New Device Located In Lafayette, LA

A new Bell 407 advanced flight training device operated by FlightSafety International has been qualified to Level 7 by the FAA, the company announced late last week.

Bell 407

“An increasing number of helicopter operators are recognizing the value, efficiency and effectiveness of training using FlightSafety’s new Level 7 qualified flight training devices as opposed to training in the actual aircraft,” said George Ferito, Director Business Development, Rotorcraft Training. “Operators of smaller, turbine powered helicopters can now benefit from the same level of professional training we provide our fixed wing and larger helicopter customers as a result of these new devices.”

The new Bell 407 flight training device is located at FlightSafety’s Learning Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. It will be used during initial type training, recurrent training, inadvertent IMC training, and a wide variety of mission-specific and scenario-based programs.

The device is designed to replicate the unique operational requirements of Emergency Medical Services, Off-Shore, Law Enforcement, Electronic News Gathering, Paramilitary Operations and others. The flight training device allows for emphasis on maneuvers and scenarios not safely or realistically suited for the aircraft. Among these are engine fires, loss of tail rotor effectiveness and starting problems such as hot or hung starts.

The new Bell 407 flight training device is equipped with FlightSafety’s advanced Vital X visual system that provides the most realistic and comprehensive training scenarios available for the aircraft. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capability will be added in the near future.

FAR Part 135 operators, with their POI's (Principle Operations Inspector) approval, can meet the requirements of initial and recurrent training and checks with only minimal actual aircraft time. FlightSafety adopts the certificate holders approved training program to the flight training device and can also add areas of emphasis requested by the operator. Part 91 operators can also utilize the full range of capabilities offered by the Level 7 flight training device and its advanced visual system to ensure the most effective, risk free training for their pilots.

The Lafayette Learning Center also offers training for the Bell 206 using a Level 7 qualified flight training device as well as programs that feature full flight Level D qualified simulators for the Sikorsky S-92 and 76 C+ and C++ aircraft. A Level D qualified simulator for the Eurocopter EC-135 is scheduled to arrive in Lafayette later this year.

FMI: www.flightsafety.com