Boeing announced Thursday that it received initial qualification for its 777-9 flight training devices from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, clearing the simulators for use in regulator-approved training development. The devices are currently installed at Boeing’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom, and include a full-flight simulator and a flight training device. Regulators will use the equipment to validate training courseware before airline customers begin pilot training.
The company said the simulators were developed in collaboration with CAE and incorporate software that models flight dynamics and environmental conditions.
“The qualification of these training devices underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions that meet the needs of global airline customers and regulators,” said Chris Broom, vice president of commercial training solutions for Boeing Global Services.
Alexandre Prevost, president of civil aviation at CAE, said the qualification “is the result of a multi-year effort between CAE and Boeing’s leading experts.”
The approvals are a milestone for the 777X program, which has faced multiple certification pauses in recent years, including a 2024 suspension of flight testing after issues were identified with engine attachment components on test aircraft. Flight testing since continued, including a first flight of a newly manufactured 777-9 test airplane in five years in 2025. Boeing has said it is working toward certification of the 777-9, the first member of the 777X family, with deliveries planned to follow regulatory approval.
