AXIS Flight Simulation is offering insights into the world of AI, Augmented Reality (AR) and Extended Reality (XR), describing how companies are exploring these concepts to elevate business aviation training. Executive board member Christian Theuermann states: “Boeing’s 2026 Pilot and Technician Outlook estimates that 674,000 new pilots will be needed globally over the next 20 years, alongside 728,000 maintenance technicians and more than one million cabin crew. For business aviation operators competing for talent from the same workforce, recruitment is only part of the problem. Pilots entering the industry and existing personnel must be trained, often across diverse aircraft types and demanding operating schedules. Making better use of existing training infrastructure is essential if the industry is to absorb greater numbers without creating new bottlenecks.”

Full flight simulators (FFS) and experienced instructors will remain fundamental to pilot training. Now, technology is helping make better use of both, easing pressure on constrained resources and allowing more pilots to move through the pipeline.

Extended reality, or XR, describes technologies that combine physical and digital training environments. Augmented reality (AR) can overlay information such as flight data, checklists or procedural guidance onto a pilot’s real-world view. This supports decision-making without disturbing the trainees’ surroundings.

Virtual reality (VR) goes further, creating an immersive environment users can interact with using a headset or goggles. It places the pilot inside a digital cockpit where they can look around the flight deck, learn systems and practise scenarios or emergency procedures in a safe, remote place.

Theuermann continues: “These technologies move much of the familiarisation and procedural learning into more accessible settings, allowing pilots to prepare for a FFS session away from a specialist centre. This means valuable simulator time can be focused on more advanced training, while organisations can accommodate extra students without adding pressure to existing capacity.

“AI has a useful role here too. Training produces a large amount of performance data and AI can help trainers interpret it by identifying recurring weaknesses and offering a clearer picture of where attention is needed. The idea is not to remove instructors from the process, but to provide better information and allow their expertise to be concentrated on areas where human judgement matters most.”

EASA’s new framework for Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) moves away from relying solely on fixed simulator qualification levels. Through the FSTD Capability Signature and task-to-tool methodology, greater emphasis is placed on the capabilities and fidelity a device can provide for a particular training objective.

Where a particular level of fidelity is claimed for aircraft handling, flight controls, visuals or another capability, it must be demonstrated against the aircraft. Comprehensive aircraft and flight-test data will therefore become increasingly important to simulator development and validation.

Theuermann concludes: “The move ultimately signals the value of greater flexibility in pilot training and acknowledges the growing influence technologies such as XR are having on how programmes are delivered. Simulation has advanced considerably in recent years and it’s encouraging to see regulation evolving with it. For business aviation, this should translate to how and where pilots train, while maintaining the standards the industry depends on.”