Bristows Training Centre

  

 

CASE STUDY: Precision Installation of Advanced Flight Simulation Technology

IDI Services Delivers Specialized Lifting for Bristows Training Centre in Aberdeen

Client Profile

Bristow, a global leader in vertical flight solutions and a premier provider of helicopter services to government and civil organizations, required specialized lifting expertise for their training center in Aberdeen. As an organization dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence, Bristow's advanced training facilities are critical to their mission of providing world-class helicopter services to industries including offshore energy, search and rescue, and air ambulance operations.

The Challenge

This project involved the precision installation of a sophisticated helicopter simulator at Bristow's Aberdeen training facility, presenting several significant challenges:

  • The helicopter simulator represented a high-value, sensitive piece of advanced technology
  • The large spherical simulation pod required specialized handling techniques to prevent damage
  • The installation location inside the new building presented limited access and maneuvering space
  • The simulator needed to be precisely positioned onto hydraulic struts for proper operation
  • The calibration and alignment requirements demanded exceptional precision during placement
  • The weight and dimensions of the simulator required careful load calculations and equipment selection
  • The installation needed to be completed with minimal disruption to Bristow's training schedule

The Solution

IDI Services designed a comprehensive approach utilizing our specialized equipment and expertise:

Phase 1: Detailed Planning and Assessment
Our engineering team conducted thorough site surveys at Bristow's new training facility, analyzing access routes, structural considerations, and precise dimensional requirements. Working closely with Bristow's technical team and the simulator manufacturer, we developed detailed 3D models of the installation sequence, identifying potential challenges and mitigating measures.

Phase 2: Equipment Selection and Mobilization
Based on our assessment, we deployed our 6-tonne crawler crane, selected specifically for its compact footprint, precise control capabilities, and ability to operate effectively within the confined indoor space. The tracked base provided stability while minimizing floor loading concerns, crucial for operating inside the new facility.

Phase 3: Simulator Transport and Positioning
Our specialized team carefully transported the simulator pod to the installation location using custom-designed support frames that distributed the load evenly. The crawler crane, equipped with precision control systems, was then used to lift the simulator with millimeter accuracy, carefully maneuvering it through the building's interior space.

Phase 4: Precision Placement
Using a synchronized team approach with constant communication, our operators delicately positioned the simulator onto its hydraulic strut system. Laser alignment tools were utilized to ensure perfect positioning, with continuous monitoring throughout the placement process to maintain the exact specifications required for proper simulator function.

Phase 5: Support and Verification
Following the successful placement, our team worked with Bristow's technical specialists to verify the installation, ensuring all alignment parameters were within tolerance and that the hydraulic strut system was properly engaged with the simulator pod.

The Results

The project was completed with exceptional outcomes:

  • Zero damage to the high-value simulator technology
  • Precise placement achieved within all specified tolerances
  • Installation completed ahead of the scheduled timeline
  • Perfect alignment with the hydraulic strut system
  • No disruption to Bristow's operational schedule
  • Seamless handover to Bristow's technical team for final commissioning

Client Testimonial

"IDI Services provided exceptional expertise in handling the installation of our advanced flight simulator. The precision demonstrated by their team was impressive – from the detailed planning stages through to the final placement on the hydraulic struts. Their ability to work within our confined space while maintaining absolute precision with their crawler crane was exactly what this specialized installation required. The simulator was perfectly positioned, allowing us to proceed immediately with commissioning and calibration."

  • Training Facility Manager, Bristow Aberdeen

The IDI Advantage

This project showcases IDI Services' specialized capabilities in handling high-value, precision technology in challenging environments. By combining detailed planning, specialized equipment, and highly skilled operators, we provided Bristow with the confidence that their critical training technology would be installed with the care and precision it demands.

Our ability to adapt to the unique requirements of the aviation training sector, particularly with sophisticated simulation technology, demonstrates why industry leaders like Bristow trust IDI Services with their most valuable assets.

For precision lifting operations that demand expertise and meticulous attention to detail, contact IDI Services today.