AW139 flight simulation training device certified

Era Training Center (ETC) has announced that its first AW139 flight simulation training device (FSTD) has been FAA-certified as a Level 6 FSTD. According to the company, this certification will allow helicopter operators to conduct AW139 training in ETC’s device under CFR Part 61 or train in the FSTD with their own instructors.

ETC’s AW139 FSTD has the latest flight software for the AW139 flight management system (FMS) and replicates the aircraft in every detail. A high-fidelity simulation of the helicopter’s flight characteristics and a high-performance electric control loading system, providing high fidelity control forces, gives pilots a realistic ‘flying’ experience. To add to the reality, the FSTDs have a high-fidelity simulation of the avionics and helicopter systems based on true aircraft data and a digital sound system for both instructor/crew communication providing realistic aircraft and equipment aural cues.

ETC says the FSTD’s visual system provides high-resolution imagery with a 200 x 70 degree field of view presented on a spherical screen using TruVision Global, featuring worldwide coverage. The base map includes over 10,000 runways, coastlines, and other geographic features, allowing line-oriented flight training (LOFT).

The FSTD has an Instructor Operating System (IOS) located behind the crew seats that allows the instructor to monitor crew training and control simulation. Control functionality includes scenario and sortie definition, malfunction injection and parameter freeze via a highly flexible and user-friendly workstation designed to optimise instructor workload.