Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) pilots will now have greater access to world-class simulator training with the launch of a new aviation training centre on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast-based aviation solution provider, Flight Options, launched its new facility with the RFDS (Queensland Section) as its official launch partner.
RFDS pilots will use the facility to undergo simulator training for the newly introduced Beechcraft KingAir B350 aircraft, officially introduced into the Flying Doctor fleet this year.
There are also plans to introduce training for the KingAir B200 aircraft, of which the Flying Doctor has 14 currently in its Queensland fleet, later in the year.
The simulator training means the not-for-profit aeromedical charity will no longer have to send its pilots to the USA for similar training.
While speaking at the centre's launch at the Sunshine Coast Airport, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) CEO, Nino Di Marco said access to this kind of technology will help deliver world-class health care to the people and communities of regional and remote Queensland.
"The safety of our crew is paramount to the standard of care we deliver at the Royal Flying Doctor Service," Mr Di Marco said.
"Without the most skilled and highly trained pilots, doctors and nurses, we simply would not be able to carry out the work we do in delivering the finest care to the furthest corner of the state.
"With this technology at Flight Options on the Sunshine Coast being so close to our operational bases, training for our pilots will become more accessible and therefore, more in-depth.
"I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of everyone at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section to Flight Options in helping us continue to deliver our world-class aeromedical service to people and communities all across the state."
