All The Training, None Of The Risks

Raytheon Canada Limited has been selected to provide the FIRSTplus air traffic control training simulator to the Homestead campus of Miami Dade College's (MDC) School of Aviation in Florida.

The highly realistic radar and two-dimensional tower environment provided by FIRSTplus will allow Miami Dade to conduct air traffic control (ATC) training without the risks and costs of traditional on-the-job training. The system will allow hands-on experience for students in performing various facets of the air traffic controller's training including tower, ground, terminal and enroute simulations.

"Using FIRSTplus, our students can learn by experiencing a wide variety of scenarios, including various emergency situations. We want our students to have the best training facilities in the country and our training, in concert with the FIRSTplus simulator, will continue to make that goal a reality," said Dr. Richard Schinoff, president of MDC's Homestead campus.

"Efficient use of current lab facilities, ease of future upgrades and flexibility for the many facets of controller training were key needs that we were able to address with FIRSTplus," said Geoff Murray, Raytheon's director of ATC simulation. "An easy to learn, user-friendly Windows environment combined with sophisticated levels of ATC simulation and reliable customer support are essential reasons why FIRSTplus continues to be selected by premier learning institutions in the United States," he said.

Raytheon's FIRSTplus system will be installed and operational in the School of Aviation by the third quarter. Once implemented, the FIRSTplus system will dramatically increase the training capability at MDC's Homestead campus.

FMI: www.raytheon.com