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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
New Flight Simulator Strengthens Flying Skills
Those critical moments can be hard to train for, but thanks to a new fight simulator-- Aviation students at SIU are one step closer to learning those life and death skills.
It may look like it, but no it's not video game-- It's a state of the art flight simulator that teaches Aviation students how to handle dangerous situations without ever leaving the ground.
"It's a huge leap in training technology" says Chief Flight Instructor John Voges.
Aviation instructors say a large part of learning how to fly is from hands on instruction-- but teaching a student to land in adverse conditions is not something students would get much experience with until now.
"We can give our students that experience with absolutely no risk" says Flight Instructor Steve Goetz.
If a engine goes out or if dangerous weather conditions hit, a pilot may only have seconds to make a decision and any slight miscalculation could lead to a disaster.
This new tool allows students to experience that sort of pressure and an instructor controls all the scenarios.
"So we can reduce visibility, we can add snow... we can interject thunderstorms" says Voges.
Instructors expect the simulator to be a big hit with students.
"They're going to absolutely enjoy flying the machine" says Voges.
Of course-- it can be a bit difficult to use, I gave it a try and It seems I need more practice, but instructors say practice is exactly what it's here for.
A state grant and student fees helped pay for the simulator's $200,000 price tag but instructors say this level of training is priceless.
By: Christen Craig
ccraig@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283450987
