Bell Helicopter
and TRU Simulation, both part of the Textron Group,
have opened their first international training
academy in Valencia, Spain.
The new facility
is based at the Cessna Citation Service Centre at
Valencia Airport and houses the first Odyssey H full
flight simulator (FFS) currently fitted with a Bell
429 Level D EASA certified flight deck. It is also
certified to FAA/JAA requirements.
BlueSky's
Terry Spruce
was invited to visit the facility and had an
opportunity to fly the simulator before the opening
ceremony.
The Odyssey H FFS
utilises TRU Simulation + Training’s
state-of-the-art, ultra-high definition visual
system with a 240 degree horizontal by 80 degree
vertical field of view, and 41 megapixel total
system resolution visual display. The Odyssey H also
utilises primary and secondary motion systems, and
features a roll-on/roll-off capability, which allows
the simulator to be reconfigurable for other
helicopters.
The simulator
flight compartment is an exact replica of the Bell
429 cockpit, from forward of the pilot’s anti-torque
pedals to aft of the pilot seats. All controls,
panels, instruments, avionics, equipment and
furnishings are identical in appearance, feel,
location and operation to those of the actual
aircraft. It will respond exactly like the aircraft
in all flight conditions (day, night, VFR, IFR and
NVG) as well as accurately simulate malfunctions and
emergency procedures.
The simulator was
built at TRU Simulation + Training in Tampa, Florida
and the centre expects to be ready to accept a
second simulator by the end of 2017.
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