Sim is the first one manufactured in Australia to gain CASA certification

GeoSim Technologies has deployed its first Rotary Wing Part Task simulator in Brisbane. It will be initially operated in Cairns by Australian Helicopters, one of the largest helo companies in Australia. The company's primary work is that of coastal surveillance in an area known as the Torres Strait.

According to the Australia Herald News, the AUS$70,000 sim is the first one of its kind to be certified by the aviation authorities at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, better known as CASA. The simulator is portable, and uses visuals and scenery generated from satellite or airborne photography. It combines this with a full complement of instruments and cockpit controls to provide a realistic training environment for pilots.

"The problem we have with light aircraft is it is very much driven by costs, it is the poor end of the industry, they can't afford multi-million simulators like the airlines can," said Paul Brederech, managing director of training organization at Aviation Australia.

Mr Bredereck said the simulator would help prevent fatal helicopter crashes in the future by providing the additional training.

"Our night-over-water helicopter operations demand significantly more training and practice than daytime operations in order to guarantee safety," Australian Helicopters CEO David Earley said. "We operate several helicopters at night off the Queensland coast so we have a vested interest in finding cost-effective ways of conducting advanced education, and the GeoSim trainer is the best option available."

FMI: www.geosim.com.au