FSTD's
I read this thread with some pleasure and some measure of frustration.
The world we inhabit as professional helicopter pilots has a very sharp 'sharp end' at which the very latest technology is being deployed to deliver competence at levels never seen before. We can combine the very best of SOP's and CRM/MCC and deliver the necessary tuition and consolidating experience in a way that is simply impossible in the real aircraft.
The best of the best are seriously impressive... but... the regulatory world surrounding the licensing of pilots, the initial issue and the subsequent TR's is so outdated and so full of holes that the vast majority of commercial pilots are not getting access to the best training. We have a situation where TR's on complex types are still allowed without recourse to a single FSTD session. Those that have taken that route are often the very poorest performers at Recurrent Training Sessions. IMHO this should not be permitted. If the proper demonstration of a pilots ability to handle malfunctions effectively is required then at least one or two sessions in an FSTD (FTD or FFS) should be mandatory for types such as the AW 139, AW 189, EC 225, S92.
The answer to MNTTECH's original question is to buy the best you can afford and use it for every aspect of training in which you can squeeze one ounce of benefit. They are fabulous tools and in the hands of an effective instructor workforce (don't get me on that one) can deliver stunningly good training value.
G.