FlightSafety International
Berkshire Hathaway-owned aviation training company based in Columbus, Ohio, training professional pilots, technicians and dispatchers at more than 70 locations worldwide.
Overview
FlightSafety International provides simulator-based training for professional pilots, maintenance technicians, dispatchers, and cabin crew, mainly in business, regional, and military aviation. It was founded in 1951, is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has been part of Berkshire Hathaway since 1997, and says it employs more than 1,600 instructors across more than 70 locations. The company operates more than 1,200 training devices simulating over 150 aircraft types, and also designs and builds simulators, including through its Frasca unit. It does not train beginners from zero hours: its former ab-initio academy in Vero Beach, Florida was sold in 2021 and is now Skyborne Airline Academy, and FlightSafety's customers are already working pilots and technicians.
Student Insights
Simulator technician: a hands-on job few students know about
FlightSafety's technician career ladder runs from Associate Technician through Simulator Technician, Senior Technician, and Lead Technician to Simulator Qualification Coordinator. The work covers aircraft systems, electro-mechanical and hydraulic systems, software, and networks, and new hires get technical training in their first 90 days. It is a good fit for avionics or electronics students who want to stay close to aircraft.
A later-career option for pilots and mechanics
Instructor positions are filled by people who already have professional flying or maintenance experience. Many pilots move into simulator instruction later in their careers or alongside flying.
AI Outlook
Simulation and training is a software-heavy business. No specific AI programs were verified for this entry.
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- Pilot and maintenance technician type training
- Full-flight simulator design and manufacturing
- Frasca flight training devices
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to FlightSafety International.