TRU Simulation + Training, a subsidiary of Textron, was awarded Australia Civil Aviation Safety Authority level-D approval for a full-flight simulator installed in Queensland for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
The simulator can support training for the entire fleet of the RFDS Queensland Section's Beechcraft King Air B200s and B300s. Described as “the first of its kind in Australia,” the simulator is housed in a purpose-built training facility next to the RFDS base in Bundaberg.
“RFDS is a highly respected organization in Australia that requires their pilots to be prepared to execute a variety of life-saving services. At TRU, we are committed to ensuring pilots have a world-class training device so they are ready for any challenge they may encounter,” said TRU Simulation v-p and general manager Jerry Messaris. “We are honored RFDS selected a TRU simulator for their crucial operations.”
The simulator creates an immersive training environment by using a visual system equipped with high-definition projectors. All four King Air variants available to the simulator use TRU's designed and developed aircraft systems and aerodynamics software package.
RFDS Queensland has a large King Air fleet it uses to deliver aeromedical transport and provide healthcare services to regional, rural, and remote Queenslanders.