All New Training Device Now Operational In Italy 

A new AW169 Flight Training Device (FTD) has been made operational at that AgustaWestland's A. Marchetti Training Academy in Sesto Calende, Italy. The device has been certified by a joint EASA and Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) team to FTD Level 2 as per CS-FSTD(H), the certification specification for Helicopter Flight Simulation Training Devices.

The AW169 FTD has been designed and built by AgustaWestland and is operated by Rotorsim, a joint venture between CAE and AgustaWestland. The FTD offers the functionality of a Full Flight Simulator without motion, and is being introduced by Rotorsim to support AgustaWestland in delivering flight training to AW169 customers. Currently orders for nearly 150 new generation AW169 intermediate twin-engine helicopters have been placed by customers around the world for a range of applications including corporate transport, air ambulance and law enforcement.

The AW169 FTD is the first training device to be certified following the EASA Operational Suitability Data (OSD) process and represents a key milestone of the AW169 programme, in preparation for the entry-into-service of the new type in a few months’ time.

The AW169 FTD features an AgustaWestland developed flight dynamic model, avionics and aircraft software modelling, and a high performance visual system with 150 degree by 60 degree field-of-view 12 ft dome display system. The FTD will provide effective training for pilots in the use of automated flight data systems and various flight procedures including situational awareness and decision making under normal, abnormal and emergency conditions. This device will allow for credits for IFR Training and for the majority of malfunctions and emergency scenarios.

The AW169 FTD has been installed in the new simulation building at the A. Marchetti Training Academy in Sesto Calende which will eventually house up to nine Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) and five FTDs (Flight Training Devices), further expanding the Training Academy’s capabilities.

This milestone further confirms AgustaWestland’s capabilities in providing a complete range of training services to its existing and future customers, ranging from designing to manufacturing and putting into service complex training systems.

Training systems supplied by AgustaWestland are uniquely able to track the product configuration from the point of delivery through life, offering a complete and integrated operational environment, linking logistic and training management systems with flight and mission planning systems to share critical data in support of operational efficiency and effectiveness.

(Image provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com