Author: hellbutsch

04.03.24
Courses

LILIUM awards Flight Test Training Contract to EFT

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

08.12.23
Uncategorized

EFT completes OT&E Systems Course for German Air Force

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.

14.11.23
Courses|Uncategorized

EFT achieves Full Scope Approval as Flight Test ATO

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:

  • Aeroplane CAT 2 TP and LFTE
  • Aeroplane CAT 1 TP and LFTE
  • Helicopter CAT 2 TP and LFTE
  • Helicopter CAT 1 TP and LFTE
  • Flight Test Instructor (A)
  • Flight Test Instructor (H)

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.

09.10.23
Courses

EFT becomes Eventucation Provider

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.

30.08.23
Projects

EFT moves to larger Siegerland Airport

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

Siegerland Office Space

Siegerland Airport

08.08.23
Courses

Graduation Ceremony CAT2 Class 01

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

09.01.23
Courses

DLR awards CAT2 Training Contract to EFT

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

13.12.22
Visits

German Ministry of Defence visits EFT

Ministerialdirigent Joachim Sucker, Head of Sub-Directorate at the German Ministry of Defence (MOD), visited EFT. His goal was to receive information about the recently EASA-certified test pilot school in Germany, which has already provided training to several branches of the Bundeswehr. After EFT having presented its capabilities, the parties engaged in an open and informative discussion. Finally Mr. Sucker and his team took a seat in the 6-DOF motion simulator and performed a demo test flight in a P-51 Mustang.

EFT is grateful for having hosted the MOD and wishes Mr. Sucker all the best for his upcoming assignment as Director of OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armaments Co-operation).

10.12.22
Projects

EFT Team completes Ground Egress Training

After months of hard work and flight test planning the first flight of the modified CS-25 twin jet is about to commence within days. In order to be prepared for all contingencies the involved EFT flight test personnel underwent an emergency procedure training for the stall test flights. The training included ground egress drills as well as fire and smoke emergency and Flight Test Instrumentation procedures.

06.09.22
Courses

Finnish Air Force selects EFT as EASA CAT 2 Training Provider

EFT is the winner of an international competition for EASA CAT 2 training for Finnish Air Force test pilots and flight test engineers. The contract, awarded by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, tasks EFT to provide training for up to 10 Air Force participants. The course will be performed at Finnish Air Force premises in Finland and is complemented by live video distance learning.

EFT is proud to serve the Finnish Air Force as flight test training provider.