Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

FlightSafety International is an aviation training provider with global reach. They offer comprehensive programs for pilots, maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and dispatchers. Their state-of-the-art training centers and experienced instructors ensure top-notch training, adhering to strict standards, and promoting safety and proficiency in the industry.

Axis Flight Simulation this week introduced its AX-D Flex platform to allow pilots to train to fly multiple aircraft types using the same hardware. The equipment consists of a core simulator structure with motion and visual display components that can be integrated with cockpit modules representing a variety of business jets and narrowbody airliners.
According to the Austrian company, the AX-D Flex supports Level D full flight simulator training approved for EASA and FAA pilot qualifications, as well as the requirements of other regulators. Changing out the cockpit modules in a "roll-on-roll-off" process takes up to two hours, according to Axis. It recommends that users plan courses to avoid having to make the swaps more than once each day with each simulator.
The AX-D Flex replicates type-specific flight decks using what Axis refers to as “OEM-quality simulated aircraft parts." The company adapts cockpits from pre-owned aircraft to achieve an authentic experience for the pilots.
Axis mainly uses cockpit nose sections, seats, linings, yokes, and panels to fabricate the cockpit modules, under its regulatory approval as a simulator manufacturer. Each part used is fully refurbished and subject to a quality check.
Introducing the platform at the World Aviation Training Summit in Orlando on Tuesday, the company said that by combining software-based avionics simulation and commercial off-the-shelf components, the equipment is reliable and has low maintenance costs.
Axis engineers have developed a lifting mechanism to support the process in which cockpit modules are changed out. The technology uses safety sensors and locking systems in a largely automated transition process that is overseen by a couple of maintenance technicians.
“Training providers are typically required to install specific simulators for different aircraft types,” said Christian Theuermann, a member of the Axis executive board. “The launch of AX-D Flex will redefine the landscape of flight simulation, offering a cost-effective solution that allows pilots to train a variety of different aircraft types.”
<h2>New Approach Challenges CAE and FlightSafety</h2>
Axis is marketing the AX-D Flex as an alternative to Level D simulators produced by training groups like CAE and FlightSafety International. It expects its customer base to include operators seeking the flexibility to conduct training in-house to include mixes of aircraft types that will have variable flight training hour needs.
German airline Lufthansa is the launch customer for the system, with a unit supplied for Bombardier’s Challenger 650 model. Axis worked with avionics supplier Rockwell Collins on the flight deck technology.
For each type, Axis will lease or rent a real aircraft to conduct its own flight test campaign to gather all the data needed. For the Challenger 650, it logged 70 flight hours to conduct all the maneuvers required for Level D training. This approach means the company is fully independent from each OEM.
The approximate cost of each AX-D Flex system, including what Axis calls “the mother ship” and the cockpit modules, ranges from around $9 million to $17 million. The cost of each cockpit module is between $6 million and $14 million.
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