TEMSCO Helicopters, based in Ketchikan, Alaska, has recently taken delivery of a Frasca-built AS350 B2 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 scenarios can be experienced in the simulator to teach pilots to properly recognize and avoid any of these hazards when present,” said Joe Hicks, senior vice president of TEMSCO.
The FTD features Frasca’s TruVision Global visual system with custom Alaska database and a 220-degree 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,” stated Randy Gawenda, Business Development Manager at Frasca. “By using simulation in their training programs, they are following the guidance and recommendations of both the NTSB and the U.S. 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.”
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 60 years in business,” said John Frasca, president of Frasca International, Inc. “Both companies were founded by aviation entrepreneurs and both have become leaders in their respective fields.”
