Temsco Helicopters of Ketchikan, Alaska—the largest helicopter operator in the state—recently took delivery of a Frasca International flight training device (FTD) for the AS350B2. The primary use of the device will be to train Temsco's new tour pilots on sightseeing routes and for transitions from piston helicopters. Aside from Temsco (which stands for timber, exploration, mining, survey, and cargo operations), NorthStar and Coastal Helicopters will also use the new training device.
According to Temsco senior v-p Joe Hicks, “The FTD will also be used for mission training, dealing with rapidly changing weather, white-out conditions, and flat-light conditions, which can all be encountered while flying in Alaska. These scenarios can be experienced in the simulator to teach pilots to properly recognize and avoid these hazards.”
The FTD uses Frasca's TruVision visual system with a custom database of Alaska, a 220-degree visual display, an instrument change-out kit, and Frasca’s motion cueing system. It can also be flown with the pilot-in-command in the left seat, thus simulating the AS350. The training device is also the first FTD to integrate the Avidyne IFD550, which includes forward-looking terrain alerts, synthetic vision, supplemental height above terrain callouts, and remote transponder control.
“By using simulation in its programs, Temsco is following the guidance and recommendations of the NTSB and the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, both of whom have issued recommendations to increase the use of simulation training as an impactful way to reduce helicopter accidents,” said Frasca business development manager Randy Gawenda.
Coincidentally, when the contract for the AS350 FTD was signed lasted year, both Frasca and Temsco were celebrating 60 years in business, said John Frasca, president of Frasca.