On Monday, ATP Flight School announced a purchase of 20 Frasca flight sims. The FAA-approved advanced aircraft training devices (AATDs), valued at about $6 million, will be utilized in ATP’s Airline Career Pilot Program.
The additional simulators will bring ATP’s fleet of flight training devices to 150 across 70 training locations. The first AATDs are set to be delivered by end of second quarter with the rest on track to arrive by the end of 2022.
“Key to providing the most efficient path to a successful airline pilot career is investing in new technologies and resources that allow ATP students to train more effectively and safely,” said Michael Arnold, the director of marketing for ATP Flight School.
“Investing in these state-of-art AATDs increases safety during the initial stages of training and will allow students to gain proficiency in fundamental skills on the ground to maximize their time in the air.”
ATP utilizes simulation in the training curriculum to introduce students to foundational skills in a controlled environment before they takeoff in an aircraft. ATP notes this approach increases proficiency and maximizes time spent learning in the aircraft.
The New AATDs
The Frasca sims will feature accurate physical representation of either a Piper Archer (PA-28) or a Cessna Skyhawk (172), aircraft currently being used for training at ATP Airline Career Pilot Program locations.
Each simulator will have
- 220-degree, wrap-around visuals
- Garmin G1000 avionics
- Active control loading paired with modeled flight data
“Frasca and ATP have been partners for many years,” John Frasca, president of Frasca International Inc., said in a statement. “These 20 new Frasca FTDs for the C172 and Archer will support ATP’s training programs with the most technically advanced and realistic flight simulation available. This will ensure a maximum transfer of learning and contribute to increased safety.”
