Frasca to Supply Mustang FTD to the FAA

Frasca International, has been awarded a contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to build a Cessna Citation Mustang Flight Training Device (FTD) This FTD will be qualified as a FAA Level 5 FTD and will be located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The FTD will accurately replicate the flight deck of the Mustang jet and will be Include the Garmin G1000 avionics package. The FTD will also include Frasca’s TruVision™ Visual System with a 220 degree display system, a high fidelity sound system, Frasca’s TruFeel electric control system, auto-test, Frasca’s Graphical Instructor Station (GISt) and a Frasca developed debrief station. (Sept. 29, 2008)

Cessna 172R FTD on Display at UAA Conference
Frasca will have a Cessna 172R Flight Training Device (FTD) on display at the UAA (University Aviation Association) Fall meeting, Oct. 15-18 in Denver, Co. The FTD has been purchased by Southern Illinois University (SIU), Carbondale and features Frasca's TruVision™ and GISt. (Sept. 29, 2008)

Schools Select Frasca for DA-42 FTDs

Frasca's Diamond DA-42 Flight Training Device (FTD) has become the trainer of choice for many flight schools worldwide. Recent customers for the device include Skyline Aeronautics, Imperial Technology and QJIFA. Frasca builds a complete line of simulation equipment for Diamond aircraft. (Sept. 22, 2008)

Mentor™ Devices Popular

The Mentor™ AATD continues to be very popular with flight schools. Recent orders for the Mentor™ have come from Lewis University, Pinnacle Aviation, The University of North Dakota (UND) and two for the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). The FIT Mentors feature Avidyne FlightMax Entegra advanced Avionics, the others feature Garmin G1000. The Mentors also feature TruVision™ visual systems. Over 50 Mentors™ have been sold to flight schools worldwide since it's introduction in 2005. The Mentor™ was designed to train pilots to fly integrated avionics systems without investing in more advanced FTDs. While compact in size, the Mentor™ is a high quality simulator with an extensive features list and uses much of the same technology as Frasca’s higher level FTDs and FFSs. (Sept. 15, 2008)

New Orders for TruFlite™ Devices

Frasca has received several recent orders for their TruFlite ™ reconfigurable flight training devices (FTDs). Customers include, Elizabeth State University who have ordered a TruFlite Cessna 172R/Beech Duchess FTD, L3 Vertex ordering a Cessna 206 TruFlite, Lansing Community College and Epic Aviation, Cessna 172 TruFlites. The TruFlite™ is Frasca's line of reconfigurable FTDs, allowing flight schools to train on more than one aircraft type with one FTD. Over 200 TruFlites have been installed in flight schools worldwide since it's introduction in 2004. (Sept. 8, 2008)

EC-135 Device Gets JAR-STD2H FTD MCC 3 MCC Qualification

The Finnish Aviation Academy (FAA), has received JAR-STD2H FTD 3 MCC qualification for their Frasca built EC-135 helicopter Flight Training Device. This qualification is the highest available for a FTD and allows for considerable training and checking credits. The Frasca EC-135 FTD is installed at the Finish Aviation Academy in Pori, Finland. The FTD features Frasca’s latest technology including a TruVision Global visual system with an extensive, highly detailed database covering much of Finland, simulated EFIS and VEMD displays, flight test validation data, blade element modeling, automatic certification testing, exact cockpit replication, electric control loading, multi-channel sound simulation and NVG compatibility. (August 22, 2008)

Frasca EC-135 FSTD Receives First Level 6 Qualification

Frasca International, Urbana, IL is proud to announce that Era Training Center, has received Level 6 Qualification for their Frasca built EC-135 Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD). The EC-135 FSTD along with a Bell 206 FSTD build by Frasca for Bell Helicopter Customer Training Academy in Fort Worth, TX are the first two Level 6 helicopter FSTDs under the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) new part 60 rule.

The EC-135 FSTD, which is in use at the Era Training Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana was delivered in February of this year. A second device, for the AS-350 helicopter, is also in use at Era and is scheduled for Level 6 qualification later this year.

Frasca International performed all aspects of the project including flight testing, model development and certification. Era Training Center provided the helicopter for flight testing as well as aircraft, pilots and subject matter expertise.

"Frasca is an industry leader in flight simulation and has been able to obtain qualification for several flight training devices over the years," said John Frasca, VP Frasca International, Inc. "Our success in the helicopter market is in part due to our ability to collect our own simulator data packages. Airframe manufactures are frequently not able or willing to offer simulation data packages. As result Frasca has invested and developed its own flight test capability. This allows us to offer a turn key simulation solutions at a very competitive price." (August 5, 2008)
 

Cirrus Announces Perspective Simulator Training with Frasca FTD

Cirrus Design Corporation, Duluth, MN is now offering simulator training for the new Perspective avionics. Frasca International, Inc. Urbana, IL, has upgraded their existing Frasca Cirrus Flight Training Device (FTD) with new Perspective avionics from Garmin. The device was installed this month and is up and running at the Cirrus facility. Cirrus currently has two Frasca FTDs, both originally delivered in February of this year. One of the FTDs has been upgraded with the new Perspective avionics.

The FTD features Garmin avionics that include dual 12” screens (12.4), SVT (Synthetic Vision Technology), HITS (Highway In The Sky), A new concept LVL (level) button on the Autopilot that returns the aircraft to a wings level attitude and IAS button on the Autopilot.

"The Cirrus Perspective Avionics combined with Frasca simulation technology gives us the most advanced trainer in the training business." commented Bill Stone, Director, Flight Standards and Operations, Cirrus Design Corporation. "We chose to make the switch in avionics following the announcement of the new Cirrus Perspective by Garmin so that we we will be able to provide the best overall training experience for our customers."

"Frasca engineers have worked closely with Cirrus and Garmin to ensure the concurrent development of the FTD and the aircraft," commented John Frasca, VP Frasca International, Inc."This is one of the first general aviation aircraft to be supported by an FTD so early in its production schedule and is a clear indication of Cirrus's commitment to training and safety." (June 20, 2008)

Era Training Center Grand Opening: Features Frasca FTDs

Era Training Center LLC announces the Grand Opening of its new 7,694 square-foot facility located in Lake Charles, in proximity to Era Helicopters’ headquarters in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The Training Center features two new state-of-the-art Frasca flight-training devices (AS350B2 and EC135 CPDS P2+), cutting-edge classrooms, custom briefing areas and administrative offices. The Era Training Center will be used by several hundred professionals from Louisiana and around the world annually and will offer a diverse array of training programs for corporate aircraft owners, medical flight services, airborne law enforcement personnel and other rotorcraft professionals.

The 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 training devices have been custom made by Frasca International, Inc., a well-known provider of flight training equipment for airlines, flight schools, universities and military organizations worldwide.

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 future.

Era Training Center’s wide range of courses will test and hone the skills of helicopter pilots to specific aircraft and missions. Real-time training using Era’s diverse fleet of light, medium and heavy aircraft can also be incorporated into a program of instruction.

The Training Center’s Grand Opening coincides with Era Helicopter’s 60th Anniversary in 2008. Paul White, Director of the Era Training Center said, “We are proud to be an integral part of the Lake Charles community and look forward to serving professionals from the State of Louisiana and those around the world. We are committed to setting a benchmark for helicopter training that will draw upon Era Helicopters’ more than 60 years’ experience and history of exacting safety standards.” (June 13, 2008)

Superjet Takes Delivery of Jet Device

Superjet International, Venice, Italy has taken delivery of a Frasca multi-engine jet FNPT II MCC STD. Superjet International engages in sales and after-sales maintenance of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft family and other aircrafts. The company will also distribute and sell aircraft in northern Europe. (June 5, 2008)

Recent Mentor Sales

Frasca continues to have success with their Mentor product line. Recent sales of the device include the University of Dubuque and Aviation Facilities, Inc. The Mentor is available in several configurations and allows for training on advanced avionics at an affordable price. (May 20, 2008)

Frasca Supplies FTDs to China

Frasca has been awarded a contract to supply a DA-42 Flight Training Device (FTD) to Qindao Jiutian International Flight Academy (QJIFA), China, The FTD will feature Frasca’s TruVisionTM 170 X 40 FOV Visual System and Garmin G1000 avionics. Frasca has sold ten FTDs to Chinese customers and are looking forward to developing partnerships with additional Chinese airlines and schools and anticipate providing many more quality flight simulators to the expanding Chinese market. (May 2, 2008)

FTDs Delivered to Iraq

Frasca International, Inc, has delivered 5 Flight Training Devices (FTDs) to the Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq for use by the US Air Force in training the Iraqi Air Force. These five units are part of a total order of nine FTDs that was placed in August, 2007. The devices will be used for training pilots for both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft and include three Cessna 172 FTDs, two Bell 206 helicopter FTDs, two Cessna Caravan FTDs and two Huey Helicopter FTDs. Three 172 FTDs and two Bell 206 FTDs have been delivered to date. The Caravan FTDs will be delivered this month and the remaining devices will follow within the next few months. All nine FTDs will include Frasca's TruVision 220 visual display system for greater realism and fidelity. 

In order to commemorate their appreciation of the quick delivery of the first devices, the US Army presented Rudy Frasca, President of Frasca International with a plaque. The presentation took place on April 3rd at the Frasca facility in Urbana, IL.  According to Lt Col Mark Bennett, Commander of the 52^nd Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron, "It is hard to imagine how we trained without the Frasca simulators. We received the simulators and we were up and running within a couple days." Col Bennett went on to say, "The number one attraction, and the place I take all VIPs, General Officers and high level civilians from both the US and Iraq, is to the simulator room.  When I need to explain our training practices the Frasca simulators are very helpful.  The visuals are outstanding and the simulators show exactly how we are training the Iraqi Air Force's future pilots."  

The contract is a result of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case originated from PEO-STRI to procure multiple flight training devices for the Iraqi Air Force Flight Training Program. The devices will be used for a large portion of the flight instruction. The pilot training will include approximately 80 hours in the Cessna 172 aircraft and approximately 40 hours in the Frasca 172 FTD and 60 hours in the Cessna Caravan 208B and approximately 70 hours in the Frasca 208B FTD. The Iraqi's have not had a flight training school since 2003. (April 18, 2008)

Mentors & TruFlites Popular Worldwide

Frasca's Mentor and TruFlite devices continue to be popular with flight schools worldwide. Mentors have been ordered by Westwind School of Aeronautics, the Finnish Aviation Academy, Walla Walla University, the University of Illinois and UND in recent months. TruFlites have been ordered by ATP Flight Training, General Flying Service, Global Aviation Company, Walla Walla University and many other schools as well. The TruFlite and Mentor product lines offer Frasca's leading edge technology and reliability. The TruFlite is a reconfigurable device offering a wide range of flight training options for flight schools, while the Mentor is designed for training pilots on advanced avionics. (March 28, 2008)