German Army Aviation School surpasses 100,000 hours of simulator training

CAE today announced that the German Army Aviation School recently surpassed 100,000 hours of simulator training.

Located at Bückeburg in Northern Germany, the Hans E. Drebing simulator centre of the German Army Aviation School is Europe's largest helicopter simulation training facility.  The simulator centre includes 12 CAE-built full-flight simulators - two CH-53, two UH-1D, and eight EC135 - in addition to two NH90 simulators.  CAE GmbH is the contractor responsible for providing comprehensive training support services on-site at the Hans E. Drebing simulator centre.

"Surpassing 100,000 hours of simulator training over the past decade is a remarkable milestone for the German Army and the other defence and security forces who train here in Bückeburg," said Brigadier General Alfons Mais, Commander of the German Army Aviation School.  "We are proud that simulator training has proven to be safe, cost-efficient and an effective learning environment for our helicopter aircrews."

Since 2003, the UH-1D simulators have logged more than 27,000 hours; the CH-53 simulators more than 18,000 hours; and the EC135 simulators more than 55,000 hours.  The simulators are used to deliver initial and advanced pilot training, including night flying operations.  In addition to the German Army, other customers who have trained at the German Army Aviation School include the Spanish Army, Swedish Air Force, Irish Army, German Federal and State Police, Hungarian Air Rescue, and others.

"The German Army Aviation School at Bückeburg is a world-class showcase for CAE's capabilities, and we are proud to have played a role in helping the German Army reach over 100,000 hours of simulator training at the facility," said Ian Bell, CAE's Vice President and Regional Business Leader - Europe.  "Simulation-based training is becoming increasingly important as defence and security forces address budget challenges while still maintaining readiness for the demanding and complex missions they are asked to perform." 

CAE is a global leader in modelling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defence. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. CAE offers civil aviation, military and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crew members yearly. In addition, the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offers training to aspiring pilot cadets in 11 CAE-operated flight schools. CAE's business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, integrated enterprise solutions, in-service support and crew sourcing. The company applies simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. CAE is now leveraging its simulation capabilities in new markets such as healthcare and mining. More information can be found at www.cae.com.

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High resolution photos of the simulator bay area and simulators are available at www.cae.com/photos

Caption:  SimBay - Twelve CAE-built helicopter simulators at the German Army Aviation School at Buckeburg have helped the German Army and other customers surpass 100,000 hours of simulator training.

Caption UH-1D - The German Army Aviation School in Buckeburg reached a milestone recently of more than 100,000 hours of simulator training at the training facility.

CAE contacts:

Nathalie Bourque, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications, (514) 734-5788, [email protected]

Trade media:  Chris Stellwag,  Director, Marketing Communications - Military, (813) 887-1242, [email protected]

Investor relations: Andrew Arnovitz, Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy, (514) 734-5760, [email protected]