IFA’s New B737MAX Flight Simulator: Here’s what it means for our students

IFA – International Flight Academy has just acquired a Boeing 737 MAX simulator. The equipment will complement the ALSIM AL250, representing a total investment of 1 million euros in the new aeronautical cluster in Viseu.

The new simulator will be installed at the heart of the Viseu aeronautical cluster, in collaboration with Piaget Viseu. With this investment, the cluster and the city of Viseu will have exceptional facilities for pilot training, including a full fleet of aircraft, aircraft maintenance facilities, classrooms, a library, cafeterias, and campus accommodations.

Our new simulator offers advanced training capabilities. Equipped with cutting-edge technology that fully complies with EASA and FAA standards, and manufactured by FTD.aero —a recognized company with experience since 2009 in producing components and simulators for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320—this device is a fully functional fixed-base FNPT II Boeing 737 MAX simulator, prepared for MCC and APS/MCC training.

Additionally, the inclusion of various OEM components such as Flight Controls, Switches, and Circuit Breakers—combined with a system that simulates hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical failures—makes this hardware easily convertible to FTD2. This is a significant feature, especially as European legislation will soon be amended to allow broader use of these devices in type-rating courses.

This investment adds to the previously announced acquisition of the ALSIM AL250, which provides immersive and realistic training for three aircraft models: Cessna 172, Piper PA28R Arrow, and Piper PA44. Coupled with the A320 simulator already in operation at IFA since 2023, our ability to operate both the A320 and Boeing 737 families means we offer our students two aircraft types that represent approximately 90% of the global medium-haul fleet—likely the starting point of our cadets’ careers.