Mount Cook Airlines orders Mechtronix' fixed base FFT X(TM) for recurrent training & checking
MONTREAL, April 30 /CNW Telbec - AsiaNet/ - -
New training paradigm with a fixed-base simulator enables motion-cueing without a motion base
Mount Cook Airlines, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand located in Christchurch, New Zealand, has purchased from
Mechtronix an ATR 72-500 Full Flight Trainer(TM) X(TM) (FFT X(TM)) to bring 100% of the recurring training and
operational airlines needs to its home base. Mechtronix Systems Inc, a fast growing provider of flight simulation
technology, is the first and only company offering the FFT X(TM) worldwide.
This innovative device enables pilots to perform all the recurrent training including CAT II, Capt upgrade, recent
experience and Operation Proficiency Checks (OPC) in a fixed base environment relying on a new concept of "motion cueing
system", more cost effective to operate than a classic Full Flight Simulator (FFS). The FFT X(TM) comprises a high level
of dynamic environment cues namely a collimated visual system, a high end sound, enhanced vibration system feedback
associated with seat cueing capabilities as well as a level D data package.
Mount Cook Airlines will be using the FFT X(TM) for their OPC's, enabling recurrent training at their home base. A
direct effect of this is a significant reduction of costs associated with recurrent training & checking combined with an increased crew coverage and overall fleet yield.
"Until the FFT X(TM), we had no choice but to send our pilots for their recurrent training to the closest training
facility which in our case was in Bangkok, Thailand. The FFT X(TM) business case justifies our purchase and savings we
will incur. We now have the innovative solution that will enable us to perform 100% of the recurrent training at our own
facility," indicated Flight Operations Manager Mr. Dale Webb. Mount Cook Airlines will also be using the device for
upgrade of command and also for part of their initial training program.
"This new generation of tools simultaneously meets the high demand for advanced training while addressing training
quality and customer finances. By doing so, in association with ATR customers needs, we will significantly contribute to
increasing safety worldwide" said Jean-Michel Bigarré ATR VP training and flight operations.
"We wanted to enable "smaller" airlines that are currently outsourcing their training to third party training centers
to be able to bring their training at their own base of operations. Our FFT X(TM) - supported by both ATR Training
Center and the French CAA - allows this and is the perfect solution for such airlines," concluded Mechtronix President
Xavier Hervé.
About the FFT(TM) X(TM)
The FFT X(TM) is the outcome of a joint effort between ATR Training Center and Mechtronix Systems who relied on studies
on human brain, motion feedback and pilot behavior to design a high level but affordable and creative solution. The FFT
X(TM) comprises a high level of dynamic environment cues namely a collimated visual system, a high end sound, enhanced
vibration system feedback associated with seat cueing capabilities as well as a level D data package. All these systems
combined with the natural brain ability to recreate physiological feeling generate a high level of motion cues
challenging the conventional hexapod motion system.
About Mount Cook Airlines
Mount Cook Airlines is a regional carrier based out of Christchurch, New Zealand wholly owned by Air New Zealand. They
operate regional services under the Air New Zealand Link brand. Mount Cook operates a fleet of more than 10 ATR 72-500.
About Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI)
Born out of the micro-processor revolution in the early 80's, MSI is a privately held company headquartered in
Montreal, Canada, one of North America's aerospace clusters. Over the last 20 years, MSI has acquired the resources and
capabilities allowing the design of intelligent machines, such as flight simulators. Relying on its unique and
economically advantageous fabrication process, MSI is one of the world's fastest growing providers of flight training
equipment. Its worldwide customers include major airline companies such as Alitalia, Copa Airlines, CAFUC (China), Japan
Airlines, Lufthansa, and Northwest Airlines. MSI's newest addition to the Ascent(R) series is the FFS X(TM) full flight
simulator, including the Non Zero Flight Time(TM) (NZFT(TM)) and the Zero Flight Time(TM) (ZFT(TM)) configurations. The
Ascent(R) offer also including Simulated Aircraft Hardware, FTDs, Full Flight Trainers(TM) is an integral part of the
Aerosim-Mechtronix Integrated Training Architecture(TM).
Ends