TRU Simulation + Training announced today that its Cessna SkyCourier Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) has successfully earned Level D qualification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing pilot training to commence. This achievement comes just one month after Textron Aviation earned FAA type certification for the SkyCourier.
TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a Textron Inc. company that designs and delivers high-fidelity training devices and support for civil and defence customers.
“The success of the Cessna SkyCourier simulator program is the result of the collaboration between the Textron Aviation flight test and production teams, FlightSafety International’s courseware and instructor teams and our employees at TRU,” said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager of TRU Simulation + Training. “Together, we worked on the design, production, testing and qualification of the simulator to ensure the highest quality training device, and we look forward to pilots utilising it for many years to come.”
The Cessna SkyCourier is a new twin-engine, large-utility turboprop. With a clean-sheet design and advanced manufacturing processes, the high-wing aircraft’s production line is underway, and the first unit will soon enter the market.
The SkyCourier’s Full-Flight Simulator, located at FlightSafety’s Wichita East Learning Center, is equipped with the latest Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and features real aircraft parts throughout the cockpit, ensuring accurate representation of the aircraft. TRU’s design incorporates its industry-leading, third generation control loading system that produces a highly realistic flight experience. The full-flight motion of the simulator integrates TRU’s REALCue system that uses an electric motion base with 42-inch-stroke actuators. The visual system is equipped with FlightSafety’s VITAL 1150 Image Generation system, a large array of high-resolution airfield models and high-definition projectors on a 200×40 degree display, creating an immersive training environment. The simulator has been built using the latest TRU frame design, which supports configurable seating and IOS arrangement, along with improved quick, easy access to internal equipment for maintenance of the device.
FlightSafety International and TRU Simulation + Training formed FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training in 2019. The joint venture provides training services for Textron Aviation’s broad product line of business and general aviation aircraft.
FAA approves ALSIM AL40 simulator as AATD
ALSIM announced that the FAA has approved the ALSIM AL40 simulator as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The AL40 is an exact replica of a new Diamond DA40 NG aircraft equipped with a real Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. In the United States, ALSIM’s AL40 is currently operated by the Aspen Flight Academy in Colorado, a one-of-a-kind programme that offers every Aspen High School student the chance to experience flight and learn about careers in aviation.
Captain Mike Pearce, the Aspen Flight Academy’s chairman, a Boeing 777 captain for American Airlines and the creator of the Every Student Flies program said “The ALSIM AL40 is an exceptional simulator with state of the art flight characteristics. It is ability to provide substantial instrument training and provide realistic emergency situations is astounding. This device has truly improved the performance of my students in all aspects of flight training.”
Dr Scott Firsing of the ALSIM North America team said “Having the AATD approval for the AL40 now means student pilots in America can log respectively up to 20 hours and 50 towards their instrument rating and CPL certificate. Moreover, with the current higher prices for aircraft, fuel, insurance and most aviation related items, a high-fidelity simulator with real Garmin avionics, immersive visuals and an authentic force feedback system makes the AL40 a must have business and training item. We developed a new, industry leading flight model for this simulator that can replicate the most basic flight manoeuvres to the more advanced emergency procedures.”
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