Coulson acquires new Level D simulators

The helicopter simulators – both of which are night vision goggle (NVG) compatible – will be based at Coulson Aviation’s new simulator facility at its base in Thermal, California. Both simulators have already arrived at the base, and are currently undergoing upgrades ahead of their planned launch into service in 2024.

The upgrades will include the installation of a new high-fidelity image generator and projection system, an upgraded avionics package, as well as new operating systems and databases.

In addition to being used by Coulson Aviation to train its own aerial firefighting crews, the two simulators will be available for use by outside companies looking to acquire training in the two helicopter models.

Coulson Aviation stated that the CH-47D simulator is the only one in the world, while the UH-60 simulator is one of only two in existence.

“The CH-47 sim allows us to simulate 490 aircraft system failures, while the Black Hawk simulator can simulate over 561 failures,” said Mel Ceccanti, Director of Flight Operations – Rotorcraft at Coulson Aviation. “We can run our pilots through the gauntlet without the expense, wear, and risk of training in the helicopter.

“The simulators are extremely realistic — the cockpit, seats, and flag controls are identical to what we have in our aircraft, to the point that the whole simulator shakes as you’re flying along like a real helicopter. It’s a very realistic experience, which will be more so after our high-fidelity upgrades,” he added.

Coulson Aviation was also awarded a $7.2 billion 10-year large air tanker (LAT) contract by the US Forest Service (USFS) in August of this year.