EIA: New Flight Simulator Creates International Flight Training Opportunities
A state of the art helicopter flight simulation training device opened for business Nov. 10, at Edmonton International Airport.
The device so closely replicates actual flight conditions that it is the first of its kind in in North America where pilots will receive credit for in-aircraft hours as part of an approved training program. The HNZ Topflight $3,500,000 Airbus Helicopter AS350B2/H125 Level 7 Flight Training Device provides synthetic training for one of the most popular commercial helicopter types.
The new training device is the latest initiative of the Alberta Aerospace and Technology Centre (AATC), a partnership by Canadian Helicopters (an HNZ company), Edmonton International Airport, Canadian North, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) and the Government of Alberta. AATC also supported the installation by Canadian North of an advanced Boeing 737, simulator at EIA in 2015. Alberta now offers complete, start-to-finish aviation training ranging from basic aviator skills to advanced technical certifications, improving the competitiveness of Alberta pilots, positioning our province to help supply worldwide pilot demand, and attracting new airline and industry partnerships and investments.
“World-class pilot training through the Alberta Aerospace and Technology Centre is a perfect example of our aerotropolis strategy, where business in one area drives success for other industries. This will support existing airlines, attract new air service, and drive economic growth for our region even beyond EIA’s existing $2.2 billion economic impact,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.“
“The new HNZ Helicopter Training Device will make a great addition to the AATC, opening doors for further expansion and enhancement of our air transportation industry in the Edmonton Region. The partnership between these organizations has successfully connected technology and aerospace in the region to create economic growth in a developing industry,” said Brad Ferguson, President and CEO of EEDC.
“We are pleased to partner with AATC with the support of EIA and the Alberta Government to bring this Flight Simulation Training Device to Edmonton. We believe that the introduction of this device into our training program will enhance our industry leading safety standards for the benefit of our crews and customers. Synthetic training is recognized by Transport Canada and our major customers as being a highly effective tool, and this FSTD represents the very leading edge of technology in simulated flight. As a result of this acquisition, we will realize significant safety as well as environmental and economic benefits, and we expect that other operators in the industry from across North America will also want to avail of this Edmonton based opportunity,” said HNZ’s President and CEO, Don Wall.
In addition to pilot training, the Alberta Aerospace and Technology Centre will act as a nucleus of technology education, research and development. Going forward, AATC will pursue and support research and development projects that can enhance aerospace and aviation-related technology, developing economic opportunities in the technology sector that will boost economic growth for our region. The centre is part of the Port Alberta initiative, a collaboration by EEDC and EIA to increase the overall competitiveness and trading volume of the Edmonton Metro Region.
