FlightSafety International is expanding the training it provides for the Gulfstream G280 aircraft to its Learning Center in Wilmington, Delaware, available from summer 2020. This will be its fourth simulator for the Gulfstream G280; the others are located in Savannah, Georgia and Dallas, Texas.

“We are pleased to increase our support for the growing number of Gulfstream 280 aircraft owners and operators around the world with the addition of a fourth simulator,” says senior vice president, operations Dann Runik. “FlightSafety works closely with Gulfstream to ensure that the training programmes are located in accordance with the needs of our mutual customers.”

The G280 simulator will be equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion PlaneView 280 avionics suite. It will also feature a dual flight management system with LPV and RNP capabilities, an Integrated Flight Information System and a Head-up Guidance System with Enhanced Vision System to allow for training on EFVS Touchdown and Rollout.

The advanced technology systems and components installed in this new FlightSafety FS1000 simulator will include a CrewView collimated glass mirror display and VITAL 1150 Visual System.

The company is also to build a new Learning Center in Houston, Texas. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020 at the Houston Spaceport area at the Ellington airport. The airport currently supports the operations of the US military, NASA and a variety of general aviation tenants. It is also home to the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow.

“FlightSafety is proud to have been a member of the Houston business community since 1966. This new facility will replace the current Houston Learning Center, which opened in 1976,” says president and CEO David Davenport. “We appreciate the support received from the City of Houston for this new facility as we worked to develop and finalise a long-term ground lease agreement for a six acre area within Phase 1 of the Spaceport.”

The Center will be equipped initially with 12 full flight simulators for a wide variety of aircraft types, providing training for pilots, flight attendants and aircraft maintenance technicians. This includes a dedicated area for training on Pratt & Whitney Canada engines.

In addition, FlightSafety has entered into an agreement with a large commercial aircraft operator for exclusive use of a large portion of the Center. The dedicated area will be equipped with a series of full flight simulators, classrooms and offices to support the company's pilot training programmes. “This agreement further demonstrates FlightSafety's ability to provide turnkey training services to commercial aircraft operators in facilities that meet their exact needs,” adds Davenport.