Aeroflot pilots complete first Sukhoi Superjet 100 training course

Posted by John McHaleMOSCOW, 4 April 2011. Aeroflot pilots have completed a flight crew training course on the Sukhoi SuperJet 100 at the Sukhoi SuperJet training center in Moscow. Sukhoi SuperJet staff pilots run the "Type Rating course for Aeroflot pilots," which lasts 24 days.The courses involved three flight crews (six pilots) in classroom sections which required the use of computer based training (CBT), a Type5 flight training device (FTD) and a flight procedure training device (FPTD).In-flight training also used the SSJ100 Serial Number 5. Upon training completion, Aeroflot Crews were certified by Federal Air Transport Agency (Ministry of Transport of Russian Federation)."I am proud and honored to be one of the first airline pilots who took to the air the new Russian aircraft," says Eugene Voronin, chief of the Aeroflot SSJ100 pilots team. "The aircraft is reasonably easy to control. I was really impressed and I greatly appreciated its cockpit. The SSJ100 fully differs from the cockpit of any other Russian aircraft. It is comfortable, spacious, with wonderful onboard field of view and a side-stick instead of control column. I am sure that our passengers will enjoy the flight on the SSJ100 as well.""It is a major step ahead for SuperJet International," says Carlo Logli chief executive officer at Sukhoi Superjet. "This proves that SJI Training Team is ready to provide training courses on SSJ100 type to pilots, flight attendants and maintenance staff of airlines in Russia and in other countries. Specific training programs for Aeroflot pilots have been developed in order to ensure the right entry level training. The initial training activities have been performed through the support of Sukhoi test pilots and the SJI international team of top-level flight and maintenance instructors. SuperJet International is working hard in order to meet customer needs and maximize the aircraft’s availability. I am confident that the set up of a professional and experienced training organization will guarantee a smooth entry into service of the SSJ100."SuperJet International, which is in charge of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) sales in the Western markets, is also responsible for training and after-sales support all over the world. Given the international nature of the product, SuperJet International has established two facilities based in Venice and in Moscow for training.