Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) has announced the opening of a new UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Flight Simulator Training Center at the Colombian Air Force Base in Melgar. The first of its kind in South America, the centre provides pilot and flight crew training for the Colombian Armed Services and Sikorsky military customers throughout the region. Sikorsky Aerospace Services, Sikorsky’s aftermarket business, is overseeing training and support efforts in Colombia. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

“Operating the world’s fourth-largest Black Hawk fleet, Colombia is a longtime strategic customer and valued partner,” said David Adler, SAS President. “Based on their fleet requirements, SAS continues to expand in-country aftermarket services. In fact last year we doubled the maintenance support team and expanded depot capabilities for crash and battle damaged aircraft. The new training facility will further improve the operational readiness of the Colombian Armed Services. Additionally, it’s a major milestone that exemplifies our overall commitment to Sikorsky customers in Latin America.”

The new training centre offers the region’s only full motion, high fidelity, FAA Level D Equivalent Black Hawk simulator—the highest qualification currently available. Equipped with industry leading motion and control loading technology, it offers a highly detailed cockpit replication of all controls and aircraft systems including wide-field outside-world visual systems. All components are mounted on six degree-of-freedom motion platforms that respond to pilot control movements and external aerodynamic factors.

“The Black Hawk helicopter is an integral component for us to successfully defeat narco terrorism. Our ability to sustain in-country pilot training is paramount. As our relationship with Sikorsky continues to evolve, we are pleased to partner in this training effort,” said Brigadier General del Aire Guillermo Leon Leon, General Manager, CIAC.