Helispeed Training Academy has announced the acquisition of United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority certified Flight and Navigation Procedure Trainer Level II, strategically based on the Bell 429, at its state-of-the-art facility at Blackpool Airport.

This cutting-edge device is designed to cater to a diverse range of training needs, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to excellence in helicopter training.

Key Features of the Bell 429 Simulator:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: The simulator is equipped with the latest advancements in flight simulation technology, providing a realistic and immersive training environment.
• Scenario-based Training: Pilots can undergo a variety of scenarios, including emergency situations, adverse weather conditions, and complex manoeuvres, ensuring comprehensive preparedness.
• Realistic Cockpit Replication: The simulator precisely replicates the Bell 429 cockpit, allowing pilots to familiarize themselves with the controls and instrumentation of this popular helicopter model.
• Enhanced Training Capabilities: The Bell 429 Simulator enhances Helispeed Academy’s capacity to deliver high-quality training, contributing to safer and more skilled helicopter pilots.
• Emergency ground proximity warning system (E.G.P.W.S.): a vital aircraft safety technology designed to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) incidents. Using advanced sensors and algorithms, it continuously monitors the aircraft’s proximity to the ground, issuing timely alerts and alarms to the flight crew in the event of potential collision risks. E.G.P.W.S. enhances situational awareness and provides essential seconds for pilots to make informed decisions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, particularly in challenging conditions.
• Airborne radar approach (ARAs):  a radar technology for effective navigation during offshore helicopter approaches and landings. It assists pilots in maintaining safe distances, executing precise approaches, and enhancing situational awareness. ARAs contributes to safer flight operations, especially in challenging conditions, by using radar for terrain avoidance and informed decision-making.
• Weather radar (WX Radar) equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills essential for effective utilization of weather radar systems. Allowing the pilot to interpret and respond to weather patterns, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions in-flight.

Benefits for aspiring pilots and industry professionals:

• Improved Safety: Realistic simulation training helps pilots develop critical decision-making skills and respond effectively to diverse in-flight situations.
• Cost-Efficiency: Simulator training reduces the need for actual flight hours, making pilot training more accessible and cost-effective.
• Versatile Training Scenarios: The simulator accommodates a wide range of training scenarios, from routine operations to complex emergency procedures.

Training provided:

• Instrument Training: 40 hours of comprehensive instrument training within this device, contributing significantly to the 55 hours required for the multi-engine helicopter initial instrument rating.
• IFR Training/Checking: Specialized training and checking for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Approach (APCH) to ensure pilots are well-versed in precision navigation procedures.
• Specialised Manoeuvre Training: Vortex ring and LTE (Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness) training, enabling pilots to develop skills crucial for handling challenging flight conditions.
• Recurrent Training: Tailored recurrent training for both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) specific to the Bell 429 helicopter model.
• Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Training: Comprehensive MCC training designed to enhance teamwork and coordination among flight crews operating the Bell 429.
• Upcoming NVIS Training: Helispeed Training Academy is actively working towards incorporating night vision imaging system (NVIS) training, further expanding the scope of their training programs.

Future Device Upgrades: The academy is committed to continual improvement and plans to upgrade the device to a Flight Training Device Level 2, introducing additional training capabilities:

• Proficiency Checks: Conducting Bell 429 Proficiency Checks for both VFR and IFR rated pilots, ensuring a thorough assessment of pilot skills.
• Type Rating Training: Offering type rating training in strict accordance with the Bell 429 Operational Suitability Data, ensuring pilots are proficient in handling this specific helicopter model.
• Operator Proficiency Checks: Carrying out Operator Proficiency Checks for VFR and IFR rated pilots, emphasizing the academy’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards.

Geoff Packer, CEO of Helispeed Academy, expressed, “The B429 Simulator and its qualification certificate reflect our commitment to providing unparalleled training experiences. These new courses further solidify our position as leaders in helicopter pilot training.”

Helispeed Academy is excited to offer these training courses, providing a comprehensive suite to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.