Spatial Disorientation Trainer Proving Valuable, Reliable

ANN Sponsor Environmental Tectonics Corporation and FlightSafety International Academy at Vero Beach (FL) announced the training of FSI's 1,000th lesson using the GAT-II® General Aviation Trainer. FlightSafety International Academy uses their GAT-II to train their students in the hazards associated with spatial disorientation during flight.

According to Cliff Loar, FlightSafety Academy GAT Training manager, "On January 3 of this month, FlightSafety Academy conducted the 1000th lesson in the GAT. Students are required to complete four lessons in the GAT before they graduate. The training is organized into two VFR and two IFR orientated lessons. In addition to the ETC provided illusions, the Academy has developed several alternative scenarios that create a more typical flight environment where illusions may occur, thus increasing the learning experience for the student. The feedback from the students who have attended this training has been very positive and supportive of the program."

Spatial Disorientation training emphasizes the physiological hazards which pilots could experience. FlightSafety International Academy is the first in Florida to offer this type of advanced pilot training. FAA statistics show that when spatial disorientation is involved in a mishap, nine out of ten of those mishaps are fatal.

"The aviation training capabilities offered by the GAT-II will significantly complement FlightSafety International's Pilot training curriculum," states Glenn King, ETC's Aircrew Training Systems, Applications Manager.

ETC recently introduced the GAT-II family of General Aviation Trainers. GAT-IIs are available in Single Engine, Multi-engine, Helicopter and Regional Jet versions.

Each GAT-II supports VFR, IFR, Mishap Prevention, as well as Spatial Disorientation (SD) training. The motion platform provides roll, pitch, and yaw 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.flightsafetyacademy.com; www.etcaircrewtraining.com/gat2/index.html