CAE has recently launched its inaugural Gulfstream-dedicated business aviation training center near Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s headquarters in Savannah, marking a significant advancement in the field of aviation training. This center is uniquely positioned to train pilots and maintenance technicians, enhancing their proficiency with state-of-the-art technology, including full-flight simulators and virtual reality.
The facility, which began operations with a Gulfstream G550 full-flight simulator in January, is equipped to house up to four simulators. The addition of a Gulfstream G280 simulator is anticipated in July. The center’s maintenance training program incorporates advanced virtual reality techniques to facilitate training on the Gulfstream G280, G650, and G500/G600 jets.
“Savannah has been home to Gulfstream’s worldwide headquarters for more than 50 years,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “I am confident that CAE will reap the same great benefits we’ve received from this welcoming community and, of course, the incredible workforce we have here.”
Marc Parent, CAE’s President and CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of the new center. “The inauguration of the CAE Savannah training center is a significant milestone in terms of the advanced training and customer experience we offer to Gulfstream operators, making it more convenient than ever for their pilots and maintenance technicians to train with CAE,” he said. “CAE Savannah is a showcase for innovation. Virtual reality, for example, will be used in both the theoretical and practical elements of our maintenance training program. CAE Rise™ will also be used on all simulators, empowering instructors with technology that delivers insights and data to enrich simulator training for pilots.”
The incorporation of CAE Rise™ technology in the training modules uses Metrics-Based Insights (MBI) and telemetry data to furnish instructors with objective data, enhancing the focus on soft skills during live training sessions. This approach not only supports civilian training but also extends to military applications, promoting safety through proactive analytics.
The establishment of the Savannah Training Center represents a pivotal extension of CAE’s commitment to its business aviation training network, which aims to meet the increasing global demand for qualified aviation professionals. By 2032, the industry anticipates the need for an additional 32,000 business aviation pilots and 74,000 business aircraft maintenance technicians. With this new addition, CAE now operates five business aviation training centers across the United States, solidifying its footprint in North America with locations in New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, as well as a center in Montreal.