Thu, Apr 28, 2011
Dallas-Fort Worth FFS To Be Dedicated To Level D
Simualtion
Pilot training for the Nextant 400XT aircraft will be conducted
by CAE, the aircraft remanufacturer said in a news release Tuesday.
“While the 400XT represents the latest in business jet
technology, it takes an experienced and well-trained flight crew to
ensure that the aircraft is truly as safe as possible,”
stated Jim Miller, President of Nextant Aerospace.
“That’s why we are pleased to partner with an industry
leader like CAE.”
As part of a long term agreement with Nextant, CAE will convert
a CAE-owned Hawker Beechjet 400XP full-flight simulator (FFS),
located at CAE SimuFlite in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, into a
dedicated 400XT Level D FFS - the highest level of fidelity for
simulators. It will be configured to mirror the Rockwell Collins
Pro Line 21TM cockpit environment and enhanced flight performance
of the 400XT. All 400XT purchases will include two pilot training
positions along with an optional line maintenance familiarization
course. In addition to training retail clients, CAE will also
provide training to support the forty aircraft order placed by the
fractional operator, Flight Options. Training will be conducted at
CAE SimuFlite, the world’s largest business aircraft training
center.
“The 400XT exhibits a great combination of performance and
operating economics,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group
President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services.
“We look forward to applying CAE’s extensive experience
in avionics and engine simulation and integration, as well as our
expertise in developing and delivering entitlement and recurrent
training for new aircraft platforms to bring a higher level of
service experience to our customers.”
Nextant is the first company to introduce the concept of
remanufacturing to the business jet market. This unique process
applies an environmentally sound approach to aircraft manufacturing
which allows the company to deliver an end product that exhibits
significantly evolved technology, improved reliability, and a life
expectancy that meets or exceeds other competitive products. The
remanufacturing process involves a comprehensive protocol that
takes over 6,000 man-hours to complete. The process begins with a
thorough inspection of the airframe to ensure that it is free from
corrosion and any detrimental wear and tear. In subsequent phases,
all life limited components are taken to zero-time status either by
replacement or complete overhaul which effectively makes the 400XT
a new plane in all material aspects. The 400XT cockpit is updated
to include the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system and the
performance of the plane is significantly enhanced by the Williams
FJ44-3AP engine. Several aerodynamic enhancements are made to the
airframe including a new pylon and cowling design. The resulting
aircraft has a range of 2005nm (4 passenger, NBAA IFR reserves) and
a 35% improvement in fuel efficiency. All work is performed at
Nextant’s factory in Cleveland, Ohio. Remanufacturing differs
significantly from other “modification” programs in
that it creates a truly standardized product. The standardization
leads to an inherently safer product in that it will allow flight
crews to train to a common training curriculum. The 400XT is sold
with a complete tip-to-tail warranty and Nextant has established a
national service network to support the plane.
Nextant expects to certify the 400XT in the second quarter of
2011 and plans to deliver 11 aircraft this year with the first
delivery slated to take place in July. The company will have the
first production aircraft on display at European Business Aviation
Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in May and is expected to take
the new aircraft on a national tour this summer.
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