EASA/ENAC qualifies AgustaWestland AW189 Flight Training Device for training

AMSTERDAM, 30 Sept. 2013. A team of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC) officials have qualified AgustaWestland’s new AW189 Flight Training Device (FTD), installed at A. Marchetti Training Academy in Sesto Calende, Italy, to FTD Level 2 as per CS-FSTD(H).

The AV189 ENAC is installed in AgustaWestland’s new simulation building, which will house up to nine Full Flight FFS and five FTDs (Flight Training Devices.

The FTD is produced by AgustaWestland and operated by Rotorsim Spa, a joint venture between CAE and AgustaWestland. The FTD offers the form, fit, and function of a Full Flight Simulator without the motion, and is being introduced by Rotorsim to support AgustaWestland in delivering operational training to its expanding number of AW189 operators. At present, the AW189 has been ordered in more than 80 units.

“This qualification is a further confirmation of AW training strategy to continuously improve the safety of operations by means of a complete range of training devices and high quality simulators. The availability of this AW189 simulator is the first step in boosting our capacity to support the entry into service of our new AW189 product line,” says John Ponsonby, senior VP customer support & training services at AgustaWestland.

The AW189 FTD features the AgustaWestland developed flight dynamic model, avionics, and aircraft software modeling, combined with CAE core simulation technologies. The FTD features a high-performance visual system with 150 degree by 60 degree field-of-view, 12-foot dome display system.

The FTD will soon provide effective training for pilots in the use of automated flight data, systems integration, and other procedures, including situational awareness and decision making under normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions. This device will allow for credits for IFR Training and for the majority of malfunctions and emergency scenarios, as well as enable AgustaWestland to begin training activities for the AW189 and support many aspects of mission and operational training, as well as being a valuable tool for the Multi Engine and Glass Cockpit.

The AW189 Full Flight Simulator will enter into service at the same time of the delivery and entry into service of the first AW189 helicopters.

Training systems supplied by AgustaWestland can track the product configuration from the point of delivery through life, offering a complete and integrated operational environment, and linking logistic and training management systems with flight and mission planning systems to share critical data in support of operational efficiency and effectiveness.