OREANDA-NEWS. November 25, 2011. The new Full Flight Simulator (FFS) of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft is ready to start training for Russian pilots.

The FFS, produced by French manufacturer Thales, is a highly technologically synthetic training device replicating the SSJ100 cockpit. It has been put in place in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, by the Training Center managed by SuperJet International, the joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica — a Finmeccanica Company — and Sukhoi Holding.

The FFS has been submitted to the applicable international standards with several functional tests and it has finally reached the approval by the Russian Aviation Authority Rosavjacia in compliance with an “interim Level C” per JAR FSTD ( EASA ).

The simulator is currently available to provide first class training. By the end of November the first Type Rating Course for Aeroflot pilots will regularly start.

The training program will include three stages. First, a theoretical ground training to illustrate all the systems of the aircraft which is conducted with the use of a Computer Based Training (CBT) and with hands on training on a simulating the man/machine interface of the cockpit called FPTD (Flight Procedure Training Device). Second, a practical training of 32 hours to make experience of conducting the aircraft and to fulfill Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) course, with the use of the Flight Training Device (FTD).

The third stage of 48 flight hours will be performed on the advanced Full Flight Simulator.

The new SSJ100 FFS “Reality 7” is equipped with LCOS Projectors for the Visual System, Electro-Hydraulic Motion System and new IOS Station with improved ergonomics.

The innovative visual system grants to show a virtual external scenario recreating what a pilot can see during the various phases of operations in flight. In this way the pilot receives the same feedbacks he may perceive on the real aircraft. This state of the art device will allow Russian pilots to improve their skills and achieve the Type Rating training without using the real aircraft.

At a second stage, the device will be upgraded to the “level D” which is the maximum level of certification for the FFS according to JAR FSTD A regulation, with the possibility to have ZFTT programs (zero flight time training) in the future.

The courses will be managed by the instructors of SuperJet International responsabile worldwide for training of the overall SSJ100 fleet.

Thales Training & Simulation is going to deliver two additional FFS for the SSJ100 in 2012. One will be installed in Moscow and the other one in the SJI training center in Venice, where in 2012 additional training programs will engage the Interjet crews, in accordance with the first delivery’s schedule. The training activity represents one of the major SuperJet International’s commitments — states Carlo Logli, Chief Executive Officer — Since its incorporation SJI has recognised the strategic choice in providing Customers with a full spectrum of first class services, including technical support and training activity. This is what we are actually doing through our experienced and international aviation personnel“.

“The timely and proper training of airlines’ pilots is an important part of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Program. The entry of the FFS into operation clearly helps us to work more efficiently in this field” said Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.

SuperJet International, which is in charge of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 sales in the Western markets, is also responsible for training and after-sales support all over the world. Given the international nature of the product, SuperJet International has established two facilities based in Venice and in Moscow for its training opportunities.