In a monumental step for the operator, Atlantic Airways Aviation Academy has opened its new training centre for helicopter and fixed-wing training in the Faroe Islands, complete with a Thales AW139 Reality H Full-Flight Simulator Level D and a mixed-reality hoist trainer, in addition to a pre-existing SIM International A320 simulator. Using these technologies, Atlantic Airways will be able to provide training for initial type rating, recurrent training and proficiency checks for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Atlantic Airways aims to facilitate training by providing a location that is close to several major hubs, such as Copenhagen, and enabling its own pilots to train in-house for the complex missions of the Faroe Islands. Close to the training facility, which is located in front of Vagar Airport, there is also a custom-built hotel for training flight crew.
“We are proud that Atlantic Airways has entrusted us with delivering our AW139 Reality H Level D Full-Flight Simulator, featuring the innovative integrated Hoist Trainer powered by Mixed Reality technology,” said Benoit Broudy, Vice-President for Training and Simulation at Thales. “Developed hand in hand with their flight operations experts, these systems will provide pilots and crewmembers with highly immersive and realistic training, enhancing their proficiency to handle the most complex missions.”
The FFS uses Thales’ Hexaline Technology for an immersive experience, with in-built scenarios, missions, and conditions to replicate the challenging landscape and weather of the Faroe Islands. The mixed reality element of the hoist trainer involves a physical cable hoist with a hoist control grip, with which the user can simulate the lifting or lowering of a payload, at the same time as receiving visuals from the ThalesView Image Generation system, synchronised in real time with the FFS. The cohesive set-up aims to improve coordination between pilots and hoist operators.
“The Thales FFS provides our pilots with an unparalleled cockpit experience, essential for mastering the operational challenges they may face in real-world scenarios,” commented Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways. “We’ve been confident from the beginning that partnering with Thales was the right decision. Their expertise, professionalism, and close collaboration with our team have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. The AW139 simulator and integrated Hoist Trainer are key pillars of our Aviation Academy and will ensure world-class, mission-ready training for pilots and crews right here in the Faroe Islands.”
The opening ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Justice for the Faroe Islands, Bjarni Petersen; Thales’ COO of Training and Simulation, Remi du Peloux; and Hans Erik Jakobsen, Head of Training at Atlantic Airways.
Photo: RotorHub International
