AOPA Online has learned that SimCom Training Centers in a pending deal will acquire up to 14 flight simulators from FlightSafety International. According to Wally David, president of SimCom, FlightSafety was planning to issue a two-sentence statement about the deal late July 20: “FlightSafety and SimCom are in discussions regarding the possible transition of some of FlightSafety’s training programs to SimCom. A formal announcement will be made if and when a final agreement is reached.” David said he expects the deal to close within 30 days.
According to other sources close to the companies, the deal would give SimCom all of the Cessna propeller-driven training business except the Caravan turboprop, which FlightSafety will retain. Among the Cessna training devices being purchased by SimCom are a P210, 421, 425, and 441 out of Wichita, Kan. From Houston comes a pair of Turbo Commander sims; from Vero Beach, Fla., a Saab 2000; and from Lakeland, Fla., a pair of Beech King Airs, three Piper Cheyennes, a Piper Navajo, and a device that replicates the Beech Baron, Bonanza, and Duke.
The deal gives SimCom more than 60 training devices, making it a major player in the aviation training market. The Orlando-based company purchased a 30,000-square-foot facility in Dallas last year and also has training centers in Scottsdale and Glendale, Ariz., Kirmington, England, as well as two locations in Orlando.
FlightSafety International has dozens of training centers around the world.
