A new Sikorsky S-76A maintenance trainer has made its home at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies in Saskatoon, Canada. The school said students enrolled in its Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program are using the trainer, which Sikorsky delivered in August, to learn about helicopter inspection, maintenance and repair of electronic, mechanical and hydraulic systems.

Sikorsky converted an S-76A withdrawn from active flight status in 2015 after 35 years in service to create the trainer. Although non-flying, the twin-engine device is fully rigged. It has equipment to move and provide power, and electronic technical manuals that are compatible with tablets. Instructors received training courses provided by Sikorsky.

Delivery of the trainer fulfills a portion of Sikorsky’s Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations for the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project, a Sikorsky-led effort that includes General Dynamics Mission Systems Canada and L-3 Communications MAS (Canada) Inc. The team is providing 28 CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force, with fielding of a fully capable fleet scheduled in five years.