Thomson and Honeywell Develop a Pilots Practice Internet Service

Now pilots can log on and fly off on the Internet.

Thomson Training & Simulation, in conjunction with Honeywell, has developed its Pilot Practice Internet Service so that with a standard Pentium PC, the flash of a credit card or airline identification number, users can practice FMS procedures -- in real time.

TTS's communications manager Mark Rouson says pilots can preview a training course, review all phases of a flight they have just done, or look at one they are going to do.

The program uses re-targeted Honeywell FMS code and can access the airline Nav database, giving pilots the same realistic impressions they would experience in a full flight simulator.

So far it is configured for the A320 or Boeing 737, but others will be added. A full cockpit is displayed with instruments and controls which can be "windowed" for optimum viewing and manipulation. It's being shown here on the Thomson-Racal stand in Hall 1.

Crawley, UK-based TT&S, now under the Thomson-Racal Aerospace banner, has another new simulator making its first public showing at Farnborough: a portable cockpit systems trainer, designed for and in association with British Airways.
The trainer comprises several display screens in a cockpit-based shell representing the flight deck of an A320, with hardware reproduction and touch-screen technology are used to enhance fidelity.

The simulator can be dismantled or re-assembled in two hours so can be taken to where crews are to receive training. It's being shown here by BA personnel, before starting work at their Cranebank Training centre.

A full flight simulator for the Airbus A320 has just been ordered from TT&S for a new purpose-built training facility which will be managed by Egyptair at Cairo International Airport.

TT&S sales and marketing director Michel Orman states that the level D simulator has been designed to satisfy the highest regulatory requirements and will be the most advanced in the Middle East/North Africa.

It will have six simulator bays and will offer training to other airlines' crews as well as Egyptair's.

By Steve Morris