FlightSafety International (FSI) is to provide training devices to prepare pilots to fly the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft. In addition to providing immersive, mixed-reality simulators, the flight training group will develop a preliminary simulator representative of the single-pilot vehicle’s cockpit to be used by Lilium’s engineers for development work.
Under an agreement announced on May 11, the so-called eSim device (‘e’ stands for engineering) will be installed in Lilium’s ground-based aircraft systems integration laboratory to support efforts to test and certify the all-electric Lilium Jet. The equipment will help to familiarize the eVTOL developer’s pilots before they start flight testing a full-scale prototype of the Lilium Jet in 2024, and will also be used to verify aspects of the aircraft’s performance to ensure compliance with type certification requirements.
FSI will develop and deliver training programs, including online modules, for future Lilium Jet pilots and mechanics around the world. The company intends to provide training devices for eVTOL pilots that are equivalent to Level C/D standards.
The partnership with Lilium builds on a collaboration agreement initiated in 2022 with both FSI and its Berkshire Hathaway group sister company NetJets, which plans to include the eVTOL vehicle in its fractional ownership and charter fleet. The qualification of the first training devices and the development of training programs is also being supported by Lufthansa Aviation Training.
“It is our mission to deliver best-in-class pilot training, globally, while working with new partners to bring new, sustainable modes of transport with cost-effective training capabilities,” said Nate Speiser, FSI’s sales and marketing executive vice president. “We are excited to be working with leading eVTOL manufacturer Lilium to advance and deliver training that empowers and prepares pilots for the world of eVTOL flight.”
FSI operates an extensive fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at the group’s Learning Centers and training locations in the U.S., Canada, France, and the UK. It provides training infrastructure for multiple types of business aircraft and airliners, working closely with manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer.
CAE Offers Training Choice For eVTOL Pilots
CAE, which is FlightSafety's main rival, is also stepping up its role in the advanced air mobility sector. In July 2022, it announced plans to offer mixed-reality training devices like the MXR700 for new vehicles. It is working on training technology for eVTOL developers including Joby and Beta Technologies.
Air safety regulators, such as EASA and FAA, have not issued specific training requirements for eVTOL aircraft, which will be operated with single pilots. For now, flight crew are expected to be trained under existing requirements. Lilium said it is in contact with both of these agencies to formulate plans for training.
