With service entry for its new AW189 and AW169 models looming large over the next couple of years, AgustaWestland is scrambling to ensure that operators can get their flight crew type rated in good time. At its main training academy in Sesto Calende, a major extension is under construction to house no fewer than nine full-flight simulators and six training devices for the new aircraft. This week AgustaWestland and CAE agreed that their Rotorsim joint venture will operate a new AW189 full-flight simulator–a CAE 3000 series model–in Sesto Calende from the third quarter of 2013.
The new facilities will significantly boost the capacity of a flight academy that last year certified some 4,200 students from 40 countries on 45 separate courses. Its Class D simulators are in action 20 hours a day, 363 days per year. The center also offers extensive instruction for mechanics.
Responding to the growing Asian market for rotorcraft, the manufacturer last month opened another training academy in Malaysia. AgustaWestland has a subsidiary in Malaysia, which is also involved in customer support.