HeraldSun report
New helicopter simulator opened
A NEW helicopter simulator that could help save lives by providing an affordable training alternative for pilots was launched in Brisbane today.
Developed by Ipswich-based GeoSim Technologies, the $70,000 simulator has become the first product of its kind manufactured in Australia to win accreditation from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Using state-of-the-art technology, the portable simulator uses visuals and real scenery from satellite or air photos, combined with on-board helicopter instrumentation and cockpit controls providing a realistic training environment for pilots.
Only two other, foreign-made, helicopter simulators currently exist, costing double the price of the one launched today.
Paul Bredereck, managing director of training organisation Aviation Australia, said a recent survey in the US of 3000 fatal light aircraft accidents in the last 40 years, found that 81 per cent were directly attributable to a skills deficiency.
"The problem we have with light aircraft is it is very much driven by costs, it is the poor end of the industry, they can't afford multi-million simulators like the airlines can," he said.
Mr Bredereck said the simulator would help prevent fatal helicopter crashes in the future by providing the additional training.
The simulator will be trialled in Cairns by Australian Helicopters, one of the country's largest helicopter firms which concentrates mainly on night-time coastal surveillance in the Torres Strait area.
"Our night-over-water helicopter operations demand significantly more training and practice than daytime operations in order to guarantee safety," Australian Helicopters CEO David Earley said.
"We operate several helicopters at night off the Queensland coast so we have a vested interest in finding cost-effective ways of conducting advanced education, and the GeoSim trainer is the best option available."
Premier Peter Beattie, who launched the product today, said the simulator was another example of Queensland's burgeoning aviation industry, which currently employs about 5000 people.