First Unit To Be Delivered To Western Michigan University

It's pretty well accepted that simulators are a good way to practice and build proficiency without spending a lot of money on gas. And while the glass flight decks being installed in a lot of GA airplanes are very useful tools, they do take some getting used to. Wednesday, Avidyne announced that it has partnered with Frasca International to develop two Cirrus SR22 Flight Training Devices (FTD) featuring Avidyne's Entegra Release 9 (R9) integrated flight deck system. The first R9-equipped FTD, which was recently delivered to Western Michigan University, provides a high-quality simulator for primary and advanced training on the state-of-the-art Avidyne R9 Flight Deck for Cirrus aircraft. They say the second device will be delivered in the near future.

The Frasca FTD with Avidyne's R 9 features dual IFD5000 flight displays with dual FMS9000w Flight Management Systems. Features include actual aircraft cockpits, TruVision visual system with 220 degree visual display, Graphical Instructor Station (GISt) which gives instructors complete control of the simulation environment and monitors the pilot's performance through graphical mapping programs and more. Lesson plans automatically control the simulator by triggering events based on conditions such as time, altitude, and other factors.

"The SR22 FTD is not only a task trainer for WMU's Entegra 9-equipped Cirrus aircraft, it is a highly capable flight simulation system for Avidyne's next generation of integrated avionics," said John Frasca, Vice President of Frasca International. "Avidyne's role as the pioneer and continuing innovator of integrated flight decks makes them a strong partner for Frasca as we deliver what is an ideal training simulator for flight schools that are fulfilling the training needs of today and for the future."

"The Frasca FTD with the Entegra Release 9 system gives WMU a powerful tool for training the next generation of professional pilots, and also for familiarizing their flight instructors with the advanced capabilities of the R9 system," said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne's Chief Operating Officer. "This partnership is especially notable because it combines Frasca's decades of expertise in building leading-edge flight simulation training systems, Avidyne's unmatched experience in integrated flight deck systems for light GA aircraft, and WMU's leadership in aviation education."

"We have nearly completed the transition to the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 suite on our entire fleet of 26 Cirrus aircraft and the addition of the Frasca R9 FTD will be an incredibly effective addition to our curriculum," said Captain David Powell, Dean of WMU's College of Aviation. "We believe the Avidyne Release 9 system, with its fantastic FMS capabilities, is especially valuable for training tomorrow's corporate and air transport pilots, and now we can provide a meaningful portion of that training in our new Frasca FTD."

The Frasca FTD is approved for training under FAA Part 61 including for logging flight experience and instrument experience, for Instrument Proficiency Checks, for use in the Instrument Rating Practical Test, for a maximum of 20 hours training for the Instrument Rating, a maximum of 2.5 hours for the Private Pilot certificate, a maximum of 50 hours for the Commercial Pilot certificate, or a maximum of 25 hours toward the Airline Transport Pilot certificate. The Mentor trainer also is approved for use under Part 141 as limited by Part 141 appendices.

FMI: www.avidyne.com, www.frasca.com, www.wmich.edu