Aviation Training At A Glance
- FlightSafety International and SimCom are two of the most respected aviation training providers in general and business aviation — but they serve pilots differently, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time and money.
- SimCom acquired 14 simulators and full training programs directly from FlightSafety International in 2011, giving it a significant boost in both fleet size and aircraft coverage.
- FlightSafety is widely regarded as the gold standard for aircraft-specific, high-fidelity training — but SimCom’s flexible, scenario-based approach has won over a loyal following among owner-operators and corporate pilots.
- Both providers offer initial type ratings and recurrent training, but their simulator quality, course customization, and aircraft coverage differ in ways that matter depending on your aircraft and goals.
- Keep reading to find out which training center is actually the right fit for your aircraft type, experience level, and training objectives.
Picking the wrong aviation training provider doesn’t just waste money — it can leave dangerous gaps in your real-world skills.
When it comes to simulator-based recurrent and type rating training in general and business aviation, two names consistently rise to the top of the conversation: FlightSafety International and SimCom. Both have built strong reputations, both operate serious simulator fleets, and both have trained thousands of pilots flying everything from turboprops to light jets. But they are not the same, and the differences between them are worth understanding before you commit to a course. SimCom by CAE is a premier general aviation and regional airline training provider with a long history of advancing pilot proficiency across a wide range of aircraft types.
This comparison breaks down what each provider actually offers, where they excel, and which type of pilot is best served by each program.
FlightSafety vs SimCom: The Core Difference That Matters Most
The clearest way to separate these two providers is this: FlightSafety International is built around aircraft-specific mastery, while SimCom is built around flexible, scenario-driven training that reaches more aircraft types across more locations. FlightSafety goes deep on specific airframes. SimCom goes wide across a broader fleet. That single distinction should guide most of your decision-making before you even look at pricing or locations. For further insights, you might want to explore how different aircraft types impact flight training schools.
What FlightSafety International Actually Offers
FlightSafety International has been in operation since 1951 and has grown into one of the largest aviation training organizations in the world. Their training centers are embedded in the fabric of business and commercial aviation, and their programs are deeply tied to specific aircraft manufacturers. Berkshire Hathaway acquired FlightSafety in 1996, which brought significant investment into their simulator infrastructure and training technology. The result is a network of learning centers equipped with some of the most advanced full-motion simulators available anywhere. For insights into the regulatory landscape affecting aviation training, explore FAA regulations insights for aviation professionals.
Aircraft-Specific Training Programs
FlightSafety’s core strength is the depth of their aircraft-specific programs. Rather than offering generalized aviation training, they build entire curricula around individual airframes — covering systems knowledge, normal procedures, abnormal procedures, and emergency handling in ways that are tightly tied to how that specific aircraft actually behaves. This level of specificity is one reason airline operators and fractional ownership programs frequently mandate FlightSafety training for their crews.
Their aircraft coverage spans an impressive range, including Gulfstream jets, Bombardier Learjets, Dassault Falcons, Embraer regional jets, Cessna Citations, Beechcraft King Airs, and Pilatus turboprops, among others. For pilots operating complex, high-performance aircraft in demanding commercial environments, that depth of aircraft-specific knowledge translates directly into safer, more confident operations.
Full-Motion Simulator Quality and Realism
FlightSafety operates a large fleet of Level D full-motion simulators — the highest certification level awarded by both the FAA and EASA. Level D simulators provide six degrees of freedom of motion, high-fidelity visual systems, and the ability to replicate virtually any flight condition or system failure. For pilots earning type ratings or completing recurrent training that counts toward regulatory requirements, the Level D designation is critical.
Simulator Certification Levels at a Glance
Level A/B: Basic motion and visual systems. Limited regulatory credit. Often used for procedural training and familiarization.
Level C: Enhanced motion and visual fidelity. Accepted for some recurrent training requirements.
Level D: Full six-degree motion platform, highest visual fidelity, complete systems simulation. Required for zero-flight-time type ratings and full regulatory training credit.
FlightSafety has continued expanding its Level D fleet as part of an ongoing investment in its worldwide learning center network. This commitment to top-tier simulator hardware is a major reason why pilots flying high-value, complex aircraft trust FlightSafety to prepare them for real-world scenarios.
