Ernie Stephens in the HotSeat

R&W Editor-at-Large Ernie Stephens approaches downtown Manhattan in a simulated Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin using the HotSeat Heli Sim.

HotSeat Chassis recently sent a demo unit for its new low-cost helicopter trainer—Heli Sim—to Rotor & Wing’s offices in Rockville, Md. Editor-at-Large Ernie Stephens, who formerly served as a police sergeant and chief pilot and is currently flying for the Maryland State Police (MSP), put the simulator through its paces, using—among other rotorcraft—the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. The Dauphin is currently in service with MSP. While firing up the Heli Sim and adjusting the settings, Stephens was quick to point out that the virtual rotorcraft “sounds like a Dauphin,” including the “winding noise coming from the back.” The instruments for the AS365 all responded like an N1 or N2 variant of the helicopter, Stephens said, adding that the displays are “accurate down to the test switches for the [emergency] fire bottles.” Constructed around a steel tubular frame, Heli Sim comes with Flight Link Cyclic III Plus, a collective with throttle, foot pedals, flatscreen display and six-speaker surround sound.

“They got the instruments right. They got the sounds and graphics down as well,” Stephens said while taking the Dauphin through a number of scenarios, including scenic views of downtown New York City and Washington, DC. —By Andrew D. Parker, Managing Editor

AAMS Establishing SMS Academy

The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) has unveiled plans to host a five-day training event in June that will focus on safety management systems (SMS) for EMS helicopter operators. The AAMS Safety Management Training Academy is scheduled for June 13–17 at the Oglebay National Training Center in Wheeling, W.V.

S-92 Sim Receives JAA Approval

Frasca International and Bristow Helicopters have obtained dual Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) certification for its Sikorsky S-92 full flight simulator (FFS). The Frasca-built device is approved under Level B FFS and Level III FTD standards. The simulator is stationed at the Bristow Academy in Aberdeen, Scotland. A Eurocopter EC225 FFS is scheduled for delivery in mid-2010.

Air Evac Team Dons NVGs

Night vision goggle (NVG) training is nearly complete for pilots and crew of the Kirksville (Mo.) Air Evac Lifeteam, which is adding the equipment to assist with night operations. The training courses include classroom and hands-on instruction in the air. The EMS unit is deploying ITT Technologies ANVIS-9 NVGs. The goggles will “greatly enhance our nighttime operations in the areas we serve where low-light conditions are present,” explains Doug Busch, base pilot supervisor at the Kirksville location.

Bristow, Florida Tech Partner

Titusville, Fla.-based Bristow Academy has inked an agreement with the Florida Institute of Technology to offer a joint training program starting in fall 2010. The initiative will provide helicopter flight training for students, and the organizations anticipate the program will draw interest from eligible military veterans under the post-9/11 GI Bill.

CAE Contract Includes German Helo Training

As part of C$50 million in agreements with military operators around Europe, CAE will supply maintenance for the German Army Aviation School’s two UH-1D, two CH-53 and eight Eurocopter EC135 simulators. CAE Germany will support the German Army’s training programs for a total of six years under the deal.