News
Valero implements CAE Flightscape

Oct. 20, 2010, Atlanta, Ga. – CAE has announced at the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) annual convention that Valero Energy's aviation department is implementing CAE Flightscape's flight data monitoring software and analysis service for their Gulfstream G450 aircraft.

In addition, Valero Energy will soon begin using CAE Flightscape's real-world data-driven animation visualization capability to further enhance safety of flight and operational efficiency.

"We are always seeking to become more efficient, effective and continuously drive enhanced safety in our corporate flight department," said John White, Valero's Director of Corporate Aviation. "CAE Flightscape is the industry standard for aircraft manufacturers, government agencies, regional airlines and major air carriers, and we believe this is directly applicable to Corporate Aviation. Using similar types of objective, real-world trending data will show us what we are doing well and what areas might be improved."

Valero's flight department has recently begun receiving interactive 3D animations from CAE Flightscape of selected flights for use in their G450 training program. "The visualization is a great debriefing tool, and we're tying it together with our safety management system" said White. "We can also use the animation for pre-flight familiarization refresh with new or especially challenging airports."

CAE Flightscape uses an aircraft operator's own data, captured directly from a flight data recorder (FDR) or quick access recorder (QAR). No resident flight science and data analysis expertise is required by the business aircraft operator. The information is provided to CAE through a secure website. Data is evaluated by trusted, neutral expert analysts using best practices methodologies. Their analysis and safety action recommendations are accessible to the customer 24/7 from any internet connection. Customers maintain full ownership and access to their flight data without the infrastructure costs typically associated with housing an internal corporate FOQA (Flight Operations Quality Assurance) program.

"Valero Energy is a forward-thinking organization, and the unique data-driven capabilities of CAE Flightscape will provide their pilots and passengers with an extra level of safety for the global routes they fly," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. "They also expect to realize long-term cost savings by applying CAE Flightscape-recommended improvements to flight and aircraft maintenance operations."

Valero Energy is North America's largest petroleum refiner with annual revenue of more than US$100 billion. Valero's Gulfstream aircraft fleet is equipped with enhanced vision systems (EVS), head-up display (HUD), electronic charts with triple redundancy and synthetic vision systems (SVS). Based in San Antonio, Texas, their corporate flight department was one of the first to hold both IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations) and VPP (Voluntary Protection Program, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certifications.

Fore more information on CAE visit: www.cae.com