Henley Air Flight Simulator (FSTD II-MCC): how it’s used in Instrument Rating training

What the Henley Air Flight Simulator (FSTD) is

The Henley Air Flight Simulator is a SACAA-approved fixed-base Bell 222 flight simulator used as an FSTD (Flight Simulator Training Device)—a regulated training platform that lets you practise IFR tasks in a repeatable, controlled environment.

Why the Henley Air Flight Simulator matters for IFR

Instrument flying is largely procedural and scan-driven. The Henley Air Flight Simulator lets you rehearse the full IFR workflow—brief, set up, fly, correct, and debrief—without weather, aircraft availability, or risk limiting repetitions.

What you train in the Henley Air Flight Simulator

Sessions in the Henley Air Flight Simulator typically focus on:

• Instrument flying skills and IFR procedures (the “how” of flying on the gauges).

• Navigation and avionics workflows, including Garmin 530 GPS with RNAV capability, and integrated autopilot/flight director management.

• Scenario-based flying, including line-oriented training/simulation concepts (LOFT/LOS/LOE) referenced in the IR(H) syllabus.

• Weather and abnormal/emergency practice using the simulator’s visual and weather systems—ideal for building decision-making and workload management under pressure.

How flight simulator hours can count toward the Instrument Rating

Henley’s IR(H) outline states ~40 hours of instrument flight training are required, and up to 30 hours may be credited in our approved FSTD II-MCC, with the remainder completed in aircraft.

Simulator vs aircraft: what each is best for

Use the Henley Air Flight Simulator to standardise procedures, sharpen scan, and repeat scenarios efficiently. Then use the aircraft phase (e.g., R44 sorties in their described mix) to transfer those procedures into real-world handling, workload, and operational tempo.