Ansett becomes second FETC for Viking CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft

Canada-based Viking Air Limited has signed an agreement welcoming Ansett Aviation Training of Melbourne, Australia as the second Factory Endorsed Training Centre (FETC) for Viking CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft.

The FETC agreement will create a strategic partnership between Viking and Ansett Aviation Training that benefits CL-415 operators by ensuring they receive Viking OEM technical support coordinated with the highest level of CL-415 training possible.

As part of the agreement, Ansett will invest in the development of the first-ever Level D full flight simulator (FFS) for the CL-415, to be supplied by TRU Simulation + Training and installed at its new state-of-the-art training centre at Milan-Malpensa Airport in Italy during 2018.

Development of the CL-415 flight simulator will leverage the experience gained from TRU Simulation’s manufacturing of the Level D FFS for the Viking Series 400 Twin Otter, including unique seaplane capability.

“Manufacturing the CL-415 simulator to a Level D standard is an exciting and challenging project, but with the combined ability of Viking, Ansett and TRU Simulation, we are confident we will deliver a highly valued training experience to CL-415 operators from our new training centre in Milan by the end of next year,” said David Garside, CEO, Ansett Aviation Training.

The company joins existing FETC Pacific Sky Aviation Inc (Viking’s sister-company), as part of Viking’s Amphibious Aircraft Division support network.