Graham Warwick/ATLANTA
A mobile flight-simulator for the Raytheon Beech 1900D regional turboprop is to enter service in January 1997 with Denver, Colorado-based TechniFlite. It will be housed inside a tractor-trailer, which will be driven around the USA to provide on-site initial and recurrent pilot training.
TechniFlite says that its Mobile Training Facility (MTF) will provide regionals with a lower-cost alternative to buying a full-flight simulator or using a simulator at an independent training centre. Regular visits by an MTF will enable airlines to avoid the costs incurred in sending crews to training centres says chairman, Gil Acheson. "We will offer the lowest cost per hour ever available, as low as $144/h per pilot," he says.
Denver-based Training Devices is building the simulator for the first MTF. This is described as a "Level B+" machine, useable for all recurrent training and 85% of initial and upgrade training, says Acheson. The device has a compact six-axis-motion system, monitor-based three-channel IVEX VDS-2000 visual system and dual touch-screen instructor's station.
The trailer also houses the Harris Night Hawk computer, a classroom, the hydraulic system and a diesel generator. The trailer is levelled, stabilised and supported on outriggers when parked, and sides opened up and roof raised to allow the simulator to move on its McFadden motion base.
TechniFlite plans to field six MTFs in the first three years, with the second device likely to simulate the Saab 340 regional turboprop, says Acheson. The company is now signing up customers for the first device, which will cover the middle and eastern USA.
Source: Flight International
