Press Release - June 16, 2004

Silver State Helicopters Launch Customer for Frasca’s TruFlite H^TM

Silver State Helicopters, headquartered in North Las Vegas , Nevada , will be the launch customer for Frasca International’s new single engine helicopter flight training device, the TruFlite H^TM . Silver State has placed an order for ten devices which will be used for flight training at various locations throughout Cal i f ornia , Nev ada , Ariz ona and Utah . The TruFlite H^TM utilizes Frasca’s recently developed TruFlite^TM technology, making it reconfigurable between three single engine piston helicopter models; the Robinson R22, Robinson R44 and Schweizer 300 which are used for flight training. The devices will feature a two seat cockpit, interchangeable cyclics (Robinson T-bar and conventional style), Frasca’s digital sound system, and TruVision^TM single channel projected visual system. Frasca International launched the TruFlite^TM reconfigurable device and TruVision^TM last year and has sold over 30 TruFlite^TM units to date.

According to John Frasca, Vice President of Frasca International, Inc., “The TruFlite H^TM is a result of existing technology being implemented into a new requirement. In this case our very successful TruFlite^TM technology was integrated into a helicopter device. This was possible because of the critical mass of Silver State Helicopter’s requirements for ten devices, which allowed us to develop an affordable reconfigurable helicopter device.  And, of course, we’re very excited about working with Silver State Helicopters on this project. They’re a great organization and the perfect customer for these devices.”  

Chad Stone, Director of Information Technology at Silver State Helicopters stated, "When we started our flight training in 2002 we ordered 9 simulators from a competitor.  Through hands-on experience we found that those were not robust enough and the company was not responsive to our needs. Working with the people at Frasca has been an absolute pleasure, they have taken the time to find out our needs and they have designed a simulator that will meet our unique challenges. Our pilots and students can not wait to get in the TruFlite H^TM and fly it."

   Silver State Helicopters operates from twelve locations in four states (CA, AZ, UT and NV). In addition to providing helicopter flight training, they have received external load certification from the FAA allowing for utility flights, sling load operations and fire suppression. They also offer VIP transport and charter flights and assist government agencies nationwide for passenger transport.  In addition to the R22’s, R44s and Schweizer 300s, Silver St ates also has in their fleet: Bell 206s, Bell Long Range rs and MD500D’s.  For more information, visit their website: www.silverstatehelicopters.com

Frasca International, Urbana , Illinois , manufactures flight training equipment for airlines, flight schools, Universities and military organizations worldwide. Product range includes Flight Training Devices (FTDs), FNPT I, II and IIMCC devices, CPTs, Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and more for all aircraft types, fixed wing and rotary. They have delivered over 1800 devices since their founding in 1958.