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here are many ways of making a difference. For several decades, TFC has done so by rendering flying safer for millions of unknowing passengers worldwide. Specialised in designing and producing training equipment for cabin crews, the company provides major airlines with custom-built simulators. The trainers allow pilots and flight attendants to practise safety procedures and emergency evacuations in a realistic setting and real-life conditions, which enhances the quality of practical training tremendously. Founded more than 30 years ago, TFC has acquired a leading position in a niche market through innovation and constant adaptation, but also by keeping the family company spirit alive. “Within a small tight-knit company like ours, we all know each other. We are part of the same family, each with our own strengths and weaknesses. All departments work in close collaboration. Building on everyone’s strong points and always keeping communication open enhances the team spirit and provides us with what it takes to compete in an international market,” explains Mark Goossens, TFC’s current managing director, who joined the company in 2014.
UNIQUE SIMULATORS
Each simulator and trainer that leaves TFC’s production unit in Germany is unique, having been conceived to cover the specific needs of each airline. “Most of our customers just have a broad concept of what they require, as they only order such a device every 10 to 15 years”, tells Mark Goossens. “During the acquisition phase we provide various layout options and after open discussions with the customer, the It takes up to a year from design to final delivery of a simulator. Il se passe jusqu’à un an de la con ception à la livraison finale d’un simulateur.
TFC is also specialised in hightech, customised door trainers. TFC fournit aussi des appareils haute technologie pour la formation des portes.
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initial concept becomes reality. We call this the design phase. It can take up to 12 months from design to final delivery. But every customer is different. One will require a lot of technical features, another special colour or lighting requests. There are differences in size, layout, configuration for example of the galleys, location of fire/smoke simulations, etc. Beyond that there are different types of aircraft too: Airbus (A320/321, A330/340, A350 and A380), Boeing (B737, B747, B757, B767, B777 and B787 Dreamliner)…” Luxair received its impressive trainer from TFC – made from a Boeing 737600 NG cockpit which used to belong to Scandinavian Airlines and a Boeing 373600 NG fuselage formerly operated by Austrian Airlines – at the end of last year. “The Luxair Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer (CEET) is very special as it combines safety
30/11/17 14:32