Initial Type Ratings vs. Recurrent Training at FlightSafety
FlightSafety handles both initial type ratings and recurrent training, but their programs are particularly well-regarded for initial ratings on complex turbine aircraft. The structured, aircraft-specific curriculum gives new-to-type pilots a thorough foundation before they ever touch the actual aircraft. For recurrent training, their programs are designed to meet FAR Part 61, Part 91, and Part 135 requirements, making them viable for both owner-operators and professionally crewed aircraft.
What SimCom Brings to the Table
SimCom — now operating as Simcom by CAE — takes a different but equally serious approach to aviation training. Where FlightSafety is structured and aircraft-specific, SimCom is flexible, accessible, and scenario-focused. Their programs emphasize practical emergency procedure training and realistic scenario-based instruction that builds genuine decision-making skills, not just procedural memory. For owner-operators and corporate pilots who need efficient, effective training without the rigidity of a large institutional curriculum, SimCom has consistently delivered.
The 2011 Acquisition That Changed SimCom’s Reach
One of the most significant events in SimCom’s history came on August 17, 2011, when the company acquired 14 simulators and full training programs directly from FlightSafety International. The simulators acquired ranged from advanced flight training devices for piston-powered aircraft to Level B full-motion simulators for turboprops. Transfer of the simulators and courseware from FlightSafety to SimCom began immediately after the deal closed and was expected to be completed by the end of that year.
With those additions, SimCom grew its fleet to 59 flight simulators operating across five U.S. training center locations. That acquisition was not just a fleet expansion — it was a meaningful jump in both training capacity and aircraft type coverage. It also brought with it proven courseware that had already been validated through years of use in FlightSafety’s own programs, giving SimCom a more robust curriculum foundation across several aircraft types practically overnight.
Aircraft Coverage: From King Air to Citation Jets
SimCom’s aircraft coverage is one of its strongest selling points. Their training programs span a wide range of general aviation and business aviation aircraft, including the Aerostar series, Beechjet 400 series, Beech Baron and Duke series, King Air turboprops, and multiple Citation jet variants. That breadth means a flight department operating mixed-fleet aircraft can often consolidate training at a single SimCom location rather than sending pilots to multiple specialized providers.
For owner-operators flying piston twins or single-pilot turboprops, SimCom’s coverage of these aircraft categories is particularly valuable. Many of these aircraft types don’t have a dedicated FlightSafety program, or the FlightSafety program is primarily structured for professionally crewed operations. SimCom fills that gap effectively, providing serious simulator-based training for pilots who fly these aircraft types in real-world owner-operator environments.
Scenario-Based Training and Emergency Procedures
SimCom has built its reputation heavily around scenario-based emergency procedure training. Rather than running pilots through checklists in a static procedural environment, SimCom instructors place pilots in realistic, time-pressured scenarios that mirror the kinds of situations that actually cause accidents. Engine failures on departure, unexpected icing encounters, vacuum system failures, and pressurization emergencies are all part of the curriculum — and they’re presented in ways that require real decision-making, not just rote response.
This approach is grounded in a straightforward reality: most general aviation accidents don’t happen because pilots don’t know the checklist. They happen because pilots freeze, make poor decisions under pressure, or haven’t practiced the scenario enough to respond automatically. SimCom’s training methodology directly targets that gap, which is a big reason why insurance providers and aircraft manufacturers have historically recommended SimCom training for pilots of specific aircraft types.
SimCom vs FlightSafety: Side-by-Side Comparison
Comparing these two providers head-to-head reveals a picture of two organizations that are more complementary than they are competitive — but that distinction only holds if you’re matching the right provider to the right pilot. For certain aircraft types and training objectives, one clearly outperforms the other. The table below captures the key differences across the factors that matter most to pilots choosing between them, similar to how Diamond vs Cirrus aircraft are compared for flight training schools.
