Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Coptersafety’s Leonardo AW169 flight simulator with Phase 8 avionics recently received FAA level-D approval. Built by TRU Simulation, the simulator is installed and ready for pilot training at Coptersafety’s Helsinki International Airport (EFHK) training center in Finland.
Phase 8 upgrades the AW169’s Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 glass cockpit to introduce advanced search-and-rescue modes, an improved four-axis autopilot, and increased automation for single-pilot IFR certification. It also includes HTAWS with offshore modes, a synthetic vision system, and an advanced health and usage monitoring system (HUMS).
The full-flight simulator features cockpit vibration, smoke generation, three-dimensional cloud modeling, and night and NVIS/NVG visual scenes to support immersive training. Coptersafety can also configure visual environments to replicate specific geographic locations and landing sites at customer request.
Meanwhile, Coptersafety is now planning to expand its Helsinki facility following the company’s acquisition by MML Keystone in January of this year. This expansion will add training capacity with more level-D simulators, which are expected to be available in 2027 and 2028, according to the helicopter training provider.
Besides the FAA, Coptersafety also holds approvals from EASA, the UK CAA, and Transport Canada, among other civil aviation authorities worldwide.

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