As part of the contract of the H-XBR project, signed with the Ministry of Defence to supply EC725 helicopters to the armed forces with training and support, Helibras started building in Rio de Janeiro, its new Center for Training and Simulation (CTS ).

Located in Recreio in the west of the city, the work is expected to be ready in the first half of 2015 after the completion of the physical structure of the building and electromechanical, Helibras will install a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) capable of performing training for both military model EC725 as to its civilian version, the EC225.The FFS will be available from the fourth quarter of 2015.

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) held a specific operational evaluation in a simulator of the Airbus group Helicopters of the same type, the “Dual Qualification FFSB / FTD3” in Aberdeen (UK), and considered for the full realization of all programs of EC225 training. This assessment included: one ground school for the EC225 Training Center in Helibrás Itajubá; analysis of training program Initial Type RatingEC225; analysis of technical data of device performance, from a report generated by the FFS manufacturer; and an extensive campaign of flight using the Airbus FFS Helicopters in Aberdeen.

The choice of Rio’s capital for the construction of the new CTS Helibrás was due to the proximity to military customers and segment offshore, operating both versions of the model , and the easy access through national and international airport Santos Dumont and Tom Jobim . Besides the benefits to the military operations of the EC725, the deployment of database EC225 contribute to the training of pilots segmentoffshore , which today rely solely on training abroad.

The CTS will feature the very latest in terms of flight simulators for helicopters. The FFS will allow the pilot to perform his type rating, recurrent training, training of emergency situations, among others. The simulator comes with a visual database of the entire national territory, specially developed for Brazilian operators. The technology will make the closest possible training of each operational reality, is for riders Segment Oil & Gas – with EC225 – or for military pilots operating the EC725.

“This is an important step for Helibrás. Not only fulfill by another item in the agreed acquisition of 50 EC725, but also because it is aligned with our vision of offering an increasingly wide coverage to Brazilian operators, “says Flávio Pires, VP of Support and Services Helibrás.

Currently, the first FFS simulator is in Madrid, already completed but still awaiting final processes for final delivery to Helibrás. The project also includes, in the future, more of an investment: the CTS will be capable of receiving a second flight simulator, which will be defined from studies for the acquisition and installation. The research is at an advanced stage and the model will be chosen according to the needs of Brazilian operators.

“The existence of a training center with flight simulator in the country represents a new phase in this segment. Nowadays, Brazilian operators are obliged to seek this feature abroad, mainly in Europe and North America. Now, the service will be very close to their bases of operation, with a lower cost in travel, shorter period of absence of the scales of flight of their companies and taught in English sessions. Can simulate virtually all types of operation and situation that the pilot is in a real mission. For the military will have specific activities, such as flight training with night vision goggles (NVG) or the use of FLIR, “says vice president of Helibrás.

According to Flavio Pires is important to note that a flight simulator has, by definition, the primary purpose of increasing operational safety. “In addition, a flight simulator is a great tool to increase operational efficiency while reducing costs. Undoubtedly, the new CTS Helibrás in Rio de Janeiro to help hone the skills of the pilots with the maximum realism possible, greatly reducing the cost and time of training of pilots, “concluded the executive.

After the transfer of technology from Project H-XBR and training for production of EC725, Helibras also acquired the ability to produce the EC225 and certification by Airbus Helicopters for maintenance and overhauls, the first subsidiary of the Group has this autonomy.

About Helibrás

Helibras is the only Brazilian manufacturer of helicopters and completed in 2014, 36 years of activities. Since its founding in 1978, the company has delivered more than 750 helicopters in Brazil, 70% of the Squirrel model, manufactured in Itajubá (MG). In 2012, began producing the EC725 (military) model, having built a new assembly line and expanded all its facilities to this new program. Helibras is a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, which belongs to the Airbus Group, a world pioneer in aerospace and defense-related services. With 47% share in the Brazilian fleet of turbine helicopters, Helibras is the market leader and maintains facilities in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. Its factory, which employs over 820 professionals and has a production capacity of 36 aircraft per year, produces and customizes various models that meet the civil, governmental and military segments. In 2013, the company reported total sales of $ 389 million. More information: www.helibras.com.br .

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters before Eurocopter, Airbus is a division of the Group, the worldwide pioneer in aerospace and defense-related services. Employing over 23,000 people worldwide, Airbus Helicopters is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopters with a 46% share in the civil and governmental markets. The fleet now totals approximately 12 000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. The international presence of Airbus Helicopters is marked by its subsidiaries, participating in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training, distributors and certified agents. The range of civil and military helicopters Helicopters Airbus is the world’s largest and makes up a third of the global fleet of civilian and government aircraft. The main priority of the group is to ensure the safe operation of their aircraft to the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours a year in their models.