| Category | FlightSafety International | SimCom by CAE |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Aircraft-specific deep training | Scenario-based, flexible training |
| Simulator Fleet | Large Level D fleet, manufacturer-tied | 59 simulators, Level B through Level D |
| Aircraft Coverage | Complex turbines, jets, heavy iron | Pistons, turboprops, light to mid jets |
| Training Centers | Worldwide learning center network | Five U.S. locations |
| Course Customization | Structured, aircraft-specific curricula | Flexible, tailored to pilot needs |
| Best For | Type ratings, airline/fractional crews | Owner-operators, corporate pilots |
| Regulatory Credit | Full FAA/EASA Part 61, 91, 135 | FAA Part 61, 91, 135 compliant |
Simulator Fleet Size and Variety
Following the 2011 acquisition from FlightSafety, SimCom operates 59 simulators across five U.S. training centers. Their fleet ranges from advanced flight training devices for piston aircraft up to Level B full-motion simulators for turboprops. FlightSafety, by contrast, operates a larger global fleet with a heavier concentration of Level D full-motion simulators tied to specific high-performance aircraft types. For pilots needing Level D credit for a type rating or regulatory requirement, FlightSafety’s simulator infrastructure has a clear technical advantage.
That said, not every training objective requires a Level D simulator. For recurrent training, emergency procedure practice, and proficiency building on piston or turboprop aircraft, SimCom’s fleet is more than adequate — and in many cases, it’s the only simulator option available for that specific aircraft type.
Training Center Locations
FlightSafety operates a worldwide network of learning centers, which gives it a significant geographic advantage for pilots based outside the United States or those who travel internationally. SimCom’s five U.S. locations are concentrated domestically, with their primary hub in Orlando, Florida. For most U.S.-based general aviation pilots, SimCom’s location footprint covers the practical need. For international operators or pilots based in regions where FlightSafety has a local presence, FlightSafety’s global reach is a meaningful advantage.
Customization and Flexibility of Courses
SimCom’s training model is built around flexibility. Courses can be tailored to a pilot’s specific experience level, aircraft variant, and identified skill gaps in ways that a more standardized institutional curriculum may not accommodate. FlightSafety’s programs are thorough and deeply validated, but they follow a more structured format that prioritizes consistency and regulatory compliance. For a pilot who wants a highly personalized training experience built around their actual flying habits and risk areas, SimCom’s approach tends to deliver a more customized result.
Which Pilots Should Choose FlightSafety
FlightSafety is the right call if you’re flying a complex turbine aircraft, pursuing an initial type rating, or operating under Part 135 or fractional ownership requirements that mandate Level D simulator training. It’s also the stronger choice for pilots flying Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, or Embraer aircraft where FlightSafety has deep manufacturer relationships and aircraft-specific expertise that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. If your operation requires the most rigorous, FAA/EASA-recognized training with full Level D simulator credit, FlightSafety’s infrastructure is built for exactly that.
Which Pilots Should Choose SimCom
SimCom is the stronger fit for owner-operators, single-pilot operators, and corporate pilots flying piston twins, turboprops, or light to mid-cabin jets who need practical, scenario-focused training without the institutional structure of a large airline-oriented program. If your aircraft type is covered by SimCom’s fleet and your primary training goals are proficiency, emergency preparedness, and insurance compliance rather than a new type rating on a heavy jet, SimCom delivers exceptional value with a training philosophy that directly targets the scenarios most likely to matter in real-world general aviation flying.
SimCom is also worth considering for pilots who want a more personalized training environment. The ability to customize scenarios, focus on specific weak areas, and work through emergency procedures in a realistic but lower-pressure setting than a large institutional training center makes SimCom a genuinely effective option for pilots at a wide range of experience levels.
The Verdict: FlightSafety or SimCom for Your Next Rating
Both providers are legitimate, serious, and capable of making you a safer, more competent pilot — but they are built for different pilots with different needs. FlightSafety International wins on simulator fidelity, aircraft-specific depth, and global reach for pilots flying complex turbine aircraft under demanding operational requirements. SimCom wins on flexibility, aircraft variety, and scenario-based training for owner-operators and corporate pilots who need practical, personalized proficiency training. If your aircraft type is covered by SimCom and your goals are real-world emergency readiness and recurrent proficiency, SimCom is the smarter, more accessible choice. If you’re earning a type rating on a Gulfstream or flying fractional under Part 135, FlightSafety’s Level D infrastructure and aircraft-specific mastery is worth every dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions pilots most commonly ask when comparing FlightSafety and SimCom for their next training event. The answers below are based on verified information from both providers and publicly available industry records.
Did SimCom Buy Programs Directly From FlightSafety International?
