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Mechtronix delivers Airbus A320 SIM to Aerospace Academy

The concept of a device purely to support MPL Phase II training outcomes was conceived five years ago collaboratively by STAA, Mechtronix and MPL consultant Dieter Harms. The vision was to develop a flight simulation training device (FSTD) solution for MPL basic to intermediate phase non type specific training in a fixed-base environment.  The FFT X – MPL helps students to gradually migrate onto the aircraft they may ultimately fly, while maintaining the generic training principles from the very first day of Phase II training, right up until the type rating. It features a fully type-specific cockpit with full flight simulator handling, performance, sound and a collimated 200° x 40° visual system, while with a configurable overhead panel to allow the instructor to build up system complexity without overwhelming the students as they develop multi-crew co-operation and crew resource management skills. The purpose is to allow students to focus on developing initial flying skills in a modern commercial aircraft such as the A320.
 
The resultant FFT X – MPL simulator evaluated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and now in operation is the world’s first A320 FSTD qualified in accordance with ICAO 9625 to Level IV for dedicated use in STAA MPL (Phase 2).
 
“The partnership with Mechtronix is an essential component in delivering an MPL facility that is unique within the region,” said Peh Teng Keng, President of STAA.  “The FFT X – MPL is already proving a tremendous asset as it allows our students to be gradually introduced to the complexity of the A320.  The configurable feature of the simulator is a significant value-add for our instructors who can now teach flying skills in an innovative way.”
 
“We are delighted to have been chosen by STAA for their MPL training equipment requirement”, said George Karam, vice president of Mechtronix.  “Working together, we have helped to turn a shared vision into reality; it is a tremendous vote of confidence for our technology, innovation and forward thinking in creating advanced capabilities for MPL programmes.”
 
The STAA MPL program comprises six months of ground school and 13 months of flying training involving four phases. Phase I is conducted at STAA’s flying school at Ballarat in Victoria, Australia, while phases II to IV and ground school are conducted at STAA’s facility in Singapore.
 
“The STAA MPL curriculum stands out by putting cadets into the Airbus A320 simulator environment right from the start of phase II training”, added Peh Teng Keng.  “This maximizes the students’ exposure to flying in a multi-crew environment as well as to the cockpit environment of the aircraft that they will eventually work in.”