FTA invests in MPL simulators

Mechtronix Systems and Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) have announced that they have recently signed a contract for the purchase of a Mechtronix Ascent® XJ Trainer™ with an option for an Airbus A320 FFT X™.

The Ascent® XJ Trainer™, configured as a Generic Commercial Narrow-body Jet, will be used to train students for Multi Crew Cooperation and Jet Transition in a modern jet glass cockpit environment.

The unit will be installed and certified at FTA’s flight training facility in Adelaide during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Delivery and in service acceptance of the A320 FFT X™ is envisaged for Q2 of 2012.

On contract signature, Pine Pienaar, FTA’s CEO commented, “FTA has made this investment with a view to meeting increasing customer demands for the most advanced and fit-for-purpose technology available.

"Furthermore, the MPL compliance of the Mechtronix simulators will allow us to offer current and new customers a training platform alternative using FTA’s upcoming MPL training course.

"It is very important to us at FTA that our ab-initio curriculum remains appealing to pilot students and airline customers.”

“This is the first Ascent® XJ Trainer™ to be installed in Australia and we are very pleased that it is happening at a premier flight training organization like FTA,” added Mechtronix President Xavier Hervé.

“The Ascent® XJ Trainer™ and the A320 FFT X™ are highly innovative simulators that perfectly fit into an MPL or traditional ab-initio curriculum.”

The Ascent® XJ Trainer™ integrates a suite of advanced avionics such as TCAS, EGPWS, FMS and weather radar to familiarize students with a highly automated flight deck as well as the performance of today’s jet aircraft.

The simulator provides a high level of visual fidelity via Raster/xT Image Generator from RSI and a 180x35° projected display.

The Ascent® XJ Trainer™ will be evaluated by the Australian aviation authorities, CASA, for qualification equivalent to JAR-FSTD A FNPT II MCC.

The A320 FFT X™ is a type-specific fixed-base simulator that will be qualified JAR-FSTD A FNPT II MCC for use in the MPL program.