The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) training base opened at Bundaberg last Friday will train both RFDS and non-RFDS King Air pilots.
The purpose-built Aeromedical Training Academy houses two TRUSystem Beech King Air 260/360 full-motion flight simulators, which have the capability of providing 7000 hours of training. The RFDS is expected to use 1500 of those with other King Air pilots able to use the sims for endorsements or currency training.
RFDS Queensland built the $29 million academy with $14.9 million funding from the Federal Government, $3 million from QCoal Foundation and $580,000 from Bundaberg Regional Council.
RFDS put in $10.4 million of their own funds.
“This new state-of-the-art academy will support essential medical services by ensuring Queensland RFDS pilots are trained to meet current flight standards in a superior training device," said QLD senator and Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm.
“We’re proud to have played a role in making this project a reality, through our $14.9 million contribution, so the RFDS has the facilities they need to save lives in the future.
"This project highlights our commitment to delivering the services and infrastructure that regional, rural and remote communities need.
“The RFDS Aeromedical Training Academy won’t just benefit the hundreds of people who receive care from the RFDS each year, it will also cement Bundaberg as a hub for regional healthcare and training in specialist services.”
As well as the two simulators, the new facility also includes five meeting rooms, two offices, changerooms, IT and storage rooms, solar energy capabilities and 18 car parking spaces.
RFDS started work on the academy in November 2022.