation industry will need 637,000 new airline pilots worldwide between now and 2036. That boils down to just over 87 pilots a day, or almost four pilots every hour globally. Tayside Aviation is delighted to be at the forefront as one of the UKs leading Flight Training Organisations and, in what is our 50th year, are proud to be training the next generation of pilots.”
The simulator also incorporates ‘performance based navigation’ which is a new industry requirement being adopted worldwide and is described by Mr Watt as a ‘game changer’.
Caroline Strain, Head of Partnerships North at Scottish Enterprise added,
“This is a great example of how a small, ambitious Scottish company is using RSA funding to aid its growth and international competitiveness. By purchasing this state-of-the-art new equipment, Tayside Aviation will be in prime position to take advantage of increased demand due to worldwide pilot shortages while meeting new industry requirements.
“We’ve been working with Tayside Aviation for 8 years now, with support ranging from marketing advice to relationship building in Ireland, China and Libya as well as helping them develop their honours degree in partnership with the University of Middlesex. It’s great to see the company take this next big step.”