New flight simulator to help Okanagan College students take off

A new flight simulator is expected to help Okanagan College train the next generation of pilots.

The Redbird FMX Flight Simulator for use by Okanagan College students is only the second of its kind in Canada.

The new machine is a step up from the two flight simulators the college already uses. They don’t have the same movement capabilities. The new simulator will also be able to simulate accident scenarios.

“There are things that we can do in the simulator where we can have engine failures just before takeoff. You don’t want to do that with fresh students when you are in the airplane because things can go wrong. You can do that in the simulator and make sure that they are prepared for it and well trained,” said Vanderaegen.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There are things that we can do in the simulator where we can have engine failures just before takeoff. You don't want to do that with fresh students when you are in the airplane because things can go wrong. You can do that in the simulator and make sure that they are prepared for it and well trained," said Vanderaegen.

Vanderaegen said the simulator will also benefit existing pilots.

“Pilots who have their licenses and ratings can actually renew some of their ratings like the instrument rating in this particular unit,” he explained.

The simulator was obtained with the help of donations from Carson Air and ROV Consulting.