At the end August 2014, DHTC in Den Helder, the Netherlands, brought into use a brand new helicopter simulator, the SEFtec Configurable HUET.
The new facility will be used to provide compulsory HUET training programmes for people who are transported to and from offshore installations by helicopter.
As the simulator used for these training courses is approaching the end of its useful life, it is replaced by a modern SEFtec Configurable HUET unit. The simulator, from the manufacturer in Ireland, weights 1,700 Kg and has seating for 8 and 6 bays with removable panels, for configuration changes.
Personnel who fly with helicopters of the types AW139, EC155 an S92 can use this simulator to learn how to quickly and safely exit from the aircraft in question, in the event of an emergency landing in the sea.
DHTC was the first training institute in the Netherlands to offer so-called Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) in 1990. Since that time practically all oil companies have put their offshore personnel through HUET training in Den Helder. At the same time, the helicopter operators themselves make intensive use of this unique facility for training their own crews. The Royal Netherlands Navy and the Defence Helicopter Command also used the facilities at DHTC for a period of more then seven years, for training their Lynx helicopter crews.
The purchase of the new helicopter simulator is part of a multiyear investment programme at DHTC which in turn is part of a large-scale renewal and improvement project for all exercise objects and training facilities in Den Helder. A fire training helicopter of the type AW139 was also recently purchased (see previous news item for details).
HUET training is one of many safety courses offered by DHTC the Dutch training centre for the oil and gas industry, the offshore wind wind industry, the shipping sector, fire brigades and offshore companies.