Aircraft

FlightSafety International is to open an offshore helicopter training centre in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2008. The centre will be equipped with eight full-flight simulators for the main AgustaWestland, Bell, Eurocopter and Sikorsky helicopter types flown by operators serving the Gulf of Mexico.

The first simulator to be installed in the centre will be for the Sikorsky S-76C+/C++. FlightSafety is building a second S-76C+/C++ simulator for its centre at West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as another device for the forthcoming S-76D. A Sikorsky S-92 simulator is to enter service at its Farnborough, UK centre by year-end.

FlightSafety is to install a Cessna Citation Mustang device at its Orlando, Florida centre in 2009, joining two already operational at its Wichita, Kansas location and the third simulator for the very light jet to enter service in Farnborough by mid-2008. A second Piaggio Avanti II simulator will be installed at West Palm Beach in 2008.