FlightSafety International continues to expand its support for the helicopter industry with investments in new simulators, training programs and visual systems.

“We are proud to have served the helicopter industry for more than 25 years,” said Bruce Whitman, President & CEO. “FlightSafety is investing in high-quality training programs, advanced technology simulators, training devices and visual systems for current and next-generation helicopters to support the present and future training needs of our Customers and other operators around the world.”

The number of training events FlightSafety provides to helicopter operators has increased steadily in the past five years as a result of the company’s ongoing investment in new training programs, simulators and facilities. During this period, FlightSafety built a dedicated Helicopter Learning Center in Lafayette, Louisiana equipped with Level D qualified simulators for Sikorsky S-76C+/C++ and S-92 helicopters, and Level 7 qualified flight training devices for the Bell 206B/206L and Bell 407. FlightSafety also added Level D qualified simulators for the Eurocopter EC135 in Dallas, Texas; the Sikorsky S-76C+/C++ in West Palm Beach, Florida; the Sikorsky S-92 at the Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom; and a Level 7 qualified flight training device for the Eurocopter AS350 in Tucson, Arizona. VITAL X visual systems have been installed on all of the company’s simulators and flight training devices for helicopters. Visual database enhancements include a comprehensive model of New York City, imagery specific to EMS operators, and
	FlightSafety's Eurocopter EC135 simulator
scenes for offshore operations such as heliports in the Gulf of Mexico and highly detailed oil platforms.

Other training programs added by FlightSafety to support helicopter operators include maintenance technician training in Brisbane, Australia with Sikorsky Helitech, training for Pratt & Whitney Canada engines at 12 locations around the world, and a simulator-based Night Vision Goggle training program through a collaborative agreement with Aviation Specialties Unlimited.

With the upcoming addition of new Level D qualified simulators for the AgustaWestland AW139 in Lafayette, Louisiana and the Sikorsky S-76D in West Palm Beach, Florida, FlightSafety will offer a fleet of 17 simulators and advanced flight training devices for helicopters located in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Lafayette, Louisiana; Tucson, Arizona; West Palm Beach, Florida; and at the Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom.

New Level D Qualified AgustaWestland AW139 simulator to feature 220x60 degree field of view glass mirror display

FlightSafety's new Level D qualified AgustaWestland AW139 full flight simulator will feature the company’s latest advances in simulation technology including a 220° x 60° field of view glass mirror display.

“Incorporating FlightSafety’s latest advances in technology into our Level D qualified simulators will significantly enhance the training we provide,” said Bruce Whitman, President & CEO. “This investment demonstrates our commitment and ability to provide the highest quality professional training using industry-leading simulation technology.”

	“FlightSafety’s glass mirror displays provide superior optical performance, sharper image clarity, long term reliability, and are night vision capable. The true collimated images they present are free of visible distortions and artifacts out to mirror edge and “ground rush” distortion in the bottom field of view,” said Rick Armstrong, Vice President, Simulation.
AgustaWestland AW139 simulator

The simulator’s VITAL X visual system is optimized for training low level flight operations, offers increased scene content, vastly improved weather features, and enhanced levels of detail for optimum cueing. It is equipped with five liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) projectors to display highly realistic scenes optimized for comprehensive training scenarios.

The AgustaWestland AW139 simulator will also feature a Honeywell EPIC avionics system that integrates a 4-axis digital AFCS with the rotor systems to provide complete auto pilot functionality. The EICAS system provides engine and systems monitoring capabilities resulting in a comprehensive casualty and alerting system for the pilots. The simulator is scheduled to enter service at the company’s Learning Center in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2013 following Level D qualification.