FlightSafety International and Air Methods are adding a Level D qualified full flight simulator for the Airbus Helicopters EC145 at the FlightSafety Learning Center in Denver, Colorado.

“We appreciate the opportunity to expand the services and support we provide to Air Methods at our Denver centre with this new EC145 simulator,” says co-CEO and president of commercial at FlightSafety David Davenport. “Air Methods is a highly valued partner that shares our commitment to enhance helicopter safety.”

Design and manufacture of the FS1000 simulator is underway at FlightSafety's Oklahoma facility. It will be equipped with the VITAL 1100 visual system, CrewView glass mirror display, electric motion control and cueing and an advanced instructor operating station.

The device is scheduled to enter service early next year. While it will be used primarily by Air Methods to train its pilots, FlightSafety will also offer training to other EC145 operators.

Air Methods and FlightSafety entered into a comprehensive long-term agreement in 2014 for simulator provision in Denver. The Denver centre is currently equipped with simulators for the single-engine Airbus AS350 B3, Airbus EC130T2, Airbus EC135 and Bell 407GX helicopters.

Air Methods is the largest provider of air medical transport services in the United States. The tourism division is comprised of Sundance Helicopters and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, which provides helicopter tours and charter flights in the Las Vegas/Grand Canyon region and Hawaii. The United Rotorcraft division specialises in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features over 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.