SunExpress has completed the field acceptance tests of Türkiye’s first Boeing data package HAVELSAN-manufactured B737 NG FTD-2 simulator. Active pilot training will begin following DGCA approval.
Strategic Move from SunExpress: Indigenous FTD-2 Simulator Ready
Antalya-based SunExpress has successfully completed the field acceptance tests of Türkiye’s first Boeing data package HAVELSAN-manufactured B737 NG FTD-2 simulator. The second phase of the project consists of qualification and inspection tests.
The simulator is planned to be actively used in pilot training following approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
What is FTD-2? Training Close to a Full Simulator
FTD-2 (Flight Training Device Level 2) is an advanced flight training device classified according to international standards. Under American FAA and European-based EASA regulations, FTD Level 2 provides a training infrastructure very close to that of a full flight simulator (FFS – Full Flight Simulator).
The most significant difference is the absence of a motion system. In other words, there is no hydraulic or electric motion platform. However:
- Full-scale cockpit replica
- High-accuracy flight dynamics modelling
- Engine performance and navigation simulation
Critical training elements such as emergency and system failure scenarios are provided in full.
A New Era in Pilot Training
With FTD-2 simulators;
- Pre-flight procedures
- Take-off and landing
- Instrument flight
- Approach
- Emergency procedures
- CRM (Crew Resource Management) training can be conducted.
Compared to a Level D full flight simulator, FTD devices have lower investment and maintenance costs, providing significant cost advantages particularly in type training and recurrent training.
In the aviation sector, recurrent training for captains is also expected to shift to FTD platforms in the near future. This development will provide substantial savings for airlines in terms of both time and operational costs.
HAVELSAN Expands in Civil Aviation
HAVELSAN has achieved significant growth momentum by transferring its defence industry experience to the civil aviation simulator market. In addition to Level D full-motion simulators, increasing demand in the FTD segment has also drawn attention.
Another major investment plan in this field came from Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board Ahmet Bolat had announced that the training centre in Istanbul Florya would be expanded as part of a 100 billion TL investment plan.
Turkish Airlines is planning to procure new simulators from HAVELSAN for the following types;
- Boeing 787
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 737 MAX
- Airbus A321neo
- The first deliveries are expected to begin this year, with the process projected to continue until 2030.
Strategic Emphasis on Indigenous Technology
The collaboration between SunExpress and HAVELSAN represents a critical milestone in the localisation of civil aviation training infrastructure in Türkiye. Thanks to domestically manufactured simulators, external dependency is reduced while training capacity is increased.
With the completion of the DGCA approval process for the B737 NG FTD-2 simulator, a new and more efficient era in pilot training in Türkiye will begin.
