Bell’s 525 simulator secures FAA interim Level C qualification

Bell Textron has reached a training milestone with the US Federal Aviation Administration’s interim Level C qualification of the Bell 525 flight simulation training device (FSTD) at the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas.

Developed and manufactured by TRU Simulation + Training, the qualified simulator will enable pilots to begin logging Bell 525 flight hours ahead of the helicopter’s type certification.

The Bell 525 is a super-medium helicopter with a fly-by-wire flight control system, an advanced drivetrain, and an integrated vehicle health monitoring suite. Its drive system relocates high-speed components from the main rotor gearbox to independent engine reduction gearboxes, a configuration intended to improve reliability and maintenance.

The simulator is built to reflect these technologies and handling qualities. It incorporates a high-fidelity visual system, a full-scale cockpit, and a motion platform designed to replicate aircraft behavior across a range of flight conditions. Pilots can use the device to practice normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures in a controlled environment before entering operational service.

“This milestone is an important step toward preparing our teams and future pilots for operations with the Bell 525,” said Mike Deslatte, Senior Vice President at Bell.

Reiser Simulation and Training recently received pre-qualification from the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) for its new mixed reality Airbus H145 D3 helicopter simulator.