The Flight Sim Pilot program, developed by pilot and teacher Barry Anthony Trop, is a 9 level course designed to introduce the world of the pilot to all who have ever dreamed of being at the controls of an airplane. The course employs PC based flight Simulators to provide a vivid and exciting way to learn about being a pilot. A computer generated “virtual” Cessna 172 SP is used for training and is flown in a highly detailed “virtual world”, complete with airports, weather conditions, and accurate ground terrain. The program also touches upon a variety of related aviation fields such as aerodynamics, aircraft control and performance, navigation, communication, geography, math and science. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for those who would love to explore aviation but cannot because of the expense or time involved. For those who wish to pursue a real world flight training program, simulator training can reduce costs and time involved in learning to fly by as much as 40%.
Started in 2002 at Compton Airport, the Flight Sim Pilot Program has taught young student pilots (from age 11 and up) in classrooms containing as many as 25 computers, the essentials of flying. More than 50 students have already flown their first flight in an actual aircraft, doing their first landings and takeoffs by themselves. (Yes, there is a certified flight instructor onboard.) Many have soloed in a real aircraft, attained their private pilot certificates and have expressed a desire for commercial or military pilot careers. Some are currently attending aeronautical universities.
Students can progress at their own speed and pass level proficiency tests which they take when they feel they are ready as they move through the course. The important thing about learning in this manner is that it is a fun and exciting way to learn. When students enjoy learning, they learn well.
There are many materials provided to students to be used in conjunction with the nine level Syllabus and Briefings which forms the heart of the program. These include a variety of maps, charts and instructions needed to pass a flight check for each level of the syllabus. The Flight Sim Pilot program attempts to use materials that real pilots use in flight. In addition to the flight materials used in the course are ground school and academic materials which supplements the hands on simulator training with subjects like aerodynamics, instrument interpretation, mechanics and even thinking like a pilot. Student's who decide to continue their flight education in an actual aircraft will find that they have a real head start because of their simulator training.
Ross Russell, a teacher at Orville became the first non pilot to master the
course and teaches 3 classes of beginners, as well as the ground portion
of the program. Orville Wright Middle School students are given
"ground school" materials on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ground
School Materials Quiz and Test
Materials
Teachers practice their flying to qualify for a non
pilot instructor sign off. Ross
is on the right.
Currently there are five classes a day being taught at OWM with over 150 students a day training, five days a week. In February of 2007, Orville Wright introduced a new simulator room containing 20 more simulators. This new room will be used for students wishing to take the upper levels of the program syllabus. The Grand Opening of Flight Sim Lab 2
