French firm Alsim Flight Simulators and Orient Flights Private Limited (OFPL) of India have signed an MoU to mutually support each other in the creation of simulator centres in India. The centres will offer a range of training (PPL, CPL, IR / SE / ME, MCC and JOC, MPL Phase 1 & 2) to Indian (DGCA), European (EASA) and U.S. (FAA) standards.

This training service will be available for all airlines, training colleges and aviation organizations who qualify to receive such training. To meet regulatory requirements, Alsim and OFPL will work with the DGCA to discuss, identify and implement the required changes to the current training regime and allocated SIM hours for future airline pilot training.

The two partners, who have earmarked an investment of around €1m, aim to improve flight training capabilities in India and offer future Indian airline pilots a lower-cost alternative to approved training organisations (ATOs) in Europe or the U.S. They say that the current average cost for an ATPL integrated programme is around €80,000 and that there is no reason why this service cannot be fully provided by Indian flight training organisations (FTOs). The support and involvement of the Indian DGCA will be key.

Alsim has over 23 years of experience in the field of flight simulation training devices (FSTD) and ab-initio training, specifically in the field of small to medium sized FTO’s. The company specialises in Level II flight navigation procedures trainers (FNPT) that can be used for Multi Crew Coordination (MCC) training.