HNZ Group to acquire an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2/B3E Level 7 Flight Training Device

HNZ Group Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase a state-of-the-art Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2/B3E Level 7 Flight Training Device (“FTD”) from Frasca International, Inc. The FTD is to be housed at the Edmonton International Airport (“EIA”) main terminal building, and will be the first of its kind in Canada.

Upon certification of the FTD, HNZ’s training course will be the first in North America to receive regulatory credit for in-aircraft flight hours on a single engine helicopter FTD and represents a unique training offering. In addition to HNZ crews, the FTD will be available to the broader helicopter industry for third party training.

The device will allow pilots to simulate inadvertent entry into deteriorating weather, night flying, platform and rooftop landings, confined area procedures and emergency procedures training including failures not possible to practice safely in the aircraft. The device will be used in completing Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2/B3E type endorsements, initial and recurrency training.

Features of the FTD include Frasca TruVision™ Global visual system with projection display in a totally enclosed spherical screen (200° x 70° field of view). Databases including the Edmonton area and specialized training scenarios at various locations in Canada will be provided. The FTD will also include a vibration platform, Graphical Instructor Station (GISt™), and cargo mirror simulation.

Delivery, installation and certification of the device is expected to be completed in May 2016.