A TRU Simulation + Training-manufactured AW139, a CAE-manufactured AW139 and an H145 D-2, all operated by Finnish helicopter pilot training provider Coptersafety, have been qualified to Level D by the FAA National Simulator Program. Level D qualification is only assigned to full flight simulators that meet the association’s highest standards.

“We at Coptersafety are excited to continue our expansion of our training capabilities, and with the addition of FAA Level D qualified full flight simulators, customers can focus on pilot training in a simulator with the highest level of qualification and capabilities,” says chief theoretical knowledge instructor Matthew Presnal, who is responsible for Coptersafety's FAA programmes.

Coptersafety's TRU AW139 Level D full flight simulator is currently equipped with Phase 7 avionics, the CAE AW139 FFS with Phase 5 avionics and the H145 Level-D FFS with Helionix Step 2 avionics.

This is the first H145 D-2 simulator qualified by the FAA outside the US, as well as the first H145 D-2 qualified for NVG training tasks outside the US.

All three devices offer immersive and realistic training features such as cockpit vibration, smoke generation, 3D clouds, night and NVIS/NVG visual scenes. Scenarios can be taken from known geographical locations and landing sites by creating scenes in a wide variety of gaming areas and fields of operation. Different visual environments in known geographic locations and landing sites can be customised by Coptersafety's in-house visual model team based on customer requests.

Pilots and crews can now book to train in any of the simulators for tasks such as airborne radar approaches, offshore standard approach procedures and NVG training tasks, among others. Additionally, pilots can attend one of Coptersafety's FAA Part 142 approved AW139 type rating, ATP or recurrent training courses.

Coptersafety's training centre is easily accessible from North America, Asia and the Middle East with its convenient location only four minutes from Helsinki International airport in Finland. Coptersafety is an FAA Part 142 training centre, an EASA approved training organisation and a GACA-approved training centre among others.