Simulator

The Training Centre operates an Elite Evolution S723 FNPT II Simulator housed in the main Centre building alongside the newly constructed classrooms and pilot facilities. The Simulator is based around the Eurocopter AS350, a single engine version of the AS355 which the company uses as its IR training aircraft, and will be joined by a second simulator during 2008. Both simulators will be upgraded to the AS355 as soon as this software version is launched.

The system has been approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authorities under visual and instrument flight conditions. Its capabilities include take-off, hovering, in-flight manoeuvres, radio navigation, instrument approaches and landings on Heli-pads, rooftops, oil rigs and ships, therefore making it an excellent platform for an IFR procedures trainer.

The Elite Evolution S723 FNPT II is equipped with appropriate instrumentation and controls and a class specific flight model. External scenery shows visibility, airport lights, wind and cloud layers with continuous time of day settings. Based on satellite images, the area around selected airports is visualised with textures and reflects the land cover of a region.

Within the cockpit, primary flight controls include dual cyclic, collective and pedal set-up with autopilot disconnect buttons. Three TFT monitors are used for pilot, co-pilot and engine instruments.

All simulated instruments operate as in the actual helicopter and instrument response rates are equal to those found in the helicopter.

The simulator provides the instructor with the ability to control the simulation environment for Instrument Rating training (e.g visibility or location) as well providing a variety of training tools. Situations such as malfunctions can be selected and ATC communication with the cockpit crew can be included.