By WGCDR Ron Thacker
VIPT staff
In preparation for the arrival of the A109 training and light utility helicopters and simulator late next year, the A109 Virtual Interactive Procedural Trainer (VIPT) has been installed at Base Ohakea.
The VIPT will enable crews to get used to the operation of the A109 cockpit and the integrated avionics systems logic and will occupy an important part of a total training system that will allow Defence Force personnel to complete all training here in New Zealand on the A109LUH (NZ), rather than needing to go overseas.
Student pilots on the A109LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) will first complete theory classroom lessons, making use of computer aided instruction. Computer based training packages will also provide self-paced lessons in aircraft systems. Students will then spend many hours in the VIPT familiarising themselves with the cockpit controls for engine, hydraulics, communications, navigation, display, automatic flight control, and crew alerting systems. Once the student pilots are familiar with the function and operation of these systems, they will be introduced to the A109LUH simulator, where they will learn how to fly the ‘aircraft’. The simulator has a full motion base, a 200 degree x 60 degree visual system, and a range of vibration and noise systems that will ensure high levels of immersion during training. By the time pilots reach the actual aircraft, they will generally only be required to consolidate skills that have already been taught by synthetic means. This provides a very cost-effective and low risk way of training operational pilots for both the A109LUH and the other NZDF helicopter types.
Image Gallery - Issue 107