Aviation program co-ordinator Mike Hill with Year 9 students Sean Cooper and Mark Stephenson and the Geosim Helicopter Simulator.
Camera IconAviation program co-ordinator Mike Hill with Year 9 students Sean Cooper and Mark Stephenson and the Geosim Helicopter Simulator. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d472429

Greenwood College students flying with new helicopter simulator

Laura PondJoondalup Times

GREENWOOD College students have been given a flying start thanks to a donated helicopter simulator.

Helicopter services company CHC Helicopter gifted the Bell 412 GeoSim flight simulator to the school, which is the only one in Australia to offer an approved aviation program that includes helicopters.

Principal Ian Johnston said the simulator, worth “hundreds of thousands of dollars”, would be a huge boost to its program.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“The program is already fairly competitive and it’s only going to make it stronger,” he said.

“We’re very grateful to CHC…it’s going to put us a step above other schools.”

Students currently have access to a fixed wing simulator and a helicopter simulator in Jandakot, and Mr Johnston said the new equipment would be of great benefit to them.

“It’s as real as it gets. It prepares them better for the experience when they get there (Jandakot),” he said.

“It gives them a more realistic experience and also it’s going to be very motivational.”

CHC Helicopter flies two Bell 412 rescue helicopters in WA on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Asia Pacific regional director Vince D’Rozario said they hoped the donation would help foster students’ passion for flying.

“We are lucky to have a school with this program in Western Australia and so close to us,” he said.

“It will give students a valuable resource with which to learn and hopefully some of these students will go on to pursue careers in the helicopter industry.”

MORE: Police hunt for man in white ute after off-duty police officer attacked

MORE: Former premier Barnett opens up, says losing election like ‘falling off cliff’

MORE: Baldivis man (19) faces court over child sexual assault charges

MORE: Police looking for help after crime spree in Champion Lakes