Bristow Helicopters Ltd has invested around £4 million in a third flight simulator for its Aberdeen training facility. The S76C++ device, which will sit alongside the S92 and EC225 simulators, will be operational in April 2013.

The CAA approved S76C++ full flight simulator duplicates all relevant aspects of the aircraft and its environment. It features six axis electric motion, dome visual, vibration platform, and touch screen instructor operator station. As well as being used for training pilots within Bristow’s European Business Unit and overseas operations, the simulator will be available for third party hirer.

Commenting on the purchase the new simulator, Mike Imlach, Director of European Operations for Bristow Helicopters Ltd said: “With its training academy in Florida in the U.S. and facilities in Gloucester and Aberdeen in the UK, Bristow has established an enviable reputation in the aviation industry with regards to helicopter pilot training.

“We have experienced an ever increasing demand for simulator training lately with both the S62 and EC225 simulators, based in our dedicated offshore oil and gas facility in Aberdeen, often working round the clock. With the addition of this third simulator we will be able to meet the demand for training pilots on this type of aircraft, which is commonly operated in the Southern North Sea region and other areas around globe.”

Pilots are able to simulate landings and take offs on offshore platforms as well as Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs). The technology also prepares them to cope with a wide range of wave and weather conditions. Unlike training in an actual helicopter, the simulators provide the ideal environment to prepare for the most serious incidents such as engine failure which cannot be practiced in a real aircraft.

The simulators also allow both pilots to be trained at once with the instructor sitting behind them whereas in a real helicopter only one pilot can be trained at any one time. Having both pilots in the cockpit at once is not only more realistic but also allows team working skills to be developed and assessed. All training is also captured on a playback system and can be reviewed.

With numerous bases around the world, Bristow Group provides aviation support to the global oil and gas industry. The company has 3,500 employees and operates a mixed fleet of approximately 400 aircraft.