Pioneering the future of aviation training with Tim Uellendahl

Date 5.2.2025

NAFTA GmbH stands at the forefront of aviation training, redefining how pilots and engineers prepare for real-world challenges. In an exclusive conversation with Tim Uellendahl, COO of NAFTA GmbH, we delve into their innovative approaches to simulation-based training, their alignment with regulatory frameworks, and their dedication to bridging theory with practical expertise.

With simulation at the heart of your training programs, how do you ensure that course designs and methodologies stay aligned with evolving EASA and ICAO requirements?

Our team members and associates work closely with both EASA and ICAO on various training-related projects, spanning research and regulation. This collaboration keeps us aligned with the latest developments in training methodologies. A significant challenge we’re addressing—and this is quite pioneering—is applying the competency-based methodology of training and assessment to the flight test world. While regulations mandate competency-based training for flight test operations, no organization we know of has fully implemented this. Harmonizing the worlds of flight test and competency-based training is demanding, but we are convinced it’s the future. It offers tangible benefits for trainees and elevates the quality of our programs.

Simulation environments are highly adaptable. How do you customize scenarios to meet specific operational goals, whether for commercial test pilots, flight test engineers, or specialized governmental roles?

We rigorously evaluate every simulator used in our training courses. Some devices excel in specific aspects but may be inadequate in others. Avoiding negative training is paramount, and this requires scenario evaluations by subject matter experts familiar with real-world behavior. Whether we use a simple VR device or advanced systems like Desdemona/Multisim, our goal is to create simulations that deliver the best learning opportunities for trainees.

Training for upset prevention and recovery can be risky in a real cockpit. How does high-fidelity simulation empower trainees to safely practice and perfect these critical recovery techniques?

UPRT has rightly become a hot topic in the civilian world, but it remains one of the most challenging elements to teach adequately. While Full Flight Simulators (FFS) have improved with CS-FSTD Issue 2, they cannot replicate the intense physiological sensations experienced during an upset in a high-performance jet. In devices like Desdemona, trainees can practice recoveries in a truly high-fidelity environment, revealing performance gaps that are not apparent in standard FFS.

Maintenance check flight training demands meticulous attention to detail. How do simulators help trainees master complex systems and procedures before facing them in actual operations?

Following high-profile accidents, regulators now mandate that PICs receive tailored training for maintenance check flights (MCFs). Our MCF courses cover a wide range of airframes, provide in-depth technical knowledge, and emphasize risk management. After theoretical training, we offer type-specific modules to familiarize pilots with procedures and CRM aspects unique to MCFs. Simulators replicate expected system behaviors and introduce non-normal scenarios to prepare pilots for the unique challenges of MCFs.

NAFTA caters to a global clientele. How do you ensure that simulation-based certifications and competencies remain interoperable and respected across different regulatory frameworks?

Our civilian courses are designed to comply with EASA or ICAO standards. For defense or governmental clients, we adapt to specific customer requirements. This flexibility allows us to supplement civilian courses with additional modules and ensure compliance with non-EASA Member State regulations, creating tailored solutions for our diverse clientele.

Advanced simulators generate a wealth of data. How do you use these performance insights to continually refine your curriculum, upgrade instructor feedback, and enhance overall training quality?

This is a fascinating area. In the civilian world, there’s still hesitancy about measuring and analyzing trainees’ physical responses, a concern absent in the military sector. VR presents a great opportunity to overcome this, as tools like eye tracking allow instructors to pinpoint root causes of performance issues, such as improper scanning patterns. In competency-based training, we analyze the ‘why’ behind a trainee’s performance, enabling us to identify gaps and customize training programs to address specific needs.

Bridging theory and hands-on skill is often a challenge. How does simulation-based training ensure that academic knowledge translates into the decision-making, situational awareness, and technical proficiency demanded by the real aviation environment?

Problem-solving, decision-making, situational awareness, and workload management are fundamental competencies every pilot must master. A strong theoretical foundation is essential, but its application in practical scenarios is what truly matters. Our instructors—most of whom are pilots themselves—excel at linking theory with practice, ensuring trainees are prepared for the unknown and equipped to handle real-world challenges.

Interviewed by: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: Tim Uellendahl, NAFTA GmbH

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