FTD's

Era Training Center features three of the finest FAA-approved Level 6 FTDs available anywhere, the AS350B2, the EC135 CPDS P2+ and the AW139.

These FTDs are exact cockpit replicas of the respective make and model helicopter. The instructor’s station is located behind the pilot’s seat, where varying degrees of aircraft performance, weather, time of day, geographic areas, specific scenarios and aircraft malfunctions can be simulated. The the AS350B2 and the EC135 CPDS P2+ training devices were custom made by Frasca International, Inc., (Frasca) a well-known provider of flight training equipment for airlines, flight schools, universities and military organizations worldwide. AgustaWestland, as prime contractor, partnered with Frasca International, Inc. to support the development and production of the AW139 FSTD, with work carried out at Frasca’s facilities in the U.S. and at AgustaWestland’s facilities in Sesto Calende, Italy.

When training on these advanced FTDs, professionals will earn specific credits for flight time and maneuvers accomplished to count toward additional pilot certificates and flight-currency requirements. The Center plans to add FTD models simulating other aircraft models in the near future.

Within the Center, there are debriefing offices for each FTD where flight lesssons can be reviewed in detail, with playback of the flights to facilitate a higher level of crew understanding and proficiency. The debriefing offices use the Frasca Debriefing Station (FDS) software, which provides information on unfamiliar airports, instrument procedures and operating environments prior to flight lessons.