Bristow and Leonardo launch AW139 simulator in Aberdeen

Bristow Group and Leonardo have announced that a new AW139 Level D full flight simulator (FFS) is operational at Bristow Helicopters’ training center in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Developed by Leonardo and CAE through their Rotorsim joint venture, the simulator is housed at Bristow’s purpose-built facility in Dyce, near Aberdeen International Airport.

The addition expands the center’s existing simulation capabilities, which include an AW189 Level D FFS, and will support training for Bristow pilots and third-party operators.

The facility serves crews conducting offshore energy transport and search and rescue (SAR) missions, particularly in the North Sea, where challenging weather conditions and extended overwater operations place significant demands on flight crews.

The AW139 is widely deployed for offshore and SAR operations in the region, with Bristow among the helicopter type’s major international operators.

The Aberdeen training center also houses six classrooms and employs specialist instructors, providing a dedicated environment for helicopter pilot training.

Fabrizio Peano, Vice President of Simulation and Training Services at Leonardo Helicopters, said: “Training and simulation technologies are essential enablers to guarantee maximized benefits from customers’ helicopter use and to consistently raise the bar of operational safety,” he said.

Nigel Piercey, Bristow’s Head of UK Training, noted that the new simulator would support pilots preparing to operate the AW139 on missions for customers in the UK and internationally.

Commissioning of the device increases the availability of aircraft-specific training in Aberdeen, close to one of Europe’s principal offshore helicopter operating regions.

Further reading: Discover how Bristow and Leonardo’s long-term support agreement laid the groundwork for the expanded AW139 and AW189 helicopter training capabilities in Aberdeen.