World's first Virtual Jet training programme takes off

The world’s first team training programme using aviation techniques and including unique psychological management and performance skills has been launched in Devon.

The course is aimed at businesses who want to develop their teams and is run by fully-qualified, experienced, pilots working with ex Team-GB rower and lifestyle coach Ben Tipney.

“We are the only people in the country who own our own simulator and own cabin, our own flight staff and crew and we have the skills to put that together,” said Captain Andy Wilkins, a commercial pilot who set up The Virtual Jet Centre.

“We have eight experts, a cabin section, computer suite, flight simulator and world-class performance coach which is an unique combination - we’re the only one in the world.”

The courses aim to develop the personnel within companies, or to reward them for their hard work, with corporate days tailored to the clients’ specific training needs using the world of aviation. Ben and Andy can visit each potential customer to assess their individual needs and then create a tailor-made training programme.

Clients are taught the benefit of working as a team, learning how to apply good communication, delegation skills and decision making.

“Flying the 737-800 Simulator tests the ability of staff to work together in a totally different environment,” says Andy.

“Though there may be times when your employees will be out of their comfort zone everyone will, without doubt, have an enjoyable experience.”

Training covers a variety of performance, lifestyle and management topics including decision-making, situation awareness, leadership skills, stress solutions, personal management, motivation and engagement and conflict resolution.

The bespoke courses will be tailored to each business’ needs and will be run at the company’s headquarters just off the A38 at Chudleigh in Devon. Clients will be taken through their paces in the company’s cabin section, flying a complicated task in the computer simulation suite as well as having hands-on experience in the main simulator in pairs.

“There is nothing like this in the world, combining this level of skills and equipment and making it available outside of the aviation industry. It’s not only a very intense and effective way of team building but also, we guarantee you, great fun too!” says Andy.

For more information visit virtualjetcentre.co.uk