A compact ground-based simulator for the AS350 B3 has made a big impact at Heli-Expo 2011, where this procedural training device attracted significant attention from operators of the high-performance member in Eurocopter’s AStar/Ecureuil helicopter family.

The device was developed by Indra Systems as a supplement to the AS350 Level B full-flight simulator, and was delivered to American Eurocopter’s Grand Prairie, Texas headquarters facility along with the main simulator in 2010

This compact system, designated by American Eurocopter as the Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), enables pilots to practice start-up and shut-down procedures on the AS350 B3, along with radio and systems operations, as well as emergency procedures – all without having to access the actual helicopter. It also can be used to train maintenance personnel, including the handling of flight reports from the helicopter’s Vehicle and Engine Management Display (VEMD).

Included in the AATD is a central flat screen that represents the cockpit instrumentation – complete with its VEMD, while the AS350 B3’s navigation and communications avionics are mounted on side panels. A 40-inch liquid crystal display screen provides computer-generated visuals that allow pilots to practice basic flight skills, using a basic cyclic, collective and pedals.

The AATD is controlled by wireless tablet computer, allowing the instructor to step away from the subject operating the device for a more realistic training environment.

Eric King, a simulator technician specialist at American Eurocopter, said the AATD is designed to be disassembled for shipping, allowing it to be sent to a customer’s location for on-site training.

“There has been extremely positive feedback from the AATD’s display at Heli-Expo 2011, and we expect there will be a strong demand for this device – particularly from the many law enforcement and homeland security operators in the U.S.” King said.