News
ATR, Mechtronix to equip reference training centres

Feb. 1, 2011, Montreal – Mechtronix Systems today announced that ATR
has acquired seven Maintenance Flight Simulation Training Devices
(MFSTD) – also named Virtual Procedure Trainer (VPT) by ATR – featuring
all ATR current variants (72-500, 42-500, 72-200 and 42-300) to be
deployed at "Reference Training Centers" (RTC) strategically located to
serve ATR airline customers.

With this multiple order, ATR relies on Mechtronix' expertise again and ensures optimal training to regional turboprop operators. Crew will have access to the MFSTD's to learn and practice systems and procedures for various training schemes including Type-Rating or recurrent checks.

"We are delighted to partner with Mechtronix again and equip our RTC's with their state-of-the-art simulation technology", said Jean-Pierre Cousserans, ATR Senior Vice-President Customer Services. "Our training policy consists in building a network of training centers close to ATR operators and in providing them with the most advanced and efficient flight training facilities and equipment. Our airline customers will benefit from Mechtronix high-end simulation technology that we have been using at our own training center in Toulouse for many years. We look forward to having our training facilities equipped with our new VPT's and continue to expand our flight operations services."

"It is great that two major players such as ATR and Mechtronix combine one's forward-thinking flight training policy with the other's advanced technology to provide world class training to ATR operators", added Mechtronix President Hervé. "Besides developing a FFT X™ to support entry into service of the new -600 series, we continue to develop flight simulation solutions for the -500 series, a regional turboprop that is very popular internationally. We are really glad to contribute to the provision of high quality training tools and solutions to ATR operators and strengthen our presence worldwide."

The MFSTD, or VPT as named by ATR, configured as the 42/72, is a crew training device enabling systems and procedure training. The MFSTD's will come with touch screens for an easy navigation on all panels, controls, indicators and displays within the flight deck. The ordered MFSTD's include innovative features such as active systems schematics and 3D interface for key systems. ATR trainees will experience high level fidelity and familiarize themselves with the aircraft cockpit environment, thus optimizing FFS training time.