Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Alsim Flight Training Solutions (Stand E13) brought its AL250 flight simulator to the Singapore Airshow, where it is demonstrating the system’s capabilities for pilot training and the new engineering pack, which allows users to modify aerodynamic derivatives of a particular aircraft to demonstrate the effect on flight dynamics. Users can also use the pack to “redesign” autopilot features and test the resulting changes, or create and evaluate a new aerodynamic model.

 


The AL250 is designed as a reconfigurable generic aircraft type, capable of replicating typical single-engine and twin-engine airplanes. In the twin-engine configuration, the AL250 flies like the popular Piper PA44 Seminole.

 


Housed in a compact enclosure with plenty of space for a student and instructor, the AL250 includes Alsim’s HDVS visual system with 250-degree horizontal and 49-degree vertical field of view. Avionics can be quickly changed between a typical large-display modern glass cockpit to traditional “six-pack” gauges. Engine, flight controls, and electrical switches are robust and accurately modeled. Avionics include a real Garmin GTN 650 GPS com/navigator. An instructor station allows for modifying weather and flight parameters and introducing failures, which can also be done via laptop computer or mobile device.

 


During a test flight of the simulator, we took off in the Seminole for a quick flight around Bali. While testing the feathering capability of the right propeller during a simulated engine failure, we watched as the propeller blades pitched vertically to eliminate drag on the right engine, while having to step on the left rudder pedal to maintain directional control. Performance of the simulator seemed to accurately replicate the real Piper Seminole.

 


We flew an ILS approach back into Bali, and the Garmin GTN 650 worked perfectly. Handling of the AL250 is closely matched to the real airplane, thanks to electric control loading, and landing the replicated Seminole was highly realistic.

 


Nantes, France-based Alsim has been in business for more than 25 years and has delivered more than 300 FAA- and EASA-approved simulators in 48 countries. The company recently opened a sales office in Austin, Texas, to serve the U.S. market.

 


Cost of the AL250 ranges from $150,000 to $180,000 U.S. dollars, depending on the configuration. Alsim welcomes Singapore Airshow visitors to come and fly the AL250.

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