Dassault's Training Academy recently graduated the 1,000th student from its Falcon practical training course designed for maintenance technicians. Dassault (Booths Z89, T123) said the mark underscores the growing popularity of the hands-on educational tool, which provides a comprehensive approach involving real-life working conditions.

Founded in 2013, the academy provides a range of training options on Falcon aircraft with locations in Mérignac, near Bordeaux, and Paris Le Bourget. Dassault Aviation said it is the first business jet manufacturer to obtain EASA approval to operate as a Part 147 training center. The academy offers accredited, two-week, model-specific courses for technicians on all Falcon 900, 2000, 7X, and 8X models.

Training covers the full life-cycle of the aircraft, beginning with entry into service. “Trainees obtain access to the latest Falcon technologies and maintenance standards while benefiting from the hands-on experience of seasoned Dassault Aviation technicians and engineers,” said Jean Kayanakis, senior v-p of worldwide customer service and service center network.

Falcon Practical Training is the baseline course, designed to complement instruction from Dassault authorized training providers CAE, FlightSafety International, and Global Jet Services. A key feature in the syllabus is Dassault’s Falcon immersive practical training, which uses a 3D virtual reality tool that enables trainees to access any component or part without using actual hardware.

The academy further provides specialized offerings such as structural repair training, a five-day course in mapping and handling corrosion and composite repair. That course is offered in partnership with Aerocampus Latresne near Bordeaux. Dassault is planning to add further specialized course offerings in other areas, such as pilot maintenance familiarizing service tasks and cabin system maintenance.