A new $5.5-million flight simulator is being purchased for the KF Aerospace training program operated at Southport.
 
The Royal Canadian Air Force contracted KF Aerospace to expand its simulation offerings to include a flying training device for the Bell 206 Jet Ranger (B206) helicopter, KF site manager Peter Fedak explains.
 
“Currently it has no simulation other than one device that allows you to practice starting and shutting down. As far as flight modelling we have nothing.” says Fedak “This will round out the program to meet the Air Force's simulation strategy.”

Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc., based out of Halifax, N.S., will deliver the simulation device built by Frasca International Inc., based in Urbana, Ill., U.S.A. The $5.5-million price tag includes the purchase of device, renovation, total cost of utilities, replacement light bulbs, parts and operation until 2027, Fedak notes.

Peter Fedak, KF Aerospace site manager at Southport, says the new B206 simulator allows for continual training in all weather circumstances. (supplied photo)

It will be installed at the north side of Hangar No. 1 at Southport. The simulator allows trainees to sit in the cockpit of the B206 helicopter and features a large screen with a range of motion.
 
“This will allow them to do all the flying manoeuvres they want to do,” Fedak says. “It's up to the Air Force to choose how much, and what they want to do, but you can do all sorts of realistic situations. You can do more realistic emergencies and other training, such as mountain scenes or day and night flying.”
 
The 3 Canadian Forces Flight Training School and other facets of the Contracted Flying Training and Support Program offered by KF Aerospace at Southport will use the device for basic flight training.
 
This is the fifth major simulator KF Aerospace has on site at Southport, Fedak adds. “All the other programs have a lot of simulation. This will further enhance the B206 program while maintaining the standard of pilot we produce.”
 
Fedak adds, the addition of a simulator also allows for continued training in poor weather circumstances.
 
“Weather can really hamper a program,” he says. “Without any simulators, if the weather isn't good to fly, they can't do anything as far as flight training goes.”
 
“With a simulator if there's bad weather you can continue on. It allows you to move forward, condenses timelines and that could allow the Air Force to do increased training, or any other allies or countries that want to use it.”
 
The B206 flight simulator is expected to be installed and operational by March 2018 and will undergo final acceptance for use of training by the Air Force April 1, 2018.