Here at NBAA 2015, SimCom Aviation Training Centers (Booth C12439) is announcing an expanded simulator base and some new e-learning options for experienced pilots. The company also has a few new faces onboard.

SimCom is known for its innovative and economical training programs and for offering a simulator-based alternative to the traditional training providers. The company began by focusing on professional training for piston aircraft, and with its success there (and acceptance by insurance companies) it expanded in the 1990s to become what it is today: a full-service business aviation flight training provider with programs for piston, turboprop and jet airplanes at multiple locations throughout the U.S.

“Our Garmin G600-equipped King Air 200 simulator came to life at our Dallas location starting in October,” said Brenda Miles, worldwide sales and marketing director, who joined the company in January 2015 after 16 years at FlightSafety International. “The B200 simulator is equipped with dual G600 PFDs and a WAAS GTN-750, which are often seen with glass-cockpit upgrades on that airplane,” she explained. By adding or subtracting features on the G600, SimCom instructors can approximate everything from basic glass cockpits to fully integrated flight decks.

Miles also noted that SimCom’s full-motion Citation XLS simulator is ready for training this month at its Parksouth training center in Orlando, Fla. “This is a state-of-the-art level D flight simulator with high-definition graphics,” she said. At the company’s Scottsdale, Ariz., training center a Citation Mustang simulator is being installed. Training programs for the Mustang begin in 2016, according to Miles.

At the piston-powered end of the business, the company has a new Beechcraft Bonanza simulator that can be configured as a V35B V-tail, A36, 36TC, F33A or B36TC. The Frasca-built advanced training device features a 220-degree high-definition visual system and an integrated instructor station. The simulator is equipped with Garmin 430 navigators and Bendix/King avionics.

Finally, SimCom is now offering an economical eRecurrent training program for experienced type-rated pilots. The concept is to reduce the recurrent course hourly requirements by allowing the pilot to study ground school material and complete a written test before arriving for simulator training. The eRecurrent program started with the Westwind and next year will expand to the Citation 500 and 525, Hawker 700/800, Beechcraft and Eclipse models, according to Miles.

Another new personnel addition is Michael King, who joined SimCom this year as CEO, bringing with him 20 years’ experience in flight simulation. Gary Santos joined the company as training center manager in Scottsdale, having recently retired from Republic Airlines, where he was director of training. SimCom also hired a new director of training and quality, Michael Young. Young’s focus is standardization, regulatory compliance and quality control.