TouchTrainer: Now For Cirrus, Cessna, And Diamond

By John Ylinen

With the implementation of Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA); Pilots have struggled to find Training Devices to train and practice their pilot procedures. Avionics companies have provided simulators of their individual avionics, but there have been few complete cockpit systems and those that have been available have been very costly.

A company has stepped forward and changed the game. Flythissim has created a new type of training device that utilizes the touch screens on current low cost monitors. At this time, they are the only FAA approved BATD to utilize touchscreens to replicate the knobs, buttons, and switches in the aircraft cockpit.

TouchTrainer uses the X-Plane simulation software that is under continual development. They have developed an interface to X-Plane that allows you to customize the avionics to your unique requirements and provide upgrades to panels and avionics, just like you update your computer software. The unique feature is that you can instantly interchange aircraft types, panels and avionics all through software so no change out of hardware switches, controls, or avionics stacks. This greatly lowers the cost if you need multiple aircrafts and panels.

Currently the TouchTrainer simulates the Cirrus Fleet:  SR20, SR22G1, SR22G2, and SR22TN. SR22T will be done in the near future. They have both the Perspective and Avidyne/430 avionics and STEC and DFC90.

They recently got FAA certification for Cessna  172 (RG), 182 (RG), and 182T (RG) as well as Diamond DA40 for 6 pack and G1000. Since the AFD is FAA approved you can use it for training and log the hours per the FARs.More importantly; you can use it to training and rehearse your procedures and flights and also practice for Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC).

The NTSB, AOPA, and FAA have indicated that TAA aircraft pose a unique training and proficiency challenge for pilots. Having the ability to have home based and training center devices with realism not possible before should allow pilots to train, practice, and rehearse the use of their avionics in their cockpits. The software allows for scenarios like failing devices and difficult instrument conditions that make it appear real.

FlyThisSim provides the solution in multiple ways: They have a turnkey solution for individuals and training centers complete with all Hardware, software, and flight controls FAA approved Price is $3900 for individuals and $4900 for Flight Schools. The non-FAA approved version is $3500. If you have your own hardware or want to build your own, the software only is dependent on the panels you want.

FMI:  www.flythissim.com