The aeromedical services provider will build what it says are “the only full-suite Leonardo immersive simulation systems outside Italy” at its planned LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Training Academy, incorporating high-fidelity simulators and advanced training systems.
The visit to RAAF Base East Sale, hosted by No. 1 Flying Training School, showcased significant changes to the Air Force’s training pipeline since Australian Women Pilots’ Association members last toured the facility in 2022.
Deliveries are slated to begin in 2029 and will include two weapon systems trainers, an enhanced integrated cockpit systems trainer, loadmaster part-task trainer, and upgrades to the RAAF’s virtual simulation and virtual maintenance trainers.
Speaking to ABC’s 7:30, RAAus chair Michael Monck said that one accident does not necessarily point to wider systemic problems. It comes as the organisation faces scrutiny over training shortfalls that allegedly contributed to the deaths of 20-year-old Luke Smith and his brother and cousin.
Run in partnership with Aviation/Aerospace Australia, the Aviators in Schools program seeks to “bring real‑world STEM learning into classrooms and inspire the next generation of industry talent” with the hope of addressing the ongoing STEM skills shortage.
The two organisations have signed another agreement that will see several cohorts of Airservices trainees travel to Christchurch for instruction over the next 12 months. It comes as Airservices faces scrutiny over recent staff shortages, and plans to endorse 95 new controllers in 2026.