Yes. On August 17, 2011, SimCom Training Centers — operating as Simcom by CAE — officially closed a deal to acquire 14 simulators and full training programs directly from FlightSafety International. The acquired devices ranged from advanced flight training devices for piston-powered aircraft models to Level B full-motion simulators for turboprop aircraft. The transfer of simulators and courseware from FlightSafety to SimCom began immediately after the deal was completed and was expected to be fully transferred by the end of that year. Following the acquisition, SimCom grew its total simulator fleet to 59 devices across five U.S. training centers.
Does SimCom Offer Full-Motion Simulators?
Yes, SimCom operates full-motion simulators as part of its 59-device fleet. Their simulator inventory includes devices ranging from advanced flight training devices for piston aircraft up to Level B full-motion simulators for turboprop aircraft. While SimCom’s full-motion simulator inventory is not as heavily concentrated at the Level D certification tier as FlightSafety’s fleet, it is more than sufficient for recurrent training, emergency procedure practice, and proficiency building across a wide range of general aviation aircraft types covered in their programs.
Can I Do My Initial Type Rating at SimCom?
SimCom offers training programs that support initial type ratings for several aircraft types in their fleet. However, the availability of Level D simulator credit — which is required for zero-flight-time type ratings — depends on the specific aircraft and simulator device involved. For complex jet type ratings where a Level D simulator is required by regulation, pilots should confirm the specific simulator certification level available for their aircraft type before enrolling.
For turboprop and lighter aircraft type ratings where a Level D simulator is not mandated, SimCom’s training programs are a fully viable pathway. Their acquisition of FlightSafety courseware also means that for several aircraft types, SimCom is training to the same foundational curriculum that FlightSafety originally developed and validated — a meaningful quality indicator for pilots evaluating initial type rating options.
Quick Reference: Choosing Between SimCom and FlightSafety for Type Ratings
Need a zero-flight-time type rating on a large jet? → FlightSafety’s Level D simulator fleet is the safer regulatory choice.
Pursuing a type rating on a turboprop or light jet? → SimCom offers viable programs with proven courseware, including curricula originally developed by FlightSafety.
Recurrent training for owner-operated piston or turboprop? → SimCom’s scenario-based flexibility and broad aircraft coverage make it the stronger fit.
Operating under Part 135 or fractional ownership with Level D requirements? → FlightSafety’s regulatory infrastructure and manufacturer-tied programs are purpose-built for this.
The bottom line: always verify the specific simulator certification level available for your aircraft type at your chosen training center before committing to a program, regardless of provider. Regulatory requirements vary by aircraft category, operational rule, and the specific training event involved. For more information, you can read about SimCom’s acquisition of programs from FlightSafety.
Is FlightSafety Only for Corporate and Airline Pilots?
Not exclusively — but FlightSafety’s program structure, pricing, and simulator focus naturally align most closely with professionally crewed corporate aircraft, fractional operations, and airline environments. Owner-operators can and do train at FlightSafety, particularly when flying aircraft types like the Cessna Citation, Pilatus PC-12, or King Air where FlightSafety has strong aircraft-specific programs. That said, the overall training environment, curriculum structure, and cost profile at FlightSafety tends to be a better fit for operations with professional flight crews than for single-pilot owner-operators who may be better served by SimCom’s more flexible and accessible approach.
How Many Aircraft Types Does SimCom Train For?
SimCom by CAE provides training for a broad range of aircraft types spanning piston, turboprop, and jet categories. Their documented aircraft coverage includes the Aerostar series, Beechjet 400 series, Beech Baron and Duke series, King Air turboprops, and multiple Citation jet variants, among others.
The 2011 acquisition of 14 programs from FlightSafety International added meaningful additional aircraft coverage to SimCom’s existing fleet, particularly in the turboprop category. The specific aircraft types covered in that acquisition included models for which FlightSafety had previously been operating the primary simulator training program, giving SimCom proven, validated courseware for those airframes from day one of operation.
For pilots flying less common general aviation aircraft types, SimCom’s breadth of coverage is one of its most practical advantages. Rather than searching for a specialized provider for each aircraft type in a mixed fleet, many flight departments find that SimCom can cover multiple aircraft types under one training relationship — simplifying scheduling, standardizing training quality, and often reducing the overall cost and logistical burden of maintaining crew currency. For those interested in comparing aircraft options, check out this comparison of Diamond vs Cirrus aircraft for flight training schools.
