Australian SME Ryan Aerospace and joint venture partner Precision Flight Controls (PFC) will be displaying their newly Federal Aviation Authority approved helicopter simulator at Heli-Expo in Las Vegas from 27 February to 1 March, 2018.
The JV has seen the development of a new, cost-effective helicopter simulator which has just received certification under FAA rules as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The device is reconfigurable between the Bell 206 and Bell 407.
Managing director and founder of Ryan Aerospace Chris Ryan said the simulator is a real game-changer for flying schools looking to save money and reduce risk.
“Lower cost simulators like ours are really disrupting the industry which has been dominated by larger players”, he added.
What this certification means for training schools is that they are now able to offer a more cost-effective and safe way to train helicopter pilots in a variety of key areas and to achieve credits in the simulator, rather than the real aircraft. With aircraft purchase and running costs forever being on the rise and simulators becoming more powerful and less expensive, there is a compelling business case to consider simulation as an effective training tool to supplement (and replace) some real helicopter flying.
The AATD is also approved provide up to a maximum of 7.5 hours of the aeronautical experience requirements for the Private Pilot helicopter certificate specified in 14 CFR Parts 61 and 141, applicable to the areas of operations and tasks specified in the helicopter practical test standards.
The H-206 unit comes with a full PC rack system complete with licensed software and Instructor Operator Station (IOS) which allows users to create scenarios, set weather conditions, change time of day or night, select any airport (worldwide) and induce failures. The (included) Garmin 530 (GNS530W) offers virtually full functionality.
There are also many options to choose from such as visual system (projection dome system or LCD panel display), avionics and motion and vibration system to name just a few. A new projection dome display from Q4 will be on display at Heli-Expo.
Customers can also enjoy fast delivery times due to a number of these units now being in stock and ready to go.
Ryan said support staff are based around the world and customised service level agreements can be offered in addition to standard warranty conditions.
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-expo will run from February 26 until March 1 in Las Vegas.