Simulators Will Come Online In March 2008
Eurocopter announced at EBACE 2007 this week it will install
flight training devices including six-axis, full-motion simulators
for its EC135 light twin-engined helicopter in its Donauwörth,
Germany and Dallas, TX facilities in the last quarter of 2007. The
helomaker says its main objectives are to offer to its customers a
realistic mission environment, increase safety, improve handling of
emergencies, demonstrate operational proficiency and to provide
training independent of weather conditions or aircraft
availability.
The simulators will be certified for training in March 2008
according to JAR-STD2H Level 3 and FAA-Part 60 FTD Level 6.
Reservations are now being accepted.
The simulators are being developed by CAE and Indra in
cooperation with Eurocopter, thereby combining the best technical
resources from America and Europe. They include a full-motion
system with six degrees of freedom, an instructor station,
simulation of all systems and optional equipment solutions,
avionics system and full replica of the EC135 cockpit, sound
system, original OEM simulation data package and a visual system
field of view of 160° horizontal and 80° vertical
daylight/dusk/night.
The vertical field of view features also a -50° full chin
window view. The visual database will feature detailed airports,
heliports, helipads and platforms as well as realistic 3D moving
models and full correlation between databases.
The simulators guarantee the most representative synthetic EC135
and the latest aircraft configuration, with through-life upgrades,
based on a Eurocopter data package and flight loop software using
genuine aircraft manufacturer software. This unique simulation data
package is the key element of Eurocopter’s stringent policy
to accept no compromise on safety, which to a paramount degree
depends on first-class training.
Eurocopter tells ANN flight profiles will be adjustable to any
customer’s mission profile and any working environment. The
EC135 is the world’s best-selling new-generation light twin
and operates in such diverse markets as HEMS, law enforcement and
homeland security offshore oil and gas services, utility, military
and, to an increasing degree, in VIP and corporate missions.
Training courses offered by Eurocopter on these new training
devices in Europe and the United States include standard and
recurrent training such as type rating, emergency refresher, IFR,
GPS approach and recurrency training; mission training such as
night flight, NVG training, confined area procedures, day/night
transit flight, crew reaction in deteriorating conditions (single
engine, MET conditions, low fuel) as well as platform or rooftop
landings; and tailored courses such as simulator handling for
instructors, line oriented flight training, crew resource
management, multi-crew operation and ab-initio flight training.
The addition of the two EC135 flight training devices in its
German and American facilities signifies the importance Eurocopter
attaches to training and safety through the use of simulators. The
company already operates simulators for the Dauphin and Super Puma
families of helicopters in its Helisim facility held jointly with
Thales in France and the HFTS (Helicopter Flight Training Services)
center for the NH90 held jointly by Eurocopter, CAE, Rheinmetall
Defence Electronics and Thales in Germany.
As of 2008, American Eurocopter in the USA will additionally
offer simulator means for the EC145 and the AS350.