No less than six X-Copter flight training “simulators” are powered up and working in the Heli-Expo 2015 exhibit hall. Three of the devices dominate the Guidance Aviation stand (Booth 2049), two are at HAI’s Safety Booth (next to Booth 819) and one is at the Whirly Girls booth. The X-Copter device can be configured as a Robinson R22 and R44.
Although called a “simulator,” the X-Copter machine is, according to the FAA, a basic aviation training device, or BATD, as defined by Advisory Circular 61-136A. Up to 10 hours of training in a BATD may be credited toward an instrument rating.
Guidance Aviation uses its 21 X-Copter devices to help students learn and become comfortable with helicopter controls, instrumentation, procedures and radio communications, as well as for instrument training. The budding pilots also obtain a realistic feel for the sensitivity of the R22 and R44. The 60-inch, high-definition screens provide highly realistic visuals for training.
According to X-Copter’s Guy Roginson, the company recently signed an agreement with PilotEdge, which provides professional air traffic control for flight simulators. “Working with real controllers in the X-Copter really helps prepare students for flight in the real aircraft,” he said.
Kelton Rochelle, X-Copter’s lead technology engineer, explained how he and Brandon Frett, director of simulators, helped form the company, which is owned by John Stonecipher, the founder, president and CEO of Guidance Aviation. “I was a flight student and maintenance technician at Guidance Aviation and Brandon was in charge of IT,” said Rochelle. “We met when I was flying one of the simulators. We got talking and realized we could design a simulator that would be a better trainer for what Guidance Aviation’s students really needed. John said we should do it, provided funding and X-Copter was founded.”
Recently, X-Copter added a new 6,000-sq-ft fabrication facility near Guidance Aviation’s base in Prescott, Ariz.
Rochelle and Frett are working on the second generation of X-Copter. “When we built version one last year, we outsourced the controls to a company in China, but that didn’t work out,” Rochelle said. “So now we manufacture the controls ourselves. The first generation needed two computers, but with advancements in computer technology, now we need only one.”
He added that the X-Copter team is considering building an advanced aviation training device (AATD), which would permit up to 20 hours of training toward an instrument rating. Training devices for the Robinson R66 and Hughes/Schweizer, Bell and Airbus/Eurocopter models are in development, according to the company’s website.
X-Copter has not yet sold a unit to an outside customer, but Roginson expects that to change soon. The retail price of the X-Copter is $88,000. Leasing options are also available.
