AS350 Simulator In Phoenix, AZ Expands CAE's Civil Helo Training Center Network

The first CAE 3000 Series helicopter mission simulator, a Eurocopter AS350 B2 model located in Phoenix, Arizona, has been qualified by the FAA for Level 7 flight training device credits.

CAE Photo

"This new CAE simulation capability offers the most immersive, mission-focused experience ever for the civil helicopter market in an environment that is safer and more efficient than training in the aircraft," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services, said Thursday in making the announcement. "We have deployed this first CAE 3000 Series simulator in the western United States so the large number of AS350 operators in the region can train their pilots conveniently close to their base of operations."

The Phoenix location near the Sky Harbor International Airport is the fifth site worldwide where CAE training is available for civil helicopter operators. Other locations include:

• Bangalore, India -- a new CAE-built Bell 412 Level D full-flight simulator (FFS) was recently qualified by regulatory authorities.
• Dubai, UAE -- Bell 412 Level D FFS, Emirates CAE Flight Training center.
• Sesto Calende, Italy -- A109 and AW139, both Level D FFSs, Rotorsim joint venture with AgustaWestland.
• Morristown, New Jersey -- Rotorsim AW139 plus a Sikorsky S76, both Level D FFSs.

CAE has also announced plans to deploy a Bell 412 Level D FFS in Mexico.

The CAE 3000 Series helicopter mission simulators include offshore, emergency medical services, law enforcement, long line, high-altitude, corporate, and other scenarios. The simulator enables pilots to practice challenging procedures without risk such as low-level flight, confined area operations and autorotation.

The CAE 3000 Series Level 7 simulator is designed to the emerging International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Type III standards, which could provide 100% of training tasks for Instrument Rating (IR), Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL), Type Rating (TR), Recurrent License (RL) and Operator-Specific (OS) training, and up to 50% of tasks for Training to Proficiency requirements.

The CAE 3000 Series is designed for a market which currently conducts most training in the aircraft and has been seeking new ways to improve safety and efficiency. CAE developed the product family with extensive input from their Helicopter Advisory Board, which includes pilots, operators, manufacturers, and insurers.

FMI: http://cae.com/3000