Bombardier announced today that demand for its pioneering Leading Edge safety training package has exceeded expectations, with 85 percent of new Bombardier business aircraft buyers enrolling their pilots in the innovative program, and a substantial number of existing operators opting to purchase the program outright.
Introduced just over six months ago in February 2006, Leading Edge has broken new ground in corporate aviation by offering some of the best safety training available in the industry. As the culmination of knowledge gathered through the widely acclaimed Bombardier Safety Standdown, Leading Edge features advanced skills and knowledge-based training for pilots, and makes it extremely easy for operators to either implement a new safety management program or to refine an existing one. Leading Edge is offered at no-charge with the purchase of a new Bombardier business jet.
“Our customers have demonstrated overwhelmingly that they appreciate the added value Leading Edge brings to our products,” said James Hoblyn, vice-president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “They find it reassuring to conduct business with a company committed to pioneering ‘human-centered’ training.”
Developed and delivered by respected educators, pilots and researchers, two of the three Leading Edge modules focus on strategies to reduce the incidence of pilot error.
’Unusual attitude’ or ‘upset training’ is provided in sessions for two pilots at a time at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, California, and AV Alert or pilot fatigue awareness and countermeasures is taught in a classroom setting.
The third module consists of a Safety Management Resource kit for chief pilots and senior management which provides the foundation for any organization, no matter how small, to implement effective safety management systems, in addition to supplying materials and training that address the impact of several factors such as nutrition, hydration and hypoxia on decision-making.
“Leading Edge supplements simulator training with actual flight training,” says Bob Agostino, director, flight operations, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “In addition, the information in the program applies equally to all platforms and aircraft models regardless of the manufacturer, which is a real benefit to multiple aircraft type operators.”
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).
News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, communications
514-855-7988
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com