Regional Express has officially opened its new Saab 340 full flight simulator (FFS) at its Wagga Wagga-based Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA).
The opening ceremony was held in conjunction with a Rex cadet graduation ceremony, and was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure for Regional Development, Warren Truss.
“Rex is an integral part of the regional aviation sector and plays a pivotal role in servicing regional areas,” Truss said. “This is the most modern pilot training facility in the Asia Pacific region, not only because of the standard of instruction, but also the access students have to state-of-the art equipment. The simulator we are opening today will also augment training by providing a seamless transition from cadet to Regional Express Saab 340 first officer all at the one facility.”
Added Rex’s general manager flight operations and chief pilot, Neville Howell; “The Saab FFS is the ultimate training tool and allows for more effective training and prepares the pilot for a raft of abnormal and emergency scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. This demonstrates the commitment Rex has for safety and to ensuring the highest possible training standards.”
The simulator was acquired from FlightSafety International last May, and has been installed in a new purpose-built facility at the AAPA. It obtained certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on April 16.
