Simcom Aviation Training

Simcom Aviation Training
Name	Simcom Aviation Training
Type	Private
Industry	Aviation training
Founded	1979
Headquarters	Orlando, Florida, United States
Key people	Michael H. Rapsis
Products	Pilot training, type ratings, simulator services

Simcom Aviation Training is a United States–based provider of professional pilot instruction, aircraft simulator services, and aviation training solutions. Founded in 1979, the organization developed courses for fixed-wing and rotorcraft pilots, supported flight crews for air carriers, corporate operators, and military personnel, and operated a network of training centers and full flight simulators across North America. Simcom engaged with aviation manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and airline operators to deliver type ratings, crew resource management programs, and recurrent training.

History

Simcom Aviation Training was established in 1979 to meet expanding demand for advanced flight simulation and professional training for airline and corporate pilots. During the 1980s and 1990s the organization expanded its inventory of full flight simulators and contracted with manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier Aerospace, Embraer, and Sikorsky to support type-specific curricula. In the 2000s Simcom developed relationships with major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines while also serving business aviation operators like NetJets and Gulfstream Aerospace. The company adapted to regulatory changes from Federal Aviation Administration and international authorities including European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Transport Canada. Simcom’s timeline intersected with industry events such as the post-9/11 restructuring of air transport and the 2008 global financial crisis, which shaped demand for pilot training and simulator utilization. Throughout its history Simcom worked alongside training organizations like CAE, L3Harris Technologies, and FlightSafety International in commercial and governmental programs.

Facilities and Locations

Simcom operated multiple training centers and simulator facilities across the United States, commonly located in aviation hubs such as Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Facilities housed full flight simulators certified to FAA Level D standards and were co-located with fixed-base operators and maintenance providers such as Honeywell Aerospace service centers and Pratt & Whitney maintenance facilities. Training centers often sat near industry clusters including Silicon Valley–adjacent airports and corporate flight departments for operators headquartered in New York City, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta. Simcom’s geographic footprint enabled partnerships with university aviation programs at institutions such as Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and community colleges with aviation programs like Purdue University and University of North Dakota.

Training Programs

Simcom delivered a range of pilot training programs including initial type ratings, recurrent training, upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), crew resource management (CRM), and ab initio syllabi. Course offerings targeted operators of aircraft manufactured by Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier Aerospace, Embraer, Dassault Aviation, and Cessna as well as rotorcraft platforms by Bell Textron and Sikorsky. Programs incorporated standards from the Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and International Civil Aviation Organization guidance, and integrated modern avionics suites like Garmin systems and Rockwell Collins flight decks. Simcom’s syllabi referenced best practices from industry groups such as the Air Line Pilots Association, International, International Air Transport Association, and safety research from institutions like NASA and Flight Safety Foundation. Specialized courses addressed operations in airspace managed by entities like Federal Aviation Administration air traffic facilities and airport operations at major hubs including Heathrow Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Fleet and Equipment

Simcom’s training fleet comprised full flight simulators, fixed-base simulators, flight training devices, and classroom mockups reflecting types from Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, Airbus A320 family, Airbus A330, Bombardier CRJ, Embraer E-Jets, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream G550, and turboprops like the ATR 72 and De Havilland Canada Dash 8. Rotorcraft simulators modeled platforms such as the Bell 412 and Sikorsky S-76. Avionics and motion systems included technology from suppliers like Thales Group, CAE, L3Harris Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace, and Collins Aerospace. Simcom maintained simulator certification records compatible with FAA and EASA qualification levels and coordinated maintenance with original equipment manufacturers such as General Electric Aviation and Rolls-Royce Holdings.

Accreditation and Partnerships

Accreditations and partnerships formed a key part of Simcom’s operations. The organization held approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration for simulator-based training and worked with EASA-recognized partners for European credentialing. Simcom partnered with aircraft manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus for type-specific training content, and collaborated with training providers and defense contractors like CAE and Lockheed Martin on simulator technology and courseware. Corporate training ties extended to operators such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and charter operators like NetJets; academic partnerships connected Simcom to Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and Purdue University aviation programs. Professional memberships included engagement with Flight Safety Foundation and industry associations like International Air Transport Association and Air Line Pilots Association, International.

Safety and Quality Assurance

Safety and quality assurance programs at Simcom aligned with standards from regulatory bodies including the Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and Civil Aviation Administration of China where applicable. Quality management systems incorporated audit practices influenced by International Organization for Standardization frameworks and safety management system principles advocated by International Civil Aviation Organization. Simcom employed instructors with type-ratings recognized by FAA and EASA and used data-driven evaluation informed by research from NASA and accident reviews by entities like the National Transportation Safety Board. Continuous improvement processes included scenario-based training, line-oriented flight training influenced by Air Line Pilots Association, International recommendations, and recurrent assessment aligned with International Air Transport Association guidance.

Notable Alumni and Industry Impact

Graduates of Simcom programs included line pilots, corporate flight department captains, and military aviators who moved on to roles at major operators such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and business jet employers like NetJets and Gulfstream Aerospace. Alumni also entered regulatory and training leadership positions at agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration and EASA, and technical roles with manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus. Simcom’s influence is visible in partnerships with training organizations such as CAE and FlightSafety International and in its contribution to industry practices promoted by Flight Safety Foundation, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Air Transport Association.

Category:Aviation schools in the United States