Simulation Training And Education To Be Offered In Tucson

Omniflight Helicopters announced Monday that it has entered into an agreement with FlightSafety International. The agreement provides Omniflight the opportunity to train its aviation professionals using FlightSafety’s new AS350 simulator, a Level 7 flight training device that basically serves as a replica of the aircraft. The training will take place at FlightSafety’s educational center in Tucson, AZ, where Omniflight’s instructors will lead and conduct the process.

Beginning in early 2010, nearly 200 pilots nationwide will be trained using FlightSafety’s AS350 simulator. This includes training for newly hired as well as current Omniflight pilots and will focus on both regulatory and mission-specific, scenario-based training.

Conducting training in the simulator will allow Omniflight to provide instruction on certain specific maneuvers that can be performed more effectively in the device. In particular, Omniflight expects to see increased effectiveness in training for encounters associated with Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC) and a wide range of emergency procedures.

“The FlightSafety training program will allow us to capitalize on the proven benefits of simulator training processes, which include enhanced safety and heightened performance,” said Eric Pangburn, chief rotor-wing pilot at Omniflight who will head the program for the company.

“The training will offer a decreased chance of physical risk and improved cost efficiencies since it will be conducted on the ground, which ultimately results in increased aircraft availability. It also affords us more flexibility and enhanced productivity in the type of training options it is capable of performing,” Pangburn explained.

Omniflight AS350

Anthony J. DiNota, president and chief operating officer, added: “We have long seen the successes and benefits of flight simulation training when used at major airlines and within other segments of the aerospace industry. Now, the time has finally come when this type of high-level commercial simulator training is available for the AS350. It is truly exciting to have an opportunity to be among the first entities to conduct training with this new simulator, which has been specifically designed for helicopters that operate within the air medical transport arena.

“With this arrangement with FlightSafety, Omniflight is improving the quality of its pilots while helping them to excel in their abilities to appropriately respond to patient needs during the course of duty," DiNota said. "We are delighted to be leading the charge within the air medical services sector and look forward to continuing to capitalize on additional simulator training opportunities as progression continues in the marketplace."

FMI: www.omniflight.com