The AATD is a level three flight training device that simulates the flight deck environment of both the Piper Warrior and the Seminole. A widescreen TV in front of the windshield realistically displays a wide variety of environmental parameters – day/night, rain, thunderstorms, low ceilings, etc. The control response of the AATD is very close to that of the actual aircraft. The avionics also duplicate the avionics of the actual aircraft, including a Garmin 430 GPS navigator. The instructor can simulate a wide variety of situations ranging from rapidly changing weather to systems malfunctions. Like the PCATD, this allows the student to get up to speed on instrument procedures before getting into the actual aircraft.
Beechcraft BE90 King Air
Our flagship is a late-90’s model King Air C90B purchased in 2005. The King Air is used in the school’s turbine transition course. Like our other aircraft, the King Air is equipped with the latest in avionics, including electronic flight displays (EFIS), autopilot, flight director, multi-function display, and GPS navigation capability. Turbine Transition students are also exposed to advanced aircraft systems including pressurization, radar, weather downlink, de-ice, and anti-ice systems. Turbine Transition and a chance to fly a modern turbine aircraft is offered by only a few collegiate level aviation programs. The King Air is also available for faculty and staff transport (FAST) flights on University-related business.
Cessna A-152
The Cessna A-152 Aerobat is the only Cessna in our fleet. As its name suggests, this aircraft is certificated in the Aerobatic Category. We use it in the Advanced Flight Maneuvers course. We also use it in the Advanced course, to give the student a chance to fly a different airplane and become familiar with the difference in operations and flight characteristics, and for spin and upset recovery training for our Certified Flight Instructor students.
Piper PA-28-161 Warrior
The Piper PA-28-161 Warrior III is our school’s flight training workhorse. There is no finer trainer built today. The school replaced the entire warrior fleet in 2005 with 13 new aircraft. The new airplanes feature the latest avionics, including Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation. The warrior features extremely docile stall characteristic and other outstanding handling qualities that make it a joy to fly for our students and instructors. Two of the warriors feature the Avidyne Entegra “Glass Cockpit.” With an autopilot and flight director capability these aircraft reflect the type of cockpit instrumentation they will see in today’s regional and corporate jet aircraft. You will become quite familiar with these aircraft as they are used throughout your flight training.
Piper PA44-180 Seminole
For our Multi-Engine program the school operates a PA44-180 Seminole, also purchased new in 2005. Transition to this aircraft from the Arrow and Warriors is almost seamless. The flight characteristics of the Seminole are very similar to the Arrow. It has state of the art avionics, including autopilot, flight director, and GPS navigation capability. With this aircraft you will practice simulated engine failures, as well as single engine approaches and landings.
College of Professional and Continuing Studies