Pan Am Flight Academy Acquires Boeing 767-300ER Simulator

Pan Am Flight Academy Enhances Widebody Training with New Boeing 767-300ER Simulator

Pan Am Flight Academy, a subsidiary of Acorn, has announced the acquisition and installation of a Boeing 767-300ER Level “D” full-flight simulator (FFS) at its Axis Park Campus in Miami. The simulator is expected to be fully operational for training purposes by July 2025, marking a significant expansion in the Academy’s widebody aircraft training capabilities.

Advanced Simulator Features and Upgrades

The newly acquired Boeing 767-300ER simulator is equipped with GE engines, TCAS 7.0, EGPWS, and Upset Recovery Training (UPRT Dir 2) functionalities. It is currently undergoing extensive upgrades, including the integration of the RSI XT6 Image Generator, high-resolution Norxe P10 projectors, a new back projection screen, and a complete mylar mirror replacement. These enhancements are intended to provide high-fidelity simulation and dependable performance, ensuring that pilot training closely replicates real-world flying conditions.

With this addition, Pan Am Flight Academy will operate five Boeing 767 full-flight simulators in Miami, establishing itself as one of the most comprehensive Boeing training centers in the region. This expansion responds to growing demand from international airlines and commercial operators for superior widebody aircraft training, encompassing type-rating, recurrent training, and simulator leasing services.

Strategic Positioning and Industry Impact

Ed Wegel, CEO of Pan Am Flight Academy, emphasized that these technical upgrades reinforce the institution’s commitment to quality, reliability, and operational excellence. He highlighted the investment as a demonstration of the Academy’s dedication to supporting the global Boeing 767 fleet and addressing the evolving training needs of its customers.

Industry analysts suggest that Pan Am’s acquisition may intensify competition among training centers, potentially prompting rivals to enhance their own simulator capabilities. Early feedback from the market has been favorable, with expectations that the new simulator will elevate training standards and attract a broader client base seeking advanced widebody training solutions.

In parallel with expanding its simulator fleet, Pan Am Flight Academy has also enriched its curriculum by introducing advanced courses in crew resource management and threat and error management. This comprehensive training approach reflects the aviation sector’s increasing emphasis on not only technical skills but also operational safety and decision-making competencies.

Through these strategic investments and curriculum developments, Pan Am Flight Academy is positioning itself to meet the dynamic and growing demands of the global aviation training industry. The Academy’s ongoing focus on innovation and quality underscores its pivotal role in preparing pilots for the complexities of modern commercial aviation.