VistaJet becomes first bizav operator certified for EBT

VistaJet has made history by becoming the first business aviation operator to earn certification for baseline evidence-based training (EBT).

The company has adopted what it calls the “gold standard methodology” used by leading commercial airlines which replaces decades-old legacy training.

EBT centres around data-driven instruction which evolves with every flight and every risk profile, moving away from “checklist” drills and training aircrew for modern aircraft and missions.

VistaJet, which began implementing EBT in 2018, says it will develop an in-house team of simulator instructors and examiners, adopt “robust” standardisation across fleets and crews, record tens of thousands of data points to continuously refine training programmes and include both operational and broader industry safety data into training content and delivery.

“Whilst others wait, Vista builds. We were the first to implement EBT in business aviation – years ahead of the industry – and we’ve set the blueprint others now look up to,” says Nick van der Meer, chief operating officer at Vista.

“Achieving this certification is more than a regulatory milestone; it’s proof of Vista’s relentless commitment to protecting our clients and crew. Safety is a responsibility we take personally, every single day.”

Van der Meer added that EBT is part of Vista’s vision to “continuously raise the bar” because “safety leadership is a responsibility, not a title”.

EBT is a “paradigm shift” in pilot training, says Vista, moving away from the traditional model, where a certain number of manoeuvres are trained repetitively and exhaustively, no matter the aircraft being flown or the mission profile.

Instead, it focuses on instruction guided by real performance data, ensuring training is relevant, targeted and operationally effective.