Meissner UPSs are ensuring that a stream of clean power keeps Comair`s flight simulator functioning at peak performance, while also backing critical operations at the company`s Kempton Park head office.
A recently installed Meissner 250kVA feeds stable power to the Boeing 737-200 computer room. Sean Miller, internal auditor at Comair, says despite the fact that they currently require only 120kVA backup, they decided to go with the larger UPS for the sake of future growth.
"The entire set up is geared at supporting two flight simulators and, despite the fact that we do not yet have two, we wanted to ensure that when the time comes we have sufficient clean power."
Miller explains that the flight simulator runs on a classic mainframe computer that dates to 1982. "Despite the fact that the system functions perfectly, it remains sensitive to dips and peaks in the current, something which happens quite frequently in this area. In that regard, our UPSs are vital to ensure the uptime of the simulator, which is operational 20 hours each day, seven days a week."
Trainers draw a distinction between so-called "conversion training" and "recurrent training". Pilots often come to Comair to familiarise themselves with a Boeing 737-200 by way of the simulator. "These are mostly pilots that have experience in other aircraft. These people pay for time spent in the simulator, getting the look and feel of a Boeing 737-200 cockpit. Thus should the system be down as a result of an electrical failure, Comair loses both money and clientele," adds Miller.
Recurrent training is demanded by the local aviation board, which requires pilots to do a refresher course every six months. Apart from Comair`s own pilots, the company also sells simulator time slots to SAA, Air Namibia, Safair and a variety of private individuals.
The latest Meissner 40kVA that Comair purchased supports the electrical supply to its head office in Johannesburg. "We had an old Meissner 20kVA at our head office, till about three weeks ago, when the load drastically increased and we realised that we have to upgrade the system," comments Miller.
Now the 20kVA and 40kVA labour side-by-side, ensuring clean and backup power to Comair`s headquarters. Says Miller: "Engineering company WSP acted as our electrical, mechanical and electronic specialists assisting us in the installation of the flight simulator; they too understood that we would settle for nothing less than a Meissner UPS."
Share
Editorial contacts