Used PE in an assignment...

[RonCraighead]

If you are REALLY bored...

I had to do a 'Current Events' post in my Management of Information Systems course. Talk about some new tech that gives a business competitive advantage. I used PE and touch trainers... Who knows. Someone in class might actually read it and go online. It is Embry Riddle, and a requirement for an aeronautics degree.

Here it is... Again, if you're really bored.

Touch Trainer Flight simulators and PilotEdge Air Traffic Control Service

Until recently, flight simulation has been considered of limited use at flight schools. While FAA certificated simulators had some utility in primary flight training, they were seen as being more useful in instrument and commercial flight scenarios.

Commercially available flight simulators were largely seen as complex games. Computer based learning was low fidelity and required a great deal of instructor interaction.
The current event that I am featuring is the integration of FAA certificated flight simulation with air traffic control service for flight schools. It is really a collection of technologies and services that have been combined to create an immersive learning environment.

The Touch Trainers from a company called ‘FlyThisSim’ is a touch screen based FAA certificated flight simulator. This system provides the advantage of being configurable in software for various airplanes and avionics platforms. Having controls and avionics that are touch screen based allows the simulator to be re-configured for new aircraft without expensive hardware changes.

Air traffic control services are internet based, and offered by a company called PilotEdge. PilotEdge covers the ZLA area (Southern California) and beyond for a base fee of $20 per month (for individuals). It is professionally staffed, runs according to FAA regulations, and includes all air traffic control services and procedures that exist in the real world.

From within the simulator, tuning the radio to 121.7 and clicking the push to talk button brings up Gillespie tower, just like it does in the real world. IF, that is, the airplane is close enough and has line of sight to the tower. All navigational aids are tuned the same way. GPS approaches work correctly, airspace rules are enforced and more.

Weather can be set to specific training parameters, or real world weather can be retrieved from the internet.

PilotEdge and Touch Trainers (or any other x-plane or MS Flight Simulator based simulator) can provide an unprecedented advantage to flight schools and students.

Beyond flight, navigation and communication skills, scenario based training can develop crew resource management and aeronautical decision making skills. It is said that good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. That experience can now, to a large degree be gained without risk, and in some cases without an instructor.

PilotEdge comes with a training program, complete with write-ups, ATC trascripts and Youtube videos to take the pilot from the bare bones ability to take off, fly and land, to full instrument departures, navigation and approaches in bad weather. The more that a student learns on the ground, the more they can focus on actually flying the airplane during flight training.

Further, in-cockpit tools like IPad based GPS tools and Air traffic displays can be integrated just like in the cockpit. The simulator reports position to the devices, effectively spoofing the GPS signal. The pilot’s real world headset can be used as well, making the experience as immersive as possible. This makes cockpit organization skills apply on the ground.

The average private pilot student takes 60 to 70 flight hours to complete the syllabus. With this level of simulation, it is once again possible to complete the task in the FAA mandated 40 hour minimum, while producing a more competent pilot.

This is a huge competitive advantage!

http://www.flythissim.com/
http://www.pilotedge.net

[Kyle.Sanders]

Very cool presentation!