FlightSafety International Receives FAA Approval for Industry-First Cessna Citation Ascend Full-Flight Simulator

New device at FSI’s Tampa Learning Center expands Citation training capacity to meet growing pilot demand

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FlightSafety International Inc. (FSI), a global leader in aviation training and simulation technology, today announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the world’s first Citation Ascend Level D Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) located at the company’s Tampa Learning Center.

This addition reflects FSI’s continued investment in developing high-fidelity training solutions aligned with evolving fleet demand and operational needs. As business aviation activity continues to grow, the company is scaling its training programs and technology to ensure pilots have access to advanced simulation and training required to operate safely and confidently worldwide.

“The Citation Ascend simulator represents FSI’s commitment to anticipating industry needs and scaling training capacity as fleets grow,” said Ben Carter, Executive Vice President, Learning Center Operations, FlightSafety International. “The latest FAA approval in Tampa allows us to better serve Citation pilots and operators with high-fidelity, ultra-realistic training.”

The first-of-its-kind simulator reproduces the Citation Ascend cockpit with exceptional accuracy and is equipped with FSI’s VITAL 1150 image generator, featuring rapid environment update capabilities for ultra-responsive visual processing. The FFS also includes a Garmin G5000 avionics suite with Garmin Autothrottle, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engine modeling, 60-inch electric motion, and steep-approach capability.

The Citation Ascend FFS builds on FSI’s long-standing partnership with Textron Aviation to deliver comprehensive training solutions globally. The new simulator and FAA approval broadens FSI’s training portfolio, expanding global Textron Aviation programs to more than 70 simulators and 50 courses, supporting pilots and maintenance technicians. Pilot courses offered will include Initial and Recurrent training, Differences from other Excel variants, and CAT II low visibility operations. Additional specialty courses currently in development for the Ascend include RNP AR (Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required), and CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications) eLearning. Ascend maintenance training is also available.

Citation Ascend pilot training is scheduled to begin in February 2026. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is planned for the third quarter of 2026.

About FlightSafety International Inc.

FlightSafety International is the world’s preeminent professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems, and displays to educational, commercial, government, and military organizations. In 2026, the company celebrates its 75^th anniversary, marking more than seven decades of advancing aviation safety through rigorous, real-world training programs delivered to pilots, technicians, and other professionals from 170+ countries. FSI currently operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at learning centers and training locations on six continents. For more information, please visit flightsafety.com.