Teaching Students How To Avoid - Or Get Out Of - Dangerous Situations

Environmental Tectonics Corporation says it sold a GAT-II General Aviation Trainer to University of North Dakota, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, Grand Forks (ND).

The University of North Dakota is now offering the GAT-II as part of their John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. UND is one of the largest flight schools in America and offers courses in flight training for Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-engine and Flight Instructor ratings.

Spatial Disorientation Trainer

UND will use the GAT-II to provide training in the hazards associated with spatial disorientation during flight. According to Dr. Warren Jensen, Director of Aeromedical Research, "The GAT-II will provide our students critical insight to the subtle and dangerous nature of spatial disorientation in the aviation environment. Our plans are to incorporate this experience in our Flight Physiology program as well as supporting ongoing research in human performance."

Spatial Disorientation training emphasizes the physiological hazards which pilots could experience. FAA statistics show that when spatial disorientation is involved in a mishap, nine out of ten of those mishaps are fatal. According to Kent Lovelace, Chair of UND's Aviation Department, "Incorporating GAT-II  training into the curriculum will enhance human factors training at UND. This is an additional opportunity to educate students about spatial disorientation and visual illusions."

"The addition of a GAT-II to the University of North Dakota, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences will significantly complement their training curriculum. Their GAT-II is equipped with fourteen of the most common General Aviation Spatial Disorientation Illusions. Their GAT-II also has a specialized Profile Editor, which gives UND the capability to develop other Spatial Disorientation illusions in addition to specialized training flights." said Glenn King, ETC's Aircrew Training Systems, Applications Manager.

Multiple Versions, Multiple Roles

The GAT-II General Aviation Trainer is available in Single Engine, Multi-engine, Helicopter and Regional Jet versions.

Each GAT-II supports VFR, IFR, Spatial Disorientation, and Mishap Prevention training. The motion platform provides roll, pitch, and yaw motions in response to pilot input. The visual display provides a photo-realistic terrain database and accurate modeling of major cities and terrain features. The list of impressive features includes selectable meteorological conditions, instructor selectable malfunctions; various map views and contains all FAA listed airports and navaids.

FMI: www.etcusa.com, www.aero.und.edu