Redefining aviation training: Insights from NAFTA’s visionary CEO

Date 15.1.2025

NAFTA (New Airtech Flight Test Academy) stands at the forefront of aviation education, redefining how flight test professionals are trained through advanced simulation technologies. We spoke with Gunnar Hasse, the academy’s visionary CEO, to delve into the philosophy and strategy that drives NAFTA’s groundbreaking approach.

Gunnar Hasse, NAFTA's CEO

Gunnar Hasse, NAFTA’s CEO

Reflecting on the academy’s origin, what initial motivations and market insights led you to establish this specialized training institution, and how do those foundational ideals continue to influence NAFTA’s vision today?

I strongly believe in specialized training programs, which require an organization capable of delivering customized solutions. My motivation is driven by the vision to establish a unique entity for the aviation community, providing tailored, high-quality programs that address the evolving demands of the industry.

Your training model now relies primarily on advanced simulation technologies. What strategic advantages does a simulation-centric approach offer in addressing the complexities of modern flight training?

Simulation technologies are evolving rapidly, offering innovative strategies for both civil and military training. By focusing on these advancements, we provide a broader range of training content than traditional aircraft can offer. This enables our customers to gain deeper insights into flight test and defense training, while competency-based training and assessment allow us to advance modern methodologies.

How do you ensure the authenticity and realism of simulated training scenarios, and what technologies enable NAFTA to closely mirror real-world flight conditions?

All simulation technologies at NAFTA are embedded into our training syllabi, ensuring a high-quality and standardized instructional approach. Tools like the Desdemona full-motion platform allow us to replicate challenging scenarios, providing authentic and realistic training experiences that enhance both pilot and engineer readiness.

Desdemona full-motion platform

Desdemona full-motion platform

Tools like the Desdemona full-motion platform can replicate challenging conditions that trainees might never encounter in traditional settings. How do these high-fidelity simulations enhance pilot and engineer readiness?

Desdemona is as unique as the way NAFTA delivers its training courses. This combination enables us to provide an advanced knowledge base for our students that cannot be achieved through aircraft training alone.

Prioritizing simulation likely grants greater flexibility. In what ways does this allow you to tailor courses for diverse clients, from private operators to governmental agencies?

While aircraft training requires extensive risk mitigation strategies, simulations allow us to conduct higher-risk training with innovative teaching techniques. This flexibility lets us deliver both civil regulation-based training and customized courses for a wide range of clients.

Regulations evolve quickly. How does NAFTA’s simulation-based approach remain compliant with changing EASA and ICAO standards, and what measures are in place to adapt as rules shift?

At NAFTA, we closely monitor regulatory changes and continuously evolve our courses to align with new standards. By leveraging tools like the FSTD Capability Signature (FCS), we ensure our simulation technologies remain cutting-edge and compliant.

With fewer logistical constraints, how are you leveraging global partnerships to broaden your training spectrum and integrate a wider range of expertise?

We actively seek partnerships across different fields to benefit our customers. These collaborations enable us to deliver diverse training programs at various locations, all maintaining the same high standard of NAFTA quality.

Emerging aviation technologies and operational challenges are constant. How does a simulation-driven model help NAFTA swiftly incorporate new industry developments into the curriculum?

Our methodology focuses on Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), emphasizing a tool-to-competency approach rather than a task-to-tool approach. This framework allows us to integrate new technologies and practices efficiently, keeping our curriculum at the forefront of industry innovation.

Looking ahead, what role do you envision NAFTA playing in shaping a future where advanced simulation defines the benchmark for training flight test professionals?

NAFTA aims to be the premium provider of modern flight test and military training. Beyond advanced simulations, we envision a fully digital learning environment offering modular training to meet the needs of today’s aviation specialists. From a niche provider, we aspire to become a standard training partner for diverse organizations, driving the modernization of aviation training worldwide.

Interviewed by: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: Gunnar Haase, NAFTA



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