By Lisa Gordon | March 30, 2015 Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 46 seconds.
The ALSIM ALX flight training device at Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre is a multi- function system that replicates a variety of different aircraft types. Mike Reyno Photo
One of Canada’s oldest flight training schools is incorporating more simulation into ab initio instruction through the use of a versatile device that replicates different types of aircraft, while emphasizing crew procedures training.
The board of the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), based at the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau, Ont., realized several years ago that the school needed a new flight simulation device. In years past, the 83-year-old WWFC had attracted a great many instrument rating (IFR) renewal students; but, with the advent of simulation devices that allow the complete renewal to be done “in the box,” the school noticed its in-aircraft IFR renewal business dropping off.
Robert Connors, general manager at WWFC, began to research the options. Rather than choosing a simulator that replicated a single aircraft type, he searched for a multi-function device that could be integrated into the school’s initial training programs, as well as more advanced curriculums delivered in partnership with the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College.
Connors told Skies that the most obvious choice was the French-made ALSIM ALX flight training device (FTD). Delivered to the school in May 2014, the unit is one of only three of its kind in Canada. It has the inherent capability to replicate six different aircraft types, from a basic single-engine piston aircraft with legacy instrumentation up to a light twin fanjet with glass cockpit and complex flight systems.
WWFC’s assistant CFI and training manager, Kyle Green, is the resident expert when it comes to the ALSIM ALX. Green participated in extensive training with the French manufacturer when the unit was first delivered, and worked with Transport Canada while it was undergoing the Level 2 FTD certification process for simple single-engine, complex single-engine and twin piston operations. (Level 2 FTDs are generic and do not represent a specific aircraft cockpit or type.)
Green told Skies that WWFC is using the ALSIM ALX to introduce students to simulation much earlier in their training progression.
“Our first students this past summer were the Air Cadets,” he said. “They were a great test case, because we’ve been training them for years and have loads of historical data, so we could compare how use of the FTD would help their training.”
WWFC used its new FTD as a preparatory tool for the Air Cadets’ initial exercises, expecting students to solo in 10.5 hours of flight time. “The group average ended up being 10.4 hours, and with very little deviation from student to student,” said Green. “While we didn’t aggressively reduce the time to solo compared to previous years, we saw a degree of consistency across the group that we haven’t been able to demonstrate before.”
Green said the ALSIM ALX is used for about 8.5 hours during regular PPL instruction, with more sessions occurring in the first 10 to 20 hours of training. It takes a minimum of 45 hours of flying to earn a PPL.
In addition to ab initio instruction, the FTD is used extensively during multi IFR training programs, as well as for IFR renewals. Green reported that ALSIM worked closely with WWFC to modify the device to meet Canadian standards for IFR rating renewals, including providing a custom single- engine throttle quadrant.
The ALSIM ALX rents out for about the same price as WWFC’s most basic aircraft, a Cessna 152. The dual rate for the FTD is $190 per hour, while the C152 costs $194 per hour including instructor.
“It’s encouraging that we can improve the quality of training while keeping the price point steady, through the use of this FTD,” concluded Green.
