Asia PR News

MONTREAL, April 30 /CNW Telbec - AsiaNet/ - -

New training paradigm with a fixed-base simulator enables motion-cueing
without a motion base

Mount Cook Airlines, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand located in
Christchurch, New Zealand, has purchased from Mechtronix an ATR 72-500 Full
Flight Trainer(TM) X(TM) (FFT X(TM)) to bring 100% of the recurring training
and operational airlines needs to its home base. Mechtronix Systems Inc, a fast
growing provider of flight simulation technology, is the first and only company
offering the FFT X(TM) worldwide.

This innovative device enables pilots to perform all the recurrent
training including CAT II, Capt upgrade, recent experience and Operation
Proficiency Checks (OPC) in a fixed base environment relying on a new concept
of "motion cueing system", more cost effective to operate than a classic Full
Flight Simulator (FFS). The FFT X(TM) comprises a high level of dynamic
environment cues namely a collimated visual system, a high end sound, enhanced
vibration system feedback associated with seat cueing capabilities as well as
a level D data package.

Mount Cook Airlines will be using the FFT X(TM) for their OPC’s, enabling
recurrent training at their home base. A direct effect of this is a
significant reduction of costs associated with recurrent training & checking
combined with an increased crew coverage and overall fleet yield.

"Until the FFT X(TM), we had no choice but to send our pilots for their
recurrent training to the closest training facility which in our case was in
Bangkok, Thailand. The FFT X(TM) business case justifies our purchase and
savings we will incur. We now have the innovative solution that will enable us
to perform 100% of the recurrent training at our own facility," indicated
Flight Operations Manager Mr. Dale Webb. Mount Cook Airlines will also be
using the device for upgrade of command and also for part of their initial
training program.

"This new generation of tools simultaneously meets the high demand for
advanced training while addressing training quality and customer finances. By
doing so, in association with ATR customers needs, we will significantly
contribute to increasing safety worldwide" said Jean-Michel Bigarré ATR VP
training and flight operations.

"We wanted to enable "smaller" airlines that are currently outsourcing
their training to third party training centers to be able to bring their
training at their own base of operations. Our FFT X(TM) - supported by both
ATR Training Center and the French CAA - allows this and is the perfect
solution for such airlines," concluded Mechtronix President Xavier Hervé.

About the FFT(TM) X(TM)

The FFT X(TM) is the outcome of a joint effort between ATR Training
Center and Mechtronix Systems who relied on studies on human brain, motion
feedback and pilot behavior to design a high level but affordable and creative
solution. The FFT X(TM) comprises a high level of dynamic environment cues
namely a collimated visual system, a high end sound, enhanced vibration system
feedback associated with seat cueing capabilities as well as a level D data
package. All these systems combined with the natural brain ability to recreate
physiological feeling generate a high level of motion cues challenging the
conventional hexapod motion system.

About Mount Cook Airlines

Mount Cook Airlines is a regional carrier based out of Christchurch, New
Zealand wholly owned by Air New Zealand. They operate regional services under
the Air New Zealand Link brand. Mount Cook operates a fleet of more than
10 ATR 72-500.

About Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI)

Born out of the micro-processor revolution in the early 80’s, MSI is a
privately held company headquartered in Montreal, Canada, one of North
America’s aerospace clusters. Over the last 20 years, MSI has acquired the
resources and capabilities allowing the design of intelligent machines, such
as flight simulators. Relying on its unique and economically advantageous
fabrication process, MSI is one of the world’s fastest growing providers of
flight training equipment. Its worldwide customers include major airline
companies such as Alitalia, Copa Airlines, CAFUC (China), Japan Airlines,
Lufthansa, and Northwest Airlines. MSI’s newest addition to the Ascent(R)
series is the FFS X(TM) full flight simulator, including the Non Zero Flight
Time(TM) (NZFT(TM)) and the Zero Flight Time(TM) (ZFT(TM)) configurations. The
Ascent(R) offer also including Simulated Aircraft Hardware, FTDs, Full Flight
Trainers(TM) is an integral part of the Aerosim-Mechtronix Integrated Training
Architecture(TM).

For further information:

Mount Cook Airlines:
Dale Webb, Flight Operations Manager,
+64 3 358 1205, dale.webb(at)airnz.co.nz;

Mechtronix Systems: Adeline
Gautier, Marketing Manager,
+1 (514) 342-0800, agautier(at)mechtronix.ca;

Media Relations US: Joseph Dans,
Fusion Public Relations,
+1 (212) 651-4215, joseph.dans(at)fusionpr.com