Dallas-Fort Worth FFS To Be Dedicated To Level D Simualtion

Pilot training for the Nextant 400XT aircraft will be conducted by CAE, the aircraft remanufacturer said in a news release Tuesday. “While the 400XT represents the latest in business jet technology, it takes an experienced and well-trained flight crew to ensure that the aircraft is truly as safe as possible,” stated Jim Miller, President of Nextant Aerospace. “That’s why we are pleased to partner with an industry leader like CAE.”

As part of a long term agreement with Nextant, CAE will convert a CAE-owned Hawker Beechjet 400XP full-flight simulator (FFS), located at CAE SimuFlite in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, into a dedicated 400XT Level D FFS - the highest level of fidelity for simulators. It will be configured to mirror the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21TM cockpit environment and enhanced flight performance of the 400XT. All 400XT purchases will include two pilot training positions along with an optional line maintenance familiarization course. In addition to training retail clients, CAE will also provide training to support the forty aircraft order placed by the fractional operator, Flight Options. Training will be conducted at CAE SimuFlite, the world’s largest business aircraft training center.

“The 400XT exhibits a great combination of performance and operating economics,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. “We look forward to applying CAE’s extensive experience in avionics and engine simulation and integration, as well as our expertise in developing and delivering entitlement and recurrent training for new aircraft platforms to bring a higher level of service experience to our customers.”

Nextant is the first company to introduce the concept of remanufacturing to the business jet market. This unique process applies an environmentally sound approach to aircraft manufacturing which allows the company to deliver an end product that exhibits significantly evolved technology, improved reliability, and a life expectancy that meets or exceeds other competitive products. The remanufacturing process involves a comprehensive protocol that takes over 6,000 man-hours to complete. The process begins with a thorough inspection of the airframe to ensure that it is free from corrosion and any detrimental wear and tear. In subsequent phases, all life limited components are taken to zero-time status either by replacement or complete overhaul which effectively makes the 400XT a new plane in all material aspects. The 400XT cockpit is updated to include the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system and the performance of the plane is significantly enhanced by the Williams FJ44-3AP engine. Several aerodynamic enhancements are made to the airframe including a new pylon and cowling design. The resulting aircraft has a range of 2005nm (4 passenger, NBAA IFR reserves) and a 35% improvement in fuel efficiency. All work is performed at Nextant’s factory in Cleveland, Ohio. Remanufacturing differs significantly from other “modification” programs in that it creates a truly standardized product. The standardization leads to an inherently safer product in that it will allow flight crews to train to a common training curriculum. The 400XT is sold with a complete tip-to-tail warranty and Nextant has established a national service network to support the plane.

Nextant expects to certify the 400XT in the second quarter of 2011 and plans to deliver 11 aircraft this year with the first delivery slated to take place in July. The company will have the first production aircraft on display at European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in May and is expected to take the new aircraft on a national tour this summer.

FMI: www.nextantaerospace.com