[NEWMARKET, ONTARIO, CANADA, July 22, 2024] – Flightdeck Solutions is proud to announce the successful delivery and installation of three high-level flight training devices at the newly inaugurated Aviation SIM Centre and Innovation Hub of the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC). The June 2024 grand opening of this 3,300-square-foot facility marks a significant milestone in aviation training, aimed at equipping future pilots with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.

“The simulators give a very close-to-realistic feel… they are tactically identical to an aircraft”

– Tony Varga, WWFC Chair

The newly installed FDS-A320-FTD, FDS-B737MAX-FTD, and newcomer FDS-Q400-FTD will enrich the school’s training programs, including a revamped Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) curriculum. Equally important, the devices will facilitate research initiatives for the school’s strategic partner, the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA).

“With the new flight training devices installed, what our aim is here is that (students) will be trained with the aircraft they will have when they walk into at an airline,” stated Tony Varga, chairman of the WWFC board. This integration is expected to significantly shorten the ramp-up time for pilots transitioning to actual airline operations, thus addressing the current shortage of qualified pilots.

PHOTO: Highlights from the grand unveiling of WWFC’s Aviation SIM Centre and Innovation Hub | Photo credit: WWFC (2, 4, 5) and FDS (1, 3, 6)

Peter Cos, President of Flightdeck Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Flightdeck Solutions has built a strong reputation as the premier provider of flight simulators for North American schools. Our partnership with WWFC highlights our dedication to advancing aviation education and training across Canada.”

The establishment of the Aviation SIM Centre and Innovation Hub was made possible through a collaborative investment. In October 2023, WWFC invested $1.8 million for building construction, while equipment and research were supported by a $9.2 million investment from the Canadian government through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

PHOTO: Test flight of the FDS A320-FTD during the WWFC 2024 grand opening. | Photo credit: FDS

By training approximately 300 students per year, the WWFC aims to produce graduates with an undergraduate-level understanding of aviation equipment, thanks to the sophisticated simulators provided by Flightdeck Solutions. “The simulators give a very close-to-realistic feel… they are tactically identical to an aircraft,” Varga explained, underscoring the high fidelity and precision of the new devices.

About Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC)

WWFC offers a state-of-the-art facility partnered with Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo aviation programs. It offers industry-recognized training to individuals seeking a career in aviation. WWFC also strongly supports the general aviator, offering modular programs, an Airline Transport Pilot Licence program, and support to Fun Flyers. Nearly 20% of total commercial pilot licenses in Canada are graduates of the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre at YKF. WWFC is a not-for-profit corporation that employs over 100 employees and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Its mission continues to provide members of the aviation community with the opportunity to pursue their goals supported by the highest-quality resources and in the safest environment. For more information about Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, visit wwfc.ca or call 519-648-2213.