On January 7th 2025, a test pilot and a lead flight test engineer from EURO FLIGHT TEST performed the first flight of an EASA certified A220 from Air Baltic equipped with a Starlink high-speed satcom antenna! This will enable Air Baltic to bring ultra-fast, reliable and free internet on every flight. Thanks Air Baltic!
EURO FLIGHT TEST is working with PMV Engineering on Starlink Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for additional aircraft types.
EFT expands its scope and has recently received CAA approval as ATO for Advanced UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training). This represents a logical next step in our growth plan, as we have the required instructors and aircraft already available. Our students have the choice, in which aircraft to perform the training: either the side-by-side aerobatic AS202 Bravo NG or the tandem cockpit EXTRA 330 LX. Course duration is 3 days: one day of theory lectures and two days of flight training. Come and get UPSET in Siegerland!
We are thrilled to announce the successful graduation of the CAT2 Class of 2024-A! This milestone event was highlighted by an inspiring keynote speech from Didier Delsalle, the legendary former Airbus Helicopters test pilot and the first man to reach Mt. Everest by helicopter.
The ceremony was a heartfelt occasion attended by our students, esteemed instructors, supportive family members, and close friends. The evening included a formal dinner, where the class presented the remarkable “Top Fun” video and where Céline Bonnefous and Wouter Plaetinck delivered humorous speeches, celebrating their journey and special moments.
A special thank you to Dieter Reisinger, our exceptional Head of Training, who skillfully guided us through the program with his typical enthusiasm.
We are proud to present the Best of Class award to Guillaume Remigi for his outstanding performance and commitment, while the student test pilot Anton Dilcher and the instructor Martin Hinterwaldner received the safety award.
Congratulations to all our graduates from Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V., Lilium, H55, Daher and Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces)! We look forward to follow your career steps in your future endeavors.
After successful completion of negotiations and site surveys EFT proudly announces that it has signed a framework agreement for flight test training services with the premier European manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft, LILIUM.
During the first batch the Munich based company will send one Flight Test Engineer to EFT for EASA CAT2 training. As with that engineer the upcoming CAT2 course is fully booked, EFT will execute a second CAT2 course starting July 15 this year, where additional 2 test pilot students from LILIUM will join.
EFT thanks LILIUM for its trust and confidence in the training capabilities of EFT and is looking forward to a longterm cooperation.
Christophe Hommet, Head of Flight Test at LILIUM and Rolf Hellbutsch, Managing Director at EURO FLIGHT TEST
After having successfully completed several basic OT&E courses, the German Air Force ordered a 4-weeks customized OT&E course focused on military aircraft systems like EO/IR, RADAR, EW etc. While the first two weeks the 8 students with a background in various aircraft types focused on academics, the last two weeks they practiced in a Do-328 full flight simulator and tested/evaluated a weather RDR in flight. An extensive oral presentation completed the course.
EFT thanks the Luftwaffe and is proud to having been selected again as the flight test training provider of the German Air Force.
As first commercial European Test Pilot School, EFT recently received approval from the German CAA (Luftfahrtbundesamt) to perform the complete spectrum of flight test training i.a.w. EASA regulations:
Following this tremendous milestone, EFT has commenced its first EASA CAT 1 Helicopter course.
Thanks to the trust of our customers, the dedication of our staff and the professionalism of the Luftfahrtbundesamt EFT can expand its promotion of flight test safety and highest standards in flight test to the European aviation community.
Eventucation = event + education. You can do academics in a conventional classroom. Or, if you want to offer your employees a unique experience, choose a special environment. A defense contractor approached EFT with the wish to combine a 2-days “Aircraft System Safety” course with a team event, as they operate 2 dispersed teams within their Design Organisation and intend to foster the team spirit.
Located in the Rhine area, the obvious solution was a cruise ship tour. EFT rented a ship which can accommodate up to around 40 students and performed the course in a relaxed atmosphere on 2 warm and sunny September days. The large sun deck, the elaborate lunch buffet, stunning vistas over medieval castles and the famous Loreley, and a glass of regional wine completed the wonderful days.
Due to the unexpected fast growth of its business and the utilization of larger aircraft EFT has decided to move to a larger airport in January 2024. Siegerland, located about one hour northeast of Winningen, is an airport with a runway of 5315 ft and a grass runway of 1969 ft. It enables VFR night and IFR operations as well as ILS/RNP approaches. It is home base for several business jet operators and offers state-of-the-art infrastructure. Despite its size the number of daily flights is rather low, which, combined with its sparsely populated surroundings, make it an ideal location for flight test activities. As Klaus Irle, managing director of the airport says: “EFT complements our portfolio of aviation services in a formidable way and offers a large potential of cross-fertilisation with the existing companies here. We are delighted to have them at our airport.”
Siegerland airport is located one hour from the international airport hubs Frankfurt and Cologne, and just minutes from the autobahn A45. The beautiful medieval and university town of Siegen with the river Sieg is about 20 min away.
Fotos: Contract Signature for the new office space located right at the apron & Siegerland Airport Aerial Photo
On 4th of August, EFT held the Graduation Ceremony for its first CAT2 Fixed Wing course. This was also the first ever EASA CAT2 course to be completed in Germany. After 4 months of hard work and some long nights the student test pilots and flight test engineers got their well-deserved certificates during a formal dinner together with their families, colleagues and instructors.
As a special guest and keynote speaker Peter Weger, the first-flight experimental test pilot for EUROFIGHTER and Do-328, congratulated them and reminded them of their responsibilities as flight testers. The Best of Class I Award was handed over to Kris, who with his professionalism, dedication and calmness acted as a role model for his colleagues. A special moment of the evening was when the students handed over gifts to EFT management and the instructors.
Thanks to the students for being wonderful customers, for their superiors to put the trust in us and to the instructors for their passionate work! You all made this remarkable event possible!
Student video of their course: https://youtu.be/HcIasqdFcVs
After completion of a competitive tender EFT has won a contract from DLR (German Aerospace Center) for EASA Category 2 Fixed Wing training for one test pilot and one lead flight test engineer. The training will commence in spring of 2023. With the two students from DLR the CAT2 course is already fully booked for 2023. Registration for the spring 2024 course starts now.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. At 30 locations the DLR employs more than 9,800 people. The DLR maintains offices in Brussels, Paris, Tokyo and Washington D.C.
DLR operates the largest fleet of research aircraft in Europe.
Foto: Dr. Dieter Reisinger, Head of Training, EFT & Ingmar Mayerbuch, Head of Flight Test, DLR
