FlightSafety International (FSI) is fielding a new generation of training systems at its learning centres, making increased use of electronic courseware delivery. Classrooms, training devices and full-flight simulators all share the same aircraft simulation software, increasing the realism of ground training and improving pilot proficiency.
In the classroom, the pilot can learn to operate the aircraft's flight-management system (FMS), for example, or call up the hydraulic system schematic, using desktop flat-panel touchscreen displays. From there, the pilot moves to a free-standing device that FSI is calling a full-task trainer. This uses flat-panel displays to represent the aircraft's instrument and overhead panels and centre console, and runs the aircraft simulation software.
A carrel-type trainer, running the same software, will be used for self-paced training. FSI also plans portable training devices for off-site use, capable of simulating the cockpit and FMS, but these are not yet defined, the company says.
The new classroom and training devices will provide enhanced preparation for training in FlightSafety's expanding fleet of Level D full-flight simulators, with the goal of providing greater pilot proficiency. The first of the new systems are being fielded for Dassault Falcon 2000 business jet training at the company's Dallas/FortWorth, Texas, and Teterboro, New Jersey, centres.
FSI has expanded its MyFlightSafety web portal to provide an online training management system to help corporate flight departments track the certification of pilots. Capabilities include recording, reporting and alerting, and the system will maintain electronic training records that flight-department managers can view online.
Source: Flight International
