FLIGHTSAFETY International (FSI) is to build and operate 14 additional business-aircraft flight simulators in a major initiative to expand and upgrade its fleet. Rival SimuFlite Training International is also acquiring additional business-aircraft simulators.
FSI cites the number of new business-aircraft programmes, coupled with advances in simulation technology, as reasons for its decision to upgrade existing simulators and build additional devices. Corporate-aviation customers are demanding the level of technology already available to airlines.
Most new FSI simulators, will be built to the Level D training standard, the highest recognised. The new devices will cover virtually the complete range of new business jets, including the Cessna Citation Bravo/Ultra and Citation X,Dassault Falcon 2000 and 900EX, Gulfstream V, Learjet 45,and Raytheon Premier I and Hawker 800XP.
Most are being built under exclusive training agreements, which require the simulator to be available when the aircraft enters service.
Also under construction are additional simulators for the Challenger 601-3R, Gulfstream III and Raytheon Beech King Air 200 - all Level D - plus a Level C simulator for the Cessna Caravan I.
The Gulfstream V is a lead aircraft for development of FSI's advanced qualification programme, a proficiency-based training system, and for the company's new computer-based classroom training.
SimuFlite, meanwhile, has acquired a Reflectone-built Hawker 800/1000 simulator from British Aerospace. Based at the Reflectone Training Center-Dulles, it will be Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas-based SimuFlite's seventeenth business-jet device.
The company has teamed with Bombardier to offer Challenger training at Dallas/Fort Worth and Montreal, where CAE Electronics-built simulators for the 601-3A/3R and new 604, respectively, will enter service in 1996. SimuFlite is also upgrading to computer-based training.
Source: Flight International
