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.
&nbsp;

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AX-D Flex Flight Training Simulators Can Switch Between Aircraft Types

Axis Flight Simulation lauched the technology at the World Aviation Training Summit

The AX-D Flex flight training platform consists of a main simulator and interchangeable cockpit modules for different business and commercial aircraft types.

AX-D Flex Flight Simulators Switch Between Aircraft Types

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Combines sophisticated controls in a hand-held device

Yawman Arrow Helps Flight Simulator Community Go Mobile

Sarah Rose

She was a member of the legendary “Magnificent Seven”

Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller to Keynote SDC2025

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Portugal-based operator has a fleet of around 220 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft

Avinicis Plans New Emergency Air Service Training Center

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Toulouse facility provides targeted training

Daher Opens New Learning Center in Southwestern France

Sheryl Barden

Now is the best time to plan the rest of your career

AINsight: Plan Your Future, Own It

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

In this article

CAE

FlightSafety International

More In Training and Workforce

Yawman Arrow Helps Flight Simulator Community Go Mobile

Combines sophisticated controls in a hand-held device

Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller to Keynote SDC2025

She was a member of the legendary “Magnificent Seven”

Avinicis Plans New Emergency Air Service Training Center

Portugal-based operator has a fleet of around 220 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft

Daher Opens New Learning Center in Southwestern France

Toulouse facility provides targeted training

AINsight: Plan Your Future, Own It

Now is the best time to plan the rest of your career

Survey Finds Strong Interest in Aviation Maintenance Careers

Responses suggest aviation maintenance is outstripping automotive tech careers

Joby Trains U.S. Air Force Technicians on eVTOL Aircraft Maintenance

Four-week training program covered inspections and maintenance

Strong Gulf Bizav Growth Drives Skilled Staff Recruitment

Pilots, aviation post holders and engineers are in demand

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN