Helicopter Flight Training Center installs Bell 407 flight training device
The Helicopter Flight Training Center, a Metro Aviation company, is expanding its training options with the addition of a Frasca Bell 407 Level 7 Flight Training Device (FTD). The BH407 analog cockpit is capable of simulating normal and emergency operating conditions, allowing pilots to train for any situation.
Metro Aviation President Mike Stanberry says he is excited about offering a Bell simulator and believes this is one more step to a safer industry. “Simulator training is a key element to safety, and we are excited to extend our reach to even more pilots.”
The cockpit is IFR-equipped, featuring a coupled autopilot capable of ILS, VOR and GPS/WAAS approaches. Eight projector screens provide spectacular visuals, including low, medium and high illumination NVG training.
“Frasca is proud to supply the Helicopter Fight Training Center with their Bell 407 Flight Training Device with NVG simulation, advanced visual system, on-time delivery and Level 7 qualification,” said FRASCA International President John Frasca. “It is our goal to provide the best quality simulators available and support our customers’ training objectives.”
Metro pilots assigned to Tampa General Hospital’s Aeromed program will train in the simulator annually. Ted Edgar, Lead Pilot for Aeromed, recently tested the simulator after its installation and said he was thoroughly impressed with the attention to detail. “It has been engineered in great detail and is capable of simulating aircraft system malfunctions from mild to wild.”
FAA certification for the FTD is expected in late November. The simulator joins an existing Level D EC135 full-motion simulator and Level 7 AS350 flight training device.