Providing Pilot Support at Bell Customer Academy

Aero-News learned this week Frasca International has been awarded a contract to supply a Bell 429 Level 6 Flight Training Device (FTD) to Bell Helicopter Textron.

The 429 FTD will be used at the Bell Helicopter Customer Academy in Fort Worth, TX to support pilot training on Bell's new advanced light twin 429 helicopter, which begins initial customer deliveries in 2008.

The FTD will include an actual Bell cockpit, controls and data package, simulated Rogerson Kratos panel displays, EICAS (Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System), Level 6 qualification, Frasca's TruVision 220 visual display system, vibration platform, and additional features.

The 429 FTD is part of a larger contract that includes a Level 6 Bell 407 FTD, six Mentor H portable units designed for start-up and mission training for the Bell 206 and 407, upgrades of existing Frasca FTDs currently installed, and Bell 407 desktop and classroom simulation software.

In addition to this contract, Frasca previously provided several helicopter FTDs to Bell, including a Bell 206B/L FTD, 407 and 427 CPTs (Cockpit Procedures Trainer), and a Bell 412 FTD.

Frasca International, Urbana, IL, manufactures flight training equipment for airlines, flight schools, universities, and military organizations worldwide. Products include FTDs, FNPT I, II and IIMCC devices, CPTs, Full Flight Simulators, and more for all aircraft types, fixed wing and rotary.

Since the company's 1958 founding, Frasca has delivered over 1800 devices to 70 countries.

FMI: www.frasca.com, www.bellhelicopter.textron.com