Chinese Flight School Getting New Mechtronix B-737 Simulator

The Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) is getting a new B-737-800 simulator, with an important new alternative capability, developed by Canada's Mechtronix Systems.

Mechtronix's Ascent FFS-X  device, which will be installed at the university's Simulation Training Center in Guangzhou, has what Mechtronix describes as "intelligent machine" technology with a unique blend of machine robotics and electronics, designed to provide a sophisticated simulator at a significantly lower cost.

The FFS-X device, which meets FAA level six – and equivalent JAA – requirements, has complete avionics and systems functionality; active flight control forces; sophisticated audio simulation, and an Insight V2 visual system, with day, night and dusk capability at varying RVRs (runway visual ranges), according to Mechtronix.

Mechtronix sees its Ascent FFS‑X simulator changing the traditional flight training paradigm by providing a way to conduct required six-month "recurrent" proficiency checks for pilots in a device that has virtually all of the same characteristics of the simulator used for "initial" (first qualification on the aircraft) or "transition" (moving from first officer to captain), without having to use the more expensive Level D machine.

Accordingly, Mechtronix says it has developed both a traditional model, and a "non-zero flight time" or NZFT configuration of its Ascent FFS-X that offers the same fidelity at half the price of a classic Level-D machine.  Since, recurrent training often constitutes a large percentage of simulator time; a NZFT alternative might be a way for flight training facilities to substantially reduce training costs.  01-08-2005.

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