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Frasca Built EC-135 Flight Simulation Training Device Achieves Level 6 Qualification

Aug. 7, 2008 – 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 built 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 competetive price."
 
“We are happy to say that this is the first ever CFR part 60 Helicopter FSTD qualified to date,” stated Paul White, General Manager of Era Training Center.  “This coincides with other Era firsts as we continue to make advancements in providing the highest quality helicopter training services for industry wide safety and excellence.”
 

About Era Training Center
The Era Training Center was officially opened on June 5, 2008 and provides training for corporate aircraft operators, air medical flight services, airborne law-enforcement personnel and other rotorcraft professionals. Located near Era Helicopters’ headquarters at the Lake Charles, Louisiana, Regional Airport, the facility features the EC135 FSTD, as well as an AS350B2 FSTD, cutting-edge classrooms, custom briefing areas and administrative offices. To learn more about Era Training Center, visit www.eratrainingcenter.com or contact Melanie Landry, Communications Coordinator, at (337) 478-6131.