Environmental Tectonics Corporation has received FAA  approval of their GAT-II General Aviation Trainer by the FAA as a Level II Flight Training Device.

Representatives of the Baltimore Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Glen Burnie, Maryland, and from the FAA National Simulator Program Office, Atlanta, Georgia, completed an evaluation of the GAT-II, which was delivered to Frederick Flight Center, Frederick, Maryland.

The GAT-II was evaluated to Level II Standards as outlined in Advisory Circular (AC) 120-45A, Airplane Flight Training Device Qualification, and is approved for use by Frederick Flight Center for training, testing or checking of maneuvers, procedures, or crewmember functions listed in the Practical Test Standards for a Level II Flight Training Device.

Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61 defines the approved uses of a Flight Training Device for logging training time and experience. The GAT- II is now approved for Training, Checking and Testing under several FARs. FAR Part 61.65(e)(2) allows 20 hours maximum to be logged towards a pilot's Instrument Rating, when instruction is given by an authorized Instructor. FAR Part 61.57(d)(1)(ii) allows for an Instrument Proficiency Check to be completed when given by an approved instructor, and FAR 61.65(a)(8)(ii) allows for the testing for an Instrument Rating Practical Test.

In addition to the GAT-II's VFR and IFR training capabilities, the GAT- II also offers automated Spatial Disorientation training profiles.

These profiles emphasize the physiological hazards, which pilots could experience at any time during flight. FAA statistics show that when spatial disorientation is involved in a mishap, nine out of ten of those mishaps are fatal.

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, 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.

ETC also designs, develops, installs and maintains aircrew training systems, process simulation systems (sterilization and environmental), clinical hyperbaric systems, environmental testing and simulation systems, public entertainment systems and related products for domestic and international customers.

FMI: www.etcusa.com