AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announce the availability of a new AW189 Flight Training Device (FTD) at its A. Marchetti Training Academy in Sesto Calende, Italy. The device has been qualified by an EASA / ENAC joint team to FTD Level 2 as per CS-FSTD(H), and is installed in the new simulation building which will include up to nine Full Flight FFS and five FTDs (Flight Training Devices), further expanding the Training Academy capabilities.

The FTD has been produced by AgustaWestland and is 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 rapidly expanding number of AW189 operators. At present, the AW189 has been ordered in more than 80 units.

John Ponsonby, Senior VP Customer Support & Training Services said “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.”

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 therefore allow for credits for IFR Training and for the majority of malfunctions and emergency scenarios. It will also allow 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. This milestone further confirms AgustaWestland’s capabilities in providing a complete range of training services to its existing and future customers, ranging from designing to manufacturing and putting into service complex training systems.

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