Flight Simulator provides high-fidelity A320 environment.

Press Release Summary:



Suited for pilots training at all levels from B to D, A320 FFS X(TM) includes visual cue feature that offers options for HDTV-resolution projectors with front or back resolution, image generators, and collimated minimum 40 x 180 in. or more field-of-view visual display system. Able to stand alone in building, system also provides cockpit layout and structure, ground handling, A/C systems, flight controls, forces, sound cue, navigation, weather, and air traffic control.



Original Press Release:



Mechtronix Unveils First A320 FFS X(TM) for IFTC & TACA Airlines



Mechtronix Next Generation Full Motion Simulation Technology for A320 is displayed at launch ceremony in Montreal

MONTREAL, June 13 /- Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI), the fastest growing leading provider of flight training equipment in the world, today officially announced the unveiling of a new generation A320 FFS X(TM). The unit was available for trial by customers, the aviation community and the press during the June 11th ceremony. The high fidelity A320 FFS X(TM) is the second of several built from Mechtronix for IFTC, the training arm of Gozen Group, TACA airlines and soon to be divulged customers. Mechtronix event marks the first official deployment of a true replication technology for an A320 training device after years of collaboration with the aircraft manufacturer and related OEM's.

The new design approach is derived from Mechtronix' extensive conversion of Airbus data and the exclusive use of OEM software to reproduce a flexible world class A320 training environment that replaces standard designs that have always relied on traditionally expensive avionics hardware platforms. The A320 FFS X(TM) training device will now be maintained by training centers and airlines like IFTC and TACA using a more cost-effective software generated environment with the highest of reliability. It will enable growing airlines like these to lower pilot training costs, keep pilots on the line and "train@home(TM)", thus increasing safety by providing more time for them to conduct recurrent and continuous training.

As of the unveiling event, IFTC has already achieved a successful In Plant Acceptance (IPA) on its Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) and is being installed at its Istanbul facility for a JAA Level D qualification. "We look at our acceptance and the unveiling of the Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) technology as the culmination of a successful collaboration with Mechtronix that uniquely registered our prospective needs to provide us with world class flight simulation for our new facilities and business model", said Mekin Gozen, President & CEO of the IFTC. "We greatly appreciate the opportunity to be one of the leaders in the development and deployment of this ground breaking technology."

TACA's A320 FFS X(TM) is currently undergoing IPA and will be installed at its El Salvador facility in the autumn, for Level D qualification from the FAA. "We see the pending deployment of the Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) technology at our home facility as a direct investment effort towards our flight crews' training and expertise, being able to conveniently keep our training at our base of operations. The availability of this world class simulation presents a distinct competitive advantage for the airline", said Roberto Kriete, TACA's Chairman and CEO. "Working with Mechtronix in the development process also as a partner has been rewarding and we look forward to our joint efforts paying off with the approval and deployment of the unit in TACA's new training center in El Salvador."

"We are very pleased to finally unveil the latest technology in the A320 simulation market and appreciate the collaborative support we have received from the OEM, our customers and the other people who supported this initiative", said Mechtronix President Xavier Herve. "With these Airbus sales and new collaborations, Mechtronix continues to show its leadership not only in design, but in working closely with OEMs and clients to recognize their unique needs in a dynamic world market that demands excellence. It is a true credit to our employees from top to bottom that we can finally introduce the next generation of technology in the Airbus market and expand our growing global share of the market place even more."

About the Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM)

The new A320 FFS X(TM) features a rich high fidelity A320 environment for pilots training at all levels from B to D. Its visual cue feature offers options for HDTV-resolution projectors with front or back resolution, state-of-the-art image generators and collimated minimum 40" x 180" or more Field Of View visual display system. Upgrades for the different levels of qualification on the A320 FFS X(TM) can be made by software enhancements without the need to purchase new avionics boxes to make the changes. A Non Zero Flight Time(TM) or Level B FFS X(TM) A320 will provide the needed training capability for all recurrent & checking training needs. A Level C FFS X(TM) A320 will provide all recurrent level training, initial and transition type rating. The Zero Flight Time(TM) or Level D FFS X(TM) will meet all training pilot training needs at all levels. The Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) also includes cockpit layout and structure, ground handling, A/C Systems, flight controls, forces, Sound Cue, navigation, weather and air Traffic Control. The Mechtronix A320 FFS X(TM) can stand alone in a building and features a 36- or 60-inch stroke motion base electrical or hydraulic 6 DOF.

About International Flight Training Center (IFTC)

IFTC was established in 2007 as the training arm of the Gozen Group. Based in Istanbul, Turkey IFTC is a fully approved Type Rating Training Organization (TRTO) specializing in providing flight crew training services for A320 and B737-NG. High quality training courses are delivered by an experienced team of instructors and examiners and can be tailored to meet specific aircraft or operational requirements for all operators in the region. The Gozen Group, founded back in 1979 by Mekin Gozen and Mete Bozyigit, has been operating as Supervision & Representation Company, in accordance with the regulation of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) supplying ground services to more than 85 companies in the field of representation, fuel, supervision, brokerage and security. The company is fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Turkey and all relevant government authorities. The headquarters are located in Istanbul with offices at every major international airport through Turkey; Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum & Izmir.

About TACA Airlines

TACA is a leading Latin American airline that integrates Central America with the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America; serving its customers with 35 Airbus aircrafts. TACA's flight safety has been internationally recognized and certified. A single vision guides more than 5,500 employees, operating 135 daily flights, an average 12 hours of flight a day per aircraft, offering a world class service with Latin taste. During 2007 the airline served 4 million passengers and reached a sales volume of approximately US$938 million. More information on TACA and its services can be found at www.taca.com.

About Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI)

Headquartered in the Montreal aviation hub, Mechtronix Systems Inc. (www.mechtronix.ca) is the fastest growing designer and manufacturer of flight simulators. Backed by Canada's largest institutional investor, Mechtronix ranks in the top-3 of the global flight simulator market, with a presence in America, Europe and Asia. Through 20 years of passion and dedication, Mechtronix has developed a unique expertise and proved extensively its vision and leadership for flight training. Worldwide customers include major training organizations such as CAFUC (China), JAL training center (California), KLM Flight Academy (Holland), University of North Dakota (USA) and the University of Zilina (Slovakia). It offers a full range of products from full flight simulators to flight training devices setting new industry standards for higher fidelity, reliability, cost efficiency and safety. Recent additions include glass simulation training devices designed for technically advanced aircraft (TAA).

CONTACT: Captain Cengiz Arbac, Director of External Affairs/Special Projects, GoZEN Air Services, Istanbul Flight Training Center (IFTC), +90 212 663 7777, c.arbac@iftc.aero; TACA Airlines: Claudia Arenas, Corporate Communications Director, +502 2279-5700, carenas@taca.com; Mechtronix Systems Inc.: Adeline Gautier, Marketing Manager, (514) 342-0800, agautier@mechtronix.ca

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