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MNR selects Mechtronix for new training SIM

Sept. 5, 2012, Montreal - Mechtronix has been selected by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) as its supplier for the CL-415 Waterbomber FFT X simulator.


September 5, 2012  By Carey Fredericks

The unit will be installed in their brand new training facilities located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. later this year and is expected to be ready for training by fire season in 2013. The new SIM has met the standards of Transport Canada for FTD Level 6 classification. The FFT X was acquired to allow provincial pilots and engineers to train in Ontario on a simulator tailored to their needs rather than travelling to Quebec, saving considerable time and costs for the Ontario government.
 
The building of a brand new training center that will house the CL-415 Waterbomber FFT X  was made possible thanks to a $8.5 million investment by the Ontario government. The SIM is not only key to the province’s firefighting program and fire response system; it also represents a significant economical asset for Sault Ste. Marie as the region will host pilots and engineers from Northern Ontario. The training centre is a long-term investment on many fronts: benefiting local economy, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gasses by cutting on flight-time and providing pilots with a safe environment to practise flying in highly difficult conditions.
   
Further to the issuance of a tender and a thorough selection process, the Mechtronix FFT X was selected by the OMNR because of its solid references, namely the Spanish Ministry of Defence that double its capabilities to train firefighting pilots with the CL-415 FTD, and because of the overall professionalism demonstrated by the team. Being the only aircraft in the world designed specifically for aerial water bombing; only the most advanced simulation technology would allow for a perfect replica of the CL-415.
 
“We are extremely pleased to contribute to Ontario’s fire response system.” says Mark Dransfield, Vice-president Validation and Qualification of Mechtronix. “Providing pilots with the possibility to extend their experience and fly safely in challenging situations is one of the core purposes of a flight simulator, and it is all the more important for aerial firefighters who deal with severe flight conditions to be well trained and prepared to do their jobs.”
 
The CL-415 Waterbomber FFT X will allow for a complete simulation of aircraft systems operation on the ground and in-flight to satisfy the normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures. The flight training device will replicate the sights, sounds and motion of the CL-415 thanks to the most advanced simulation technology.

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