Two aviation simulation giants have joined forces as it was announced this week that Frasca International has been acquired by FlightSafety International.
Frasca International, Inc., based in Urbana, Illinois, makes flight training devices (FTDs) and full-motion simulators (FMS) for both fixed-wing and rotary wing airframes. The company builds Level B,C, and D Full Flight Simulators that are used around the world, as well as flight training devices that are the launching point for many pilots.
The company was founded in 1958. Today, Frasca has more than 130 employees and serves more than 70 countries, with more than 3,000 simulators sold.
Frasca will retain the company name, and John Frasca will continue as the company’s president, with all management and employees remaining at the facility in Urbana.
“FlightSafety has traditional strength in high-quality training in large Level D simulators and Frasca’s strength in training development and ab initio flight training makes this partnership beneficial for both entities,” said Peggy Prichard, marketing manager for Frasca. “The two companies will together be able to serve most market segments with a wider range of products. New products will be developed as market need arises as is always the case.”Prichard noted that Frasca and FlightSafety have been linked for decades, through the friendship between FlightSafety International founder Al Ueltschi and Frasca International founder Rudy Frasca.
“Both companies were started by passionate aviators and each have a 60+ year history of advancing aviation safety,” Prichard said.
The acquisition “will better allow each company to increase its ability to prepare aviators through scalable and integrated product lines, increased innovation, and expanded expertise in the training and simulation market,” he said.
“From universities and trade schools, to professional flight departments, commercial airlines, cargo operators and government and military flight operations, FlightSafety and Frasca will offer a suite of complementary training devices that will help develop the most prepared aviators in the world.”
FlightSafety International is known worldwide for its experience-driven aviation training programs. The company has training facilities all over the world with FAA and JAA courses that cater to private aircraft owners as well as corporate and military flying.
