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.