Flight simulator. Photo: Shutterstock The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a civil penalty of $306,000 against Simulator Center LLC, a pilot training company based in Sanford, Florida, over a series of alleged regulatory violations tied to instructor qualifications, training procedures, and recordkeeping practices.
According to the FAA, the alleged violations took place between January 2022 and April 2023 and involve multiple areas of concern related to the company's flight training operations.
The agency claims that Simulator Center allowed "numerous instructors" who were not properly qualified to provide flight training to students. Investigators also allege that the training center failed to ensure that certain students completed all required instruction before being recommended for FAA certification.
In addition to the instructor and certification issues, the FAA says some of the training was conducted using devices that had not been approved for those specific tasks. The agency further alleges that training activities took place at a location not listed in the company's approved operating documentation.
Recordkeeping has also come under scrutiny. According to the FAA, Simulator Center failed to maintain accurate training records, an essential requirement designed to ensure transparency and compliance within the aviation training industry.
The proposed penalty underscores the FAA's continued focus on oversight of flight schools and training centers responsible for preparing the next generation of pilots. A civil penalty proposed by the FAA is not a final enforcement action. Companies have the opportunity to respond to the allegations, provide additional information, or contest the findings before any penalty becomes final.