Kestrel Aviation

Since its installation is May 2002 the simulator has attracted fantastic support from helicopter operators throughout Australia, who including Bristow Helicopters Australia have been utilising the simulator as part of the companies command upgrade training syllabus. In addition, the simulator has also been used to conduct the initial instrument and NVMC training of new first officers. Steve Pearson, Chief Pilot/Senior Training Captain of Bristow Helicopters commented that "both forms of training have proved to be very productive in time and quality. We look forward to working with Kestrel in the future".

CHC Helicopters and the Australian Army are also conducting simulator training over the coming months. GA pilots are also experiencing the advantages of utilising the simulator with many having already used it for recency and refresher training.

Pilots considering CIR training can complete the entire package at Kestrel. To provide all the necessary training and ongoing commitment to their customers Kestrel has recently added an instrument equipped and IFR helicopter to their fleet.

ARMY USE FRASCA SIMULATOR- February 2002

Members of AFS TP 171 OP SPT SQN, 1st Aviation Regiment, Oakey with Capt. David Allan of CHC Helicopters

The 1st Aviation Regiment flew into Mangalore Airport whilst en-route from Avalon Air Show to their home base at Oakey, QLD.

Captain Liam Allan and associates took the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the simulator.

The pilots have previously spent time in a full motion simulator without visuals. Whilst the Frasca 342 does not have motion the pilots were most impressed with the wrap around visuals believing that it will expand training possibilities.

ANOTHER SATISFIED FRASCA 342 USER- September 2002

Claude in the Frasca 342 Helicopter Simulator

Claude Meunier satisfied a long time personal ambition in 1998 when he flew around the world in his Aerostar, and has entertained staff and students at Kestrel with the stories of his adventures.

To keep his rotary wing skills current Claude completed 10 hours of LOFT training in the Frasca 342 Helicopter Simulator and after completing his training Claude was only too happy to share his thoughts on the simulator.

Claude is a great believer in simulators. He has been using a fixed wing synthetic trainer in Western Australia for some years. He agrees, a computer stationed at a desk with a yoke and throttle hardly compares with the life like simulator Kestrel is able to provide. Claude felt he was able to learn more in the simulator in a week than what he would in a year of flying in the sky.

According to Claude the realism that the simulator is able to provide adds to the rush you get from completing a range of emergency exercises, which would be too dangerous to attempt in any other situation. Claude believes the Frasca 342 Helicopter Simulator is a great way of maintaining his currency without having to deal with the rigmarole of clearances. And agrees that he will definitely be using it again in the future.

Claude is the founder of the web site www.earthrounders.com please visit to learn more about Claude's and fellow earth rounders achievements, or even take the plunge yourself towards becoming a member of this amazing association.