Air Force Pilots to Train With High-Tech GA FlightSim

Environmental Tectonics Corporation has delivered and installed a GAT-II(R) General Aviation Trainer at Randolph AFB, Texas.

Randolph Air Force Base is one of the few bases in the Air Force that does instructor pilot training. Joint Undergraduate Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer Training is also held at Randolph. The 12th Flying Training Wing provides air transportation and immediate response emergency airlift, and trains and equips its people to meet the Air Force's worldwide mobility commitment. In addition, the 12th Flying Training Wing is responsible for the operational test and evaluation of newly acquired training systems and modifications to existing systems.

The USAF will use the GAT-II(R) to provide pilots' training in the hazards associated with spatial disorientation during flight. The GAT-II cockpit is configured to resemble the JPATS T-6A "Texan" and the popular Cessna C-172. It comes equipped with an advanced Global Positioning System, and high performance aero models.

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.

The USAF GAT-II is equipped with fourteen Spatial Disorientation Illusions.

"The USAF GAT-II is the most technologically advanced trainer for Spatial Disorientation training. In addition to the advanced cockpit avionics, the GAT-II is equipped with a specialized Profile Editor, which gives the Air Force the capability to develop other Spatial Disorientation illusions in addition to developing specialized training flights," states Glenn King, ETC's Aircrew Training Systems, Applications Manager.

The GAT-II(R) General Aviation Trainer is available in Single Engine, Multi-engine, Helicopter and Regional Jet versions. Each GAT-II(R) 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. The GAT-II(R) ranges in price up to $500,000 depending on options.

FMI: www.etcusa.com, www.af.mil