FSTC (Flight Simulation Technique Centre) Receives EASA Approval for A320 Simulator
In a proud moment for the Indian aviation industry, FSTC (Flight Simulation Technique Centre) has received EASA approval for its Airbus A320 simulator, making it the only pilot training centre in the region to have this approval.
This is a significant achievement for FSTC, a joint venture company with SIM Industries BV, Netherlands, a Lockheed Martin Company. It has the latest Airbus 320 and Boeing 737-800 full flight Level D simulators located at its modern training facility in Gurgaon. FSTC is the first training centre in North India to meet aviation training requirements. It has been set up with a vision to reduce burden of airlines towards travel, visa and hotel costs and to ensure immediate availability of pilots for operation. With the AESA approval in place, FSTC is also targeting several international airlines and pilots to use their world-class training facilities as these could prove cost effective for them. The training centre has been established to meet global standards of excellence and plans to install six full flight simulators in three stages over a period of the next 18 months.
Recruitment in the Indian aviation sector is on a growth trajectory resulting from entry of new airlines, business plans of existing airlines, opening of new airports and modernization of old ones. According to consultancy firm Deloitte India, choosing the right crew and training are key for airlines. Consultancy firms like KPMG say that an increase in business travel, tourism and promotional fares will help add to the recruitment numbers in the sector, hence boosting the demand for training facilities.
In addition, FSTC, which secured its TRTO (Type Rating Training Organization) approval in July last year, caters to CPL holders who seek a self-sponsored type rating either on the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320, most of whom otherwise would have to go outside the country for their rating. This saves the individual the costs associated with international travel, hassles with visa, and in some cases, the costs associated with accommodation.
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Sanjay Mandavia, Founder of FSTC said, "It is a great achievement for FSTC to be recognized as an EASA operator in such a short span of operation time. It is surely a matter of national pride to be recognized as a quality training service provider along with the other training facilities around the world."
Captain Dilawar Singh Basraon, Co-founder and accountable manager of FSTC said, "We have a team of professional trainers who will share excellent training and experience to every aspiring young pilot. In the coming years India will see huge demand of training for narrow body aircrafts and FSTC will capitalize on this demand. Our centre operates round the clock. With our presence in India it will be huge savings for airlines and private pilots. Our simulators are the latest and use third generation technology, which saves huge power consumptions. Our 737 simulator is the only simulator in the country which supports CAT III B training which helps landing in foggy conditions. In addition, it is the only simulation training facility approved by Boeing to do RNP (Radio Navigation Performance) approaches.
About FSTC
FSTC is part of the Flywings Aviation Group that has its own flying school and charter operations. FSTC's facility is already being used by airlines such as Spicejet, Indigo, Jet Airways, and JetLite to train their pilots.