Flight training provider FlightSafety International plans to increase its fleet of advanced Level D helicopter simulators by more than 40 percent. It will be adding simulators for the Bell 407GX and 412EPi models, as well as for the Airbus Helicopters AS350B3, EC130T2 and EC145 and the Sikorsky S-76C+/++, S-76D and S-92. FlightSafety plans to install the new simulators at its learning centers in Dallas, Denver and Singapore and another location to be determined by customer requirements.

The Denver center will be opening in 2016 in conjunction with emergency medical operator Air Methods. The company recently signed a 10-year deal with FlightSafety International to install four full-motion Level D-qualified helicopter flight simulators in Denver.

The Airbus EC135 simulator currently being used by Air Methods at FlightSafety’s Dallas learning center will be installed first, with simulators for the Bell 407GX and Airbus AS350 B3 and Airbus EC130T2 to follow once FlightSafety completes the design, development and manufacture of those simulators. The learning center will also offer classrooms and a full complement of customer service areas. It will be expanded in the future to accommodate additional full flight simulators as required.

The four helicopter models represent the majority of the 400-plus-strong Air Methods helicopter fleet at both its air-medical and tourism divisions, company CEO Aaron Todd told AIN. Todd noted that last year “represented another year of safe operations” for the company. “We always count our blessings when our employees and patient passengers get home safely and that is not by chance. We have invested heavily in training, technology and safety systems. We are encouraged by the continuous improvement in our safety record and we continue to work hard and stay humble,” he said.

FlightSafety has built more than 100 helicopter simulators and advanced training devices. The new helicopter simulators will feature the company's Vital 1100 visual imaging system with fields of view up to 300 degrees horizontally, CrewView glass mirror display, electric motion control and cueing and an advanced instructor operating station.