Rudy Frasca Founded Company In 1958

It's hard to believe... but one of the most innovative suppliers of high-tech flight-training simulators has been around for 50 years. Frasca International tells ANN it plans to celebrate a half-century in the business in 2008.

"I founded Frasca International in 1958 after working as a flight simulator instructor & maintenance engineer in the Navy," said Rudy Frasca, Founder and President. "I'm extremely proud of where we are today and the positive impact we've had on flight training worldwide."

Frasca plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary with various events and celebrations throughout the year. "Having delivering over 2000 devices, we're well known in the international flight training community and are very grateful to our customers who have put their trust in our company," said the founder. "We also are extremely fortunate to have loyal and dedicated employees who take great pride in their work."

Frasca employs over 160 at their factory in Urbana, IL, and also relies on the help of sales agents and service engineers located around the world. The company is one of the few privately-owned simulator manufacturers in the business, with three generations of the Frasca family involved in the operation.

The company provides a complete range of flight training equipment for all aircraft types, rather than focusing strictly on the higher end or the entry level products. Over the past 50 years, the company has had many milestones with respect to technological breakthroughs, new product announcements and contract awards. In 1983, the company transitioned from analog to digital simulation, utilizing PC technology.

In 1984, Frasca developed electric control loading, which improved the feel of the controls. In 1985, Frasca introduced its first visual system. In 1987, motion bases were applied to general aviation devices. In 1991 Frasca introduced its Graphical Instructors Station (GISt), followed in 1992 by the delivery of Frasca's first Full Flight Simulator.

In 2003, 16 Level 6 FTDs were delivered to Embry-Riddle, the first of their kind. In 2005, a Frasca KingAir FFS with TruVision was approved to Level C. In 2007, Frasca delivered the first Level 6 Helicopter FTD and introduced TruVision Global, a highly detailed visual system, to the industry.

FMI: www.frasca.com