Textron Inc. and US Aviation Academy Forge Landmark Agreement for Virtual Reality Flight Simulators

In a significant advancement for aviation training, Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) announced on October 14, 2025, a partnership between its subsidiary TRU Simulation + Training Inc. and the US Aviation Academy. This collaboration marks the first fleet order of the innovative Cessna Skyhawk Veris Virtual Reality (VR) Simulators, introducing a new chapter in fixed-wing pilot training. The agreement was unveiled during the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), signaling a crucial step toward enhancing pilot readiness through cutting-edge technology.

TRU Simulation has officially signed a purchase agreement with the US Aviation Academy for five Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR Simulators. This order not only signifies the initial fleet deployment of the Veris in the fixed-wing training market but also demonstrates a shared commitment between the two organizations to enhance pilot training methodologies. Notably, the agreement includes an option for the US Aviation Academy to purchase an additional ten simulators in the future, indicating strong expectations for the device's impact on training effectiveness.

Jerry Messaris, Vice President and General Manager of TRU Simulation, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement. He stated, “The Veris represents a new era in flight training by revolutionizing how pilots learn.” Messaris emphasized the growing demand for innovative training solutions and looked forward to the Veris becoming an integral part of the US Aviation Academy’s curriculum.

The US Aviation Academy, renowned for its professional pilot, aircraft technician, and dispatcher training programs, will receive the simulators at its facility in Denton, Texas. The integration of these devices promises to enhance the Academy’s flight training experience significantly.

The Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR Simulator is designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Training Device (FTD) Level 7 standards. It features a fully configured cockpit that replicates the Cessna Skyhawk instrumentation and controls, along with authentic Garmin G1000NXi avionics. This combination offers students a highly immersive and realistic training environment, whether they opt to use the VR headset or not.

As a clean-sheet design, the Veris merges the features of a full flight simulator (FFS) with advanced virtual reality technology. TRU Simulation is proud to announce that the Veris has been qualified as a Level 7 Flight Training Device by the FAA and is also designed to meet European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Flight Training Device Level 3 standards, with EASA qualification expected later this year.

Mike Sykes, CEO and Founder of US Aviation Academy, expressed excitement about becoming the launch customer for the Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR simulator. He noted, “Integrating the Veris into our training programs will greatly elevate the learning experience through its advanced technology.” Sykes emphasized that the simulator would help future aviators build confidence and competence from their first day of training.

The collaboration between Textron Inc.'s TRU Simulation and US Aviation Academy represents a significant leap forward in flight training technology. By leveraging the state-of-the-art Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR Simulators, both organizations are poised to redefine pilot training methodologies, ensuring that aspiring aviators receive top-tier, immersive training experiences. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, this partnership underscores the importance of innovation in preparing the next generation of pilots.