The first FAA level-6 flight training device (FTD) for the new Pilatus PC-12 NGX is now available for pilot training at Simcom’s facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, the companies announced yesterday. Built by Frasca International, the FTD was delivered to Simcom—Pilatus’s factory-approved training provider—earlier this summer and been undergoing evaluation and testing, culminating in the recent FAA approval.
The device replicates the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE)—based on the Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 avionics system—and features the new touchscreen avionics controller, single power control lever, and autothrottle system on PC-12 NGX. It also incorporates Frasca’s 220-degree spherical display system.
In addition to the FTD, Honeywell has produced several training videos for the PC-12 NGX that can be viewed through the Honeywell Pilot Gateway. These learning tools can be used by PC-12 NGX pilots before initial training and also as a refresher to maintain proficiency.
A second PC-12 NGX FTD is currently under construction and will go into service in Europe next year, according to Pilatus Aircraft.