FlightSafety expands helicopter training
Sikorsky, Airbus, NVG options increased
FlightSafety International announced at Heli-Expo 2018 that a simulator for the Sikorsky S-76B has entered service at its Lafayette, Louisiana, Learning Center. The company also said it is offering a new series of Sikorsky S-70A courses at its West Palm Beach, Florida, center that are designed to provide a path for FAA type certification and recurrent training in the S-70A Black Hawk.
"This upgrade and expansion of the training programs and services we offer to operators of Sikorsky helicopters reflects FlightSafety's commitment to provide the broad range of conveniently located programs our customers require," said David Davenport, executive vice president.
The new Sikorsky S–70A courses utilize a Level D-qualified simulator at West Palm Beach and are designed specifically for restricted category, public use, and government operators. A two-week VFR initial course and one-week prior experience course lead to an S–70 type rating with VFR limitation on an FAA airman certificate. A VFR recurrent course also is available.
FlightSafety has been Sikorsky’s factory-authorized training provider since 1983.
FlightSafety also said that it has begun training with a new Airbus Helicopters EC130T2 full flight simulator located at its Learning Center in Denver. The center is also equipped with Level D-qualified simulators for the Bell 407GXP, as well as the Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 and EC135.
"We are pleased with the response to our Level D-qualified simulators for single-engine helicopters such as the EC130T2," Davenport said. "The increased focus and emphasis on safety across the helicopter industry is resulting in more operators training using advanced Level D-qualified simulators as opposed to training in an actual aircraft."
In addition, the company now offers FAA-approved Part 142 night vision goggle initial and recurrent training in simulators for Airbus Helicopters, Bell, and Sikorsky helicopters at its training facilities in Dallas; Denver; Lafayette; and Stavanger, Norway. The simulators received NVG qualification by the FAA’s National Simulator Program after thorough evaluation and demonstration of the simulators’ ability to accurately represent NVG operations.
The training has been sought by air ambulance, law enforcement, search and rescue, airborne surveillance, firefighting, and other customers, the company said.
Initial training provides instruction on the equipment and focuses on the efficient and effective use of the goggles through scenario-based and mission-specific exercises. It includes eight hours of ground school and eight hours of training in an advanced Level D simulator. The recurrent course provides an extensive review of NVG operational techniques during all phases of flight.
