FlightSafety International Achieves EASA and UK CAA Certification for Gulfstream G700 Simulator at Farnborough, Expanding Advanced Pilot Training in Europe
FlightSafety International Inc. (FSI), a global leader in professional aviation training and simulation technology, has reached another major milestone with the successful certification of its Gulfstream G700 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA). The newly certified simulator is located at FlightSafety’s Farnborough Learning Centre, one of the company’s flagship training facilities in Europe.
The dual certification represents a critical step in expanding high-fidelity training capacity for Gulfstream’s latest ultra-long-range business jets, reinforcing FlightSafety’s long-standing role as a trusted training partner for business aviation operators worldwide. With this approval, the Farnborough-based simulator is now fully authorized to support initial, recurrent, and advanced pilot training programs for Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800 aircraft under both European and UK regulatory frameworks.
Validation of Advanced Simulation Technology
The certification process confirms that the Gulfstream G700 Full Flight Simulator meets the most stringent regulatory requirements for accuracy, realism, and performance. Engineered and manufactured by FlightSafety International, the simulator incorporates advanced motion systems, visual environments, and avionics replication designed to precisely mirror the handling characteristics and cockpit environment of the G700 aircraft.
EASA and UK CAA approval validates the simulator’s ability to deliver training that closely replicates real-world flight conditions, including normal, abnormal, and emergency scenarios. Such fidelity is essential for preparing flight crews to operate some of the most technologically advanced business aircraft ever produced.
The G700 simulator at Farnborough is built to Full Flight Simulator Level D standards, the highest level of certification available, ensuring pilots receive the most comprehensive and realistic training experience possible. This level of simulation enables crews to train for a wide range of operational environments, weather conditions, system failures, and airport scenarios without leaving the ground.
Supporting the Next Generation of Gulfstream Aircraft
The Gulfstream G700 represents a new generation of business aviation, combining extended range, advanced avionics, and enhanced passenger comfort. As operators introduce these aircraft into service, access to certified, high-quality training becomes a critical requirement for safe and efficient operations.
With the Farnborough simulator now certified, FlightSafety expands its global training footprint for Gulfstream operators, offering European-based access to training that previously required long-distance travel. The simulator will support both the G700 and the closely related Gulfstream G800, providing flexibility for operators transitioning between aircraft types or managing mixed fleets.
By enabling pilots to complete type ratings, recurrent training, and advanced scenario-based instruction closer to home, FlightSafety helps reduce operational disruption, training costs, and travel time for operators based in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Strengthening Training Access Across Europe
David Mann, Farnborough Centre Manager at FlightSafety International, emphasized the importance of the certification for the regional aviation community. According to Mann, the approval of the G700 simulator at Farnborough reinforces FlightSafety’s commitment to supporting Gulfstream operators across Europe and enhances access to advanced training solutions that meet the highest international standards.
The Farnborough Learning Centre has long served as a key hub for business aviation training in the region, supporting a diverse customer base that includes corporate flight departments, charter operators, and owner-pilots. The addition of the certified G700 simulator further strengthens the centre’s position as a comprehensive training destination for modern business jets.
For pilots, the availability of a local, regulator-approved simulator means greater scheduling flexibility, reduced travel fatigue, and more opportunities to focus on high-quality training outcomes. For operators, it translates into improved operational readiness and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Nearly Five Decades of European Presence
FlightSafety International’s roots in Europe extend back nearly 50 years, during which time the company has steadily expanded its training infrastructure, curriculum, and instructor expertise to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry. The Farnborough Learning Centre stands as one of the company’s most important European facilities, reflecting a long-term commitment to the region.
Over the decades, FlightSafety has consistently invested in state-of-the-art simulators, modern classrooms, and highly qualified instructors to ensure its training programs remain aligned with aircraft innovation and regulatory evolution. The certification of the G700 simulator is a continuation of that strategy, demonstrating FlightSafety’s ability to support the latest aircraft platforms as they enter service.
The company’s long-standing presence in Europe has also enabled it to build strong working relationships with regulators such as EASA and the UK CAA, ensuring that training devices and programs meet or exceed all applicable safety and performance standards.
Regulatory Significance of Dual Certification
Securing certification from both EASA and the UK CAA carries particular significance in the post-Brexit regulatory environment, where approvals from each authority are required to support operators registered in their respective jurisdictions. Dual certification ensures that pilots training at Farnborough can meet licensing and currency requirements regardless of whether they operate under European or UK regulatory oversight.
This flexibility is especially valuable for international operators whose aircraft and crews may be registered across multiple jurisdictions. By offering a single training location that satisfies both regulatory frameworks, FlightSafety simplifies compliance and enhances operational efficiency for its customers.
The certification process itself is rigorous, involving extensive testing, data validation, and collaboration between the simulator manufacturer, training provider, and regulators. Approval confirms that the simulator’s flight characteristics, visual systems, and systems modeling accurately reflect the real aircraft across a wide range of operating conditions.
Expanding Capacity to Meet Growing Demand
The certification of the G700 simulator follows FlightSafety’s recent announcement of planned expansion at the Farnborough Learning Centre. This expansion reflects growing demand for advanced business aviation training as new aircraft types enter service and global flight activity continues to rebound.
Business aviation operators increasingly require flexible, high-quality training solutions that can keep pace with fleet modernization and evolving operational requirements. By expanding its facilities and adding certified simulators for next-generation aircraft, FlightSafety aims to ensure sufficient capacity to meet customer needs now and in the future.
The Farnborough expansion is part of a broader global investment strategy that includes new simulators, facility upgrades, and instructor development across FlightSafety’s worldwide network. These investments are designed to maintain the company’s leadership position in professional aviation training while supporting the industry’s continued growth.
Enhancing Safety Through Advanced Training
At its core, the certification of the G700 simulator supports FlightSafety’s overarching mission: to enhance aviation safety through world-class training. High-fidelity simulation allows pilots to practice complex procedures and emergency scenarios that cannot be safely replicated in actual aircraft.
Training in a Full Flight Simulator enables crews to develop muscle memory, decision-making skills, and crew coordination in a controlled environment. For technologically advanced aircraft like the G700, where sophisticated avionics and automated systems play a central role, this level of training is especially critical.
FlightSafety’s training programs are designed not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to exceed them by incorporating scenario-based training, threat and error management, and real-world operational challenges. The certified G700 simulator at Farnborough will serve as a cornerstone of these programs for European operators.
A Strategic Step for Gulfstream Operators
For Gulfstream customers, the expanded availability of certified training in Europe supports the smooth introduction and operation of the G700 and G800 aircraft. As fleets grow and flight departments scale their operations, access to reliable training infrastructure becomes a key consideration in fleet planning.
The Farnborough simulator provides Gulfstream operators with confidence that their crews can maintain the highest levels of proficiency while minimizing logistical complexity. This is particularly important for long-range aircraft that often operate internationally and require crews to be prepared for diverse operational environments.
With EASA and UK CAA certification now in place, FlightSafety International is well positioned to support the next phase of growth for Gulfstream’s flagship aircraft in Europe and beyond. The Farnborough Learning Centre continues to evolve as a premier destination for business aviation training, combining advanced technology, experienced instructors, and regulatory excellence.
As the aviation industry continues to embrace new aircraft technologies and higher performance standards, FlightSafety’s investment in certified simulation and training infrastructure underscores its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer support. The newly certified G700 Full Flight Simulator at Farnborough not only enhances regional training access but also reinforces FlightSafety’s role in shaping the future of professional pilot training worldwide.
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