A new flight simulator and training centre for the province’s forest firefighters has been officially opened at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.
The $8.5-million, 6,700-square-foot facility is equipped with one of the most advanced flight training devices available. It simulates the sights, sounds and motions of the CL-415 water bomber aircraft used to fight forest fires in the province.
Rather than sending pilots out of the province for training, pilots can now practise dangerous situations such as flying in severe weather conditions and instrument failures here in Sault Ste. Marie. The centre will also provide a boost to the local economy by attracting pilots from other provinces who will be able to train and improve their skills.
Construction on the facility began last year. Sault-area firms McLeod Bros. Mechanical Inc., Phase 4 Electrical Contractor Ltd. and Avery Construction Ltd. got contracts for the construction of the facility. Fourteen construction jobs were created through the project.
