New Sim Will Offer Cessna 172 Flight Deck With GFC700
Autopilot
Yingling Aviation's instructional fleet expanded this week with
new equipment that can provide a myriad of flight training
scenarios without ever leaving the ground. A new Frasca Mentor
equipped to simulate a Cessna 172/S with Garmin G1000 avionics and
a GFC700 autopilot has been delivered and installed in Yingling's
Flight Training Department.
The FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (FTD) will be
available for an introductory rate of $55 per hour, not including
hourly instructor fees of $35. It includes a full, functioning
aircraft panel, flight controls, an instructor computer control
station and a 60 inch, High Definition monitor to provide visual
terrain, weather and maneuvering references.
"We're adding this FTD to our fleet
to provide our customers with the most comprehensive training
experience they can get in this class of airplane," said Lynn
Nichols, Yingling's president and chief executive officer. "The
simulator is available to both private pilot and instrument
students and it will allow them to gain credible and valuable
experience in situations they wouldn't attempt or encounter in real
flight."
"Of course, one situation we're all encountering these days is
the rising cost of fuel. This simulator provides a significant
opportunity for student pilots to save money by allowing them to
complete a portion of the training syllabus without burning any
gas. For instance, an instrument student can save over $1,700 by
taking more than half of the required instruction in the simulator
instead of a real airplane," Nichols added.
Under its revised regulation 14 CFR Part 61, the FAA has
approved FTDs as substitutes for actual flight time in fixed wing
aircraft when specific conditions are met. They can be utilized for
2.5 of the 40 hours of flight time required as a minimum for
obtaining a private pilot's license and up to 20 of the 40 hours of
instrument time required to earn an Instrument Rating.
Yingling will also be able to offer portions of the Instrument
Check Ride-one precision and one non-precision approach and other
maneuvers specified in the Primary Training Syllabus (PTS)--as well
as all maneuvers required for Instrument Currency. FTDs are also
approved for all or part of Instrument Proficiency Checks.
"This simulator is an exceptionally versatile and popular
training tool," Nichols pointed out. "This particular model
provides a very realistic and effective presentation. We expect it
to get extensive usage," he added.