Airbus Helicopters Japan inaugurated Japan’s first full flight simulator (FFS) for helicopters at its training facilities in the Kobe Airport vicinity on Monday. The EC135 P2+ simulator received level-C certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). Such airworthiness authority approval allows training hours accumulated by pilots in the full flight simulator to count as actual flight hours.

“Flight safety is our first priority at Airbus Helicopters,” said Stephane Ginoux, president of Airbus Helicopters Japan. “By introducing the first full flight simulator in Japan, we are contributing to enhancing the safety of helicopter operations. With this system now operational, the world standard in training is available for the country.”

This full flight simulator accurately represents the helicopter’s cockpit, instruments and systems, enabling aircrews to experience operations in all conditions, including emergency situations and inclement weather.

Incorporating a standard EC135 flight data package developed by Airbus Helicopters, the simulator allows a full representation of the rotorcraft’s functionality, including its engines, autopilot and all other systems by using real software and components. It can simulate up to 195 malfunctions, greatly enhancing the crews’ emergency handling abilities.

The EC135, a popular twin-engine helicopter used worldwide for rescue, emergency medical transport, fire-fighting, coastal patrol, law enforcement, electronic news gathering and other missions, has become popular in Japan, where 77 of them operate in various roles today.

Airbus Helicopters Japan’s training center–the first of its kind in the country–officially opened in 2012 at Kobe Airport. Last year 30 pilots and 185 maintenance technicians attended its training courses.