FlyThisSim has just received the paperwork from the FAA signing off on additional capabilities for the company’s touch-screen TouchTrainer simulator. The TouchTrainer now features configurations for round-gauge and G1000 panels for Cessna 172, 182 and 206 airplanes (including the retractable gear versions). The analog version of the panel includes Garmin’s GNS430W and an STEC autopilot. With the WAAS capability either panel supports coupled precision approaches such as LPV, LNAV and LNAV+V.
The TouchTrainer was FAA certified as a Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) earlier this year. The BATD capability makes a limited number of hours behind the TouchTrainer controls loggable toward a private, commercial or instrument rating as long as you have an instructor by your side. You can also use the simulator to maintain instrument currency.
The simulator features a 23-inch touch-screen main monitor along with an auxiliary 10-inch touch display, which is mostly used for avionics inputs. The system also includes hardware, the X-Plane flight simