The added value of different learning approaches Traditional leadership seminars teach essential fundamentals: leadership theories, communication models, strategic thinking. They lay the theoretical foundation for successful leadership. Simulator training builds on this and adds a new dimension: the direct experience of leadership under stress. While traditional seminars teach the “what” and “why,” the simulator shows the “how” in a crisis situation.

“It's like the difference between swimming theory and taking your first leap into the water,” explains Prof. Wolfgang Güttel, Dean of the TU Wien Academy. “You need both. Theory gives you confidence, practice makes you competent.”

Over decades, airlines have developed a system that minimizes human error: Crew Resource Management (CRM). The program now systematically transfers these principles to the world of management—supported by the expertise of Capt. Hans Härting and Sabine Fürst from AssekuRisk:

• Structured communication under pressure: Closed-loop communication works in the cockpit: instruction – repetition – confirmation – execution. This technique drastically reduces misunderstandings and is directly transferable to crisis situations in business.
• Hierarchy without information blockages: The captain bears responsibility, but every crew member must report critical observations. This “speak-up culture” trains psychological safety in teams.
• Situational awareness as a leadership tool: Grasping the overall situation while managing details – in the simulator, managers experience first-hand how to maintain an overview when things get dicey.

What does this mean for everyday management?

• Decision-making authority in uncertain situations: The “Aviate-Navigate-Communicate” rule comes to life.
• Translated for managers: In crises, first ensure the ability to act, then make strategic adjustments.
• Delegation as a leadership strength: Those who control everything themselves fail in the simulator. Teams learn: Trust in expertise is not a weakness, but a prerequisite for high-performance teams.
• Constructive error culture: The simulator is a safe space. Errors often arise from system overload, not incompetence. It is important to interrupt chains of errors instead of looking for someone to blame.

© AssekuRisk

Debriefing: How did the students react to the pressure in the cockpit? What can you take away from this for your everyday management work?

Debriefing: How did the students react to the pressure in the cockpit? What can you take away from this for your everyday management work?

Simulator training is the second of three modules in the comprehensive program “Leadership in Challenging Times”, which empowers managers to remain effective in times of change.

The program has a modular structure, with each module also available for individual booking. It combines personal resilience, team leadership, and organizational development:

• Module 1:Leadership in Times of Crisis – Attitude, Impact & Resilience
• Module 2: Leadership & Teams – Using the Simulator for Decision-Making Under Pressure
• Module 3:Leading the Organization & Change – Designing Systems and Enabling Change

Special advantage: The program is independent, but offers the option of having the TU Wien certificate counted toward the Executive MBA. It thus serves as a bridge between intensive practical training and an academic degree.

For managers who are looking for more than standard solutions

This program is aimed at people who see leadership not as a status symbol, but as a responsibility. It brings together managers from a wide range of levels and industries who have one thing in common: the desire to remain clear, humane, and effective even under pressure. Whether you are an experienced manager who wants to put your established patterns to the test or an aspiring executive looking for guidance on your own style, this is the place for you. Project managers involved in major change processes and players in technology-driven industries in particular benefit from the cross-industry exchange. If you are ready to leave your comfort zone to develop true resilience and decision-making skills, this is the right place for you.

Practical details about the training

• Format: 3-day intensive module (Module 2)
• Partner: Conducted in the Airbus A320 simulator at AssekuRisk Safety Management
• Led by: Univ.Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Güttel together with pilots and human factors experts such as Capt. Hans Härting
• Group size: Max. 12-15 participants for intensive support
• Language: German/English
• Next regular start: October 2026 (individual places for remaining modules on request)

Conclusion: The future of continuing education for executives

With “Leadership in Motion,” the TU Wien Academy shows what modern executive education looks like: scientifically sound, practically proven, and directly effective. Through cooperation with AssekuRisk, the flight simulator has evolved from a gimmick to a genuine teaching tool.

If you are an executive juggling complexity on a daily basis, this is precisely the mix that is needed: a solid foundation of theory and intensive, pulse-raising practical experience.

Secure your place for the next session now:

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