A380 flight simulator inaugurated in Toulouse

The Airbus training centre in Toulouse, France has celebrated the delivery of the first of two technologically advanced A380 full flight simulators and the inauguration of the first part of the new training centre, which will open new facilities progressively over the next three years.

This first part of the centre is dedicated to the needs of A380 and houses the simulators that will be used to train both flight and cabin crews as well as maintenance personnel.

The simulators, manufactured by Canadian aviation simulation and training company CAE, feature an exact replica of the A380’s cockpit and incorporate the actual A380 flight control systems and on-board computers.

To make flying in the machine even more realistic, the resolution of simulated flight graphics has been increased by some 40 per cent, geographical features are shown in greater detail and the sphere of vision surrounding the pilot has also been increased, to 200 degrees from the more usual 180 degrees.

Airbus’ flight analysis system AirFASE has been integrated into the simulator. This system records the in-flight data generated – from how the flight controls are handled to engine performance – and produces a detailed report on how the flight has been managed. This is then picked up by Airbus flight instructors, who use the information to monitor and understand each trainee’s progress.

In the coming months, the new technology featured on the A380 simulator is expected to be applied to Airbus’ new generation of A330/A340 Family machines.