TRU Simulation’s Full Flight Simulator for the Cessna Citation Ascend Achieves FAA Qualification, Expanding Advanced Training for Midsize Jet Pilots

Key Terms

full flight simulator technical

A full flight simulator is a highly realistic training device that reproduces an aircraft’s cockpit, controls, motion and outside visuals so pilots can practice flying and emergency procedures without leaving the ground. For investors, it matters because simulators are certified assets that generate recurring training revenue, support regulatory pilot certification, reduce operating costs and risk for airlines and manufacturers, and can signal long-term service contracts or barriers to competitors — like a lifelike driving simulator for learning to drive complex vehicles.

federal aviation administration regulatory

A U.S. government agency that sets and enforces safety, certification, and operating rules for civil aviation, including aircraft, pilots, airlines, airports, and air traffic control. Think of it as the traffic cop and building inspector for the skies: its approvals, inspections, and regulations can change how quickly new planes or technologies reach the market, alter operating costs, or trigger safety-related grounding or fines, all of which can affect the revenues and stock prices of aviation-related companies.

european union aviation safety agency regulatory

A European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the regional authority that sets and enforces safety rules for aircraft, airlines, maintenance shops, and parts across the EU and participating countries. Think of it as a regional safety inspector and rule-maker for aviation: its approvals, inspections or rule changes can raise costs, delay deliveries, open or close markets, and therefore directly affect the revenue, expenses and risk profile of airlines, manufacturers and suppliers — information investors use to assess value and risk.

six degrees of freedom (6dof) technical

Six degrees of freedom (6DoF) is the count of independent ways an object can move in three-dimensional space: three straight-line motions (forward/back, left/right, up/down) and three rotations (tilting, turning, rolling). For investors, 6DoF is a quick indicator of a product’s or system’s spatial capability and precision—higher or true 6DoF support means devices like drones, robots, VR headsets, or medical instruments can move and orient freely, which can translate to stronger performance, broader use cases, and greater market value.

instructor operating station technical

An instructor operating station is the control console that an instructor uses to run, monitor and modify a training simulation in real time, much like a director’s control panel for a live rehearsal. For investors, it matters because the station is a core part of simulation products—its capabilities, ease of use and software upgrade path affect product value, customer satisfaction, recurring software sales and the likelihood of adoption by training programs or regulated buyers.

qualification test guide technical

A qualification test guide is a document that lays out the specific tests, acceptance criteria and step‑by‑step procedures a product, system or process must pass to be approved for use or to meet regulatory standards. For investors, it acts like a recipe showing what must be completed and how long it might take, so it helps judge technical risk, likely timelines, development costs and the chances of reaching the market.

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and an affiliate of Textron Aviation, announced today its Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the Cessna Citation Ascend has achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Level D qualification. This milestone significantly enhances advanced training options for midsize jet pilots, delivering a highly immersive and true-to-life training environment on the recently FAA certified Citation Ascend. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) qualification is anticipated in 2026, further extending the simulator’s global reach.

TRU Simulation’s Full Flight Simulator for the Cessna Citation Ascend achieves FAA qualification, expanding advanced training for midsize jet pilots

“Pilots deserve training capabilities that reflect the advanced technology and performance that the Citation Ascend brings to the midsize jet category,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. “Achieving FAA qualification ensures pilots can train in the most realistic environment available, building confidence and precision for every mission.”

With advanced features designed to elevate pilot training, the Citation Ascend FFS includes TRU Simulation’s REALCue motion system, delivering highly realistic motion feedback using a Six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) electric platform with 60-inch stroke actuators. The intuitive motion user interface simplifies diagnostics and manual operations through a user-friendly graphical interface.

For immersive visuals, the simulator uses high-definition projectors across a wide 200x40-degree display. Instructors benefit from a powerful yet easy-to-use IOS (Instructor Operating Station), featuring dual touchscreen displays and a wireless Remote Instructor Control Unit (RICU) for flexible control. The IOS also supports essential maintenance functions like Qualification Test Guide (QTG) testing and troubleshooting, ensuring smooth and efficient simulator operation.

About TRU Simulation

TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a leading provider of high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for the aviation industry. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, TRU Simulation has been at the forefront of flight simulation technology for over a decade. Our customized simulator solutions empower pilots to navigate the skies confidently, while our state-of-the-art technology ensures safe and realistic training experiences. For more information, visit www.TRUSimulation.com.

About Textron Aviation

We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the timing of certification of new aircraft products.

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Media Contact:

Lauren Howell

+1.316.927.9536

Lhowell@txtav.com

Txtav.com

Source: TRU Simulation + Training Inc.