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.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com