Page 29 - AAA SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012 Online Magazine

FEATURE TRAINING

bulk of the action is on the 737, 777 and
a320 simulators – they are, says curtin,
working to absolute maximum capacity.
patrick, one of the simulator managers,
adds that the best thing about training in a
realistic yet safe scenario like this is that
pilots enjoy it – and passengers get the
end-result benefit too.
in addition to the full-spec, fully active
flight simulators, the centre offers panel-
based cockpit simulation across a range
of types, and these prepare pilots for the
full simulator experience. this makes it
much more accessible and economical
than simply sitting the pilot in the
simulator and hoping they get it nearly
right first time. “this system means an
instructor can sit behind the trainee,
who is looking at a simulated scenario
on three large computer screens.
the software, which is linked to the
company’s mainframes in the us, allows
the instructor to insert unusual or testing
scenarios into the standard procedures,
so they can assess how ready the pilot is
for the full simulator experience. simple
instrument panel and control panel
swapping means these introductory
trainers can easily be changed over to
provide a realistic simulation of aircraft
environments. Most of the transition
courses – for pilots changing type – last
about 15 days, and finish off with the full
simulator experience.
curtin is at pains to point out that
the way the centre is structured, with
technicians and pilots all working
alongside each other, makes for a more
coherent workforce – both have some
understanding and appreciation of the
responsibility of the other, he says. this
extends to the cabin staff too. everybody
shares the same space (though not the School for big horizons ABOVE: BTFSS uses high-
same simulators). Mock-up passenger although the business of safe, accurate tech simulation systems
cabins complete with all fittings, plus an and efficient flying is a very serious one, extensively, both in and
ability to inject smoke too, are on offer the initial goal was to provide a conducive out of the classroom.
Paper-based training is
for a320, 737, 787 and embraer aircraft. environment that was, as curtin puts hardly evident at all
btFss trains up to 90 cabin crew each it, “bright, cheerful and not too sterile”.
month, using five specially equipped seats are comfortable, carpets are good
training rooms as well as dummy quality, and wood panelling completes the
fuselages. “the biggest business in the feeling that the btFss is a place where
this area is currently coming from the knowledge is shared, rather than a kind
low-cost carriers,” he explains. “they are of schoolyard where you succeed or fail.
giving us plenty of business.” the staff understand it can be a stressful
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