The Helicopter Flight Training Center welcomes first international customers
When it comes to training, a simulator is the most realistic environment for a pilot other than flying an actual aircraft. High-tech simulators can prepare pilots for a variety of situations they may encounter in real life. The demand for simulator training is increasing as the helicopter industry strives for a safer work environment.
The focus on safety and training is not limited to the United States. The Helicopter Flight Training Center in Shreveport, Louisiana recently hosted Beijing Capital Helicopter Co., Ltd., a division of HNA Group. Four pilots with an instructor, translator and liaison traveled from China to train in the FlightSafety Level D EC135 full motion simulator.
“Our training at the Helicopter Flight Training Center was a great experience,” said CEO of Beijing Capital Helicopter Jeffrey Xu. “Our instructor was able to use his own training program so he could clearly communicate the curriculum to our pilots. The ability to dry lease the simulator is a wonderful opportunity.”
The training center staff is made up of professional aviators with a wealth of knowledge in a variety of aircraft models and training programs. Through the dry lease program, operators can receive assistance in customizing a program to fit their exact needs. “Many operators know the importance of training, but they are unsure of where to start,” said Metro Aviation President Mike Stanberry. “Once we have a working knowledge of their mission, we can suggest training curriculum to ensure they make the most of their time at the Helicopter Flight Training Center.”
Aviators from Beijing Capital Helicopter spent a week in Shreveport, first attending ground school and then logging flight hours in the EC135. “The simulator training was especially helpful in the area of emergency procedures, which we cannot practice in an actual aircraft. Training for engine failure, tail rotor failure and FADEC failure improves our pilots’ abilities in the face of an emergency,” said Xu.
“The simulator’s ability to recreate realistic mission conditions in various levels of difficulty allows our pilots to prepare for the unknown, and it gives us at Beijing Capital Helicopter great peace of mind knowing we are doing everything within our power to equip our pilots with the knowledge and experience needed to fly safely.”
Beijing Capital Helicopter and the Helicopter Flight Training Center are currently working on future training plans. The Helicopter Flight Training Center will be welcoming new international clients in the next year from South America and Europe.
