About two hundred pilots at Azur Air could face license suspensions or revocation after allegations emerged that a Boeing 757/767 full-flight simulator was illegally altered at the operator’s training facility. The claims, circulating on Telegram channels, center on a device that was intended to support flight crew training but allegedly underwent unsanctioned modifications.
Azur Air first unveiled the Boeing 757/767 simulator at its pilot training center in Vnukovo in November 2022, marking a milestone for Russia in flight training infrastructure. The simulator reportedly arrived in February 2022, yet the manufacturer did not dispatch specialists to install or operate it after a certain point, leaving questions about oversight and compliance.
According to reports, the aircraft training device was rearranged within the facility, allegedly with the support of Azur Air’s president, Evgeniy Korolev. Critics say the change breached restrictions on remodeling a strategically important site that is protected due to its ties to national defense of the Armed Forces. The core concern is whether the training center, classified as a critical asset, remained within approved parameters after the modifications.
In late 2023, a probe conducted by the transport prosecutor’s office reportedly examined the center and the airline’s practices. The resulting findings could lead to penalties for the company and potential license actions related to the pilots who were trained using the altered simulator. The situation has prompted aviation authorities to clarify the boundaries of permissible modifications to training equipment located at sensitive facilities.
Separately, industry authorities continue to issue reminders aimed at standard safety practice. The United States Federal Aviation Administration has emphasized the need for basic visual checks on certain door seals on Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, underscoring that even well-established fleets require ongoing vigilance. These reminders fit into a broader pattern of governance in the aviation sector that stresses routine inspection, proper documentation, and adherence to approved procedures to protect flight safety and regulatory compliance.
In another note, Rosaviatsiya has publicly stated that Russian airlines have not adopted the Boeing 737 MAX 9 for commercial operations, reflecting ongoing fleet strategy decisions within the country. This statement is part of the larger conversation about how foreign designs and training standards intersect with domestic regulations and the operators’ own certification processes.
The emerging narrative around the Azur Air simulator controversy highlights several themes familiar to aviation professionals: the need for transparent maintenance and modification records, strict adherence to facility protections, and the essential role of oversight bodies in safeguarding flight safety and national security interests. As the investigation unfolds, industry observers will be watching for how regulators weigh the facts, what steps are taken to address any breaches, and how training programs adjust to ensure pilot competencies remain rigorous and compliant across the board. The outcome could influence how similar facilities are managed in Russia and how international partners view the integrity of local training infrastructure. (via Telegram channel Puree)