Vista America Launches Challenger 350 Simulator in Ohio

Vista America has inaugurated a Bombardier Challenger 350 full-flight simulator at its Columbus, Ohio headquarters. Serving VistaJet and XO clients, Vista America estimates its fleet is averaging nearly 1,000 hours of utilization annually, requiring it to bring “a new level of agility and consistency to its training ecosystem.”

The Challenger simulator, first announced in October 2024, will now enable in-house pilot training, which Vista America said will give it full control over curriculum quality and scheduling efficiency. It will initially operate up to six hours a day, seven days a week. Vista America plans to augment its current initial and recurrent training programs with type rating and airline transport pilot courses delivered internally. 

The Level D simulator was manufactured by Austrian company Axis Flight Simulation. It has now supplied three training devices to facilities in the U.S., with two of these being used to train business jet pilots.

The simulator includes a Van Halteren motion system and an RSi XT6 visual system with a 200 x 45 field of vision, as well as a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite. Axis certified the CL350 unit for FAA requirements with support from its partner Aeronet.

Optional features include controller-pilot data link communications, an electronic checklist, and steep approach capability. The equipment is also certified for localizer performance with vertical guidance, required navigation performance and runway awareness and advisory system/smart runway.

"Operating up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week, the simulator supports every stage of pilot development and brings new agility and consistency to our training ecosystem," said Vista America's president, David Stanley. 

Vista America will also be introducing evidence-based training (EBT) at the Columbus facility. This follows global operating partner VistaJet’s recent EASA approval to be the first business aviation company in Europe to receive formal approval for EBT. Vista America is also adding an aircrew dedicated examiner program, which it will also conduct in-house.

Meanwhile, Vista America has received a trio of safety ratings: Wyvern Wingman Pro, Argus Platinum Elite, and IS-BAO Stage 3. According to Vista America, these accredidations validate its “proactive adoption of the FAA’s Part 5 Safety Management System,” which it has implemented ahead of the 2027 FAA requirement.

This story was updated on November 4 to include additional details provided by the simulator manufacturer Axis.