Fidelity Flight Simulation is preparing to deliver its first full-motion helicopter simulator to a new training centre being set up with CJ Systems Aviation Group at Allegheny County airport outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
CJ Systems will use the Eurocopter EC135 flight-training device (FTD) to train pilots stationed with air medical service programmes across the USA, including at Pittsburgh-based STAT Medevac, which originally specified the device.
Fidelity says the EC135 simulator, which features six-axis electric motion and flat-panel panoramic visual systems, will be the first helicopter FTD to be certificated to Level 6 by the US FAA.
The training centre will be owned and managed by Fidelity and used by CJ Systems, with excess simulator capacity marketed to other operators. A second training device will be installed by the middle of next year, with the helicopter type selected by mid-year, says Mark Limbach, vice-president, marketing.
Pittsburgh-based Fidelity has also sold a motion-based helicopter FTD for the Bell 222U to Air Alpha of Odense, Denmark. It will be delivered before the end of the year, and certificated to European JAR-STD 2H Level 2 standard, says Limbach. Air Alpha will use the FTD for crew training in support of its European and Greenland flight operations.
GRAHAM WARWICK/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
