TEMSCO Helicopters, based in Ketchikan, Alaska has recently taken delivery of a FRASCA built AS350B2 Helicopter Flight Training Device (FTD).

TEMSCO, along with NorthStar and Coastal Helicopters will use the FTD to train their staff pilots. The main focus of the FTD will be training new tour pilots on routes and for transitioning from piston helicopters to the AS350, which is a more responsive helicopter.

“The FTD will also be used for mission training, dealing with rapidly changing weather, white-out conditions, and even flat light conditions; scenarios that can be encountered while flying around Alaska. These senarios can be experienced in the simulator to teach pilots to properly recognize and avoid any of these hazards when present,” stated Joe Hicks, Sr. Vice President of TEMSCO.

The FTD features Frasca’s TruVision™ Global visual system with custom Alaska database and a 220° visual display system, instrument change out kit, Frasca’s Motion Cueing System (FMCS), and has the ability to be flown from left seat PIC (simulating the AS350 aircraft). This is the first FTD to integrate Avidyne IFD550 which includes Forward Looking Terrain Alerts (FLTAs), synthetic vision, supplemental height above terrain call-outs and remote transponder control.

“Temsco should be commended for their utmost commitment to safety. By using simulation in their training programs, they are following the guidance and recommendations of both the NTSB and the US Helicopter Safety Team. Both of whom have issued recommendations to increase the use of simulation training as an impactful way to reduce helicopter accidents.  Temsco has actually followed through on those recommendations and is a respected leader in TOPS. Their passengers should appreciate the extra mile Temsco goes to train their pilots to be as safe as they can in an unforgiving environment,” stated Randy Gawenda, Business Development Manager at Frasca.

The partnership between Temsco and Frasca was a natural fit. “When the contract for the AS350 FTD was signed last year, both Frasca and Temsco were in the midst of celebrating  60th years in business. Both companies were founded by aviation entrepreneurs and both have become leaders in their respective fields. ” commented John Frasca, President of Frasca International, Inc.