PUBLIC PILOTS NOW ABLE TO USE SIMULATORS AT K-STATE – SALINA

January 31, 2003

SALINA – The flight simulators at Kansas State University – Salina are now available for area pilots’ use through the aviation refresher training program.

Marlon Johnston, aviation department head, said that in the past, pilots desiring simulator training would have to apply to be a K-State student before being allowed to have simulator time.

“ There are always pilots who would like to get some simulator time to brush up before a job interview, or if they’re thinking about getting a new plane,” Johnston said.
The new program allows these individuals to enroll through the Division of Continuing Education without officially becoming a K-State student. They also are able to pay for the simulator training without having to take the course for academic credit.

There are four simulators available for training, Johnston said, including one that is state-of-the-art, thanks to recent repairs made by Aviation Simulation Technology, a Lenexa, Kan.-based company.

“ We had a simulator that had been purchased from Aviation Simulation Technology more than 10 years ago as a prototype,” Johnston said, “but it needed to be repaired.”

Johnston was pleased to learn last month that AST had agreed not only repair the equipment, but also to upgrade it with new features. John Wilkins, AST general manager, described the new simulator as one with multiple applications.

“ This AST 3000 universal flight training device incorporates a customized multifunctional generic cockpit that can be used as any one of four aircraft models,” Wilkins said. “The cockpit configurations include the Piper Saratoga II HP, Piper Seminole, Beech 1900 and Citation 550 Jet.”

The simulator also is equipped with a full color day/night/twilight visual system, dynamic linear force control loading and a King Silver Crown IFR avionics suite including a KLN 89B GPS.

“ The previous simulator that was here could be set as a turboprop or a jet,” Wilkins said. “What K-State now has is a simulator that can still be either of those, but it also can be set up as a single-engine plane and multi-engine plane.”

Johnston added, “We now have so much to offer pilots in the community with the new continuing education program, along with the quality and flexibility of this improved trainer.”

For more information about the simulator training program for pilots, contact the Division of Continuing Education on the Salina campus at 785-826-2633.

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