SAFECON Championship: The Ground Simulators

Navigating the virtual skies: an inside look at SAFECON 2023's ground simulator events

Monday, July 10, 2023 at 08:55 AM ET

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FLYING releases the fourth episode of its six-part series documenting one of the most intense annual competitions in collegiate aviation. [Screenshot]

Key Takeaways:

SAFECON 2023's "The Ground Simulator" episode showcases three distinct simulator events: the Ground Trainer, IFR Sim, and CRM/LOFT.
These events utilize advanced Frasca RTD simulators (often with G1000 panels) to rigorously test collegiate aviators.
Competitors are challenged on core piloting skills, precision, adaptability under pressure, and effective team communication, often with advanced simulator features intentionally disabled to emphasize fundamental abilities.

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Welcome back to FLYING‘s in-depth coverage of SAFECON 2023. Fasten your seatbelts for “Episode 4: The Ground Simulator,” where the battle of brains, nerves, and teamwork unfolds right before your eyes.

First, we take you inside the cockpit of a Frasca RTD (reconfigurable training device) with Garmin G1000 panel for the ground trainer event. This isn’t just any simulator—it’s a tool that turns abstract concepts into real-world applications. As students maneuver through the training pattern, they do so under strict guidelines: Electronic devices are only allowed as silent timers, and the pattern provided by the judge is their only guide. This isn’t just about testing their knowledge—it’s about ensuring accuracy under pressure, all while maintaining the integrity of the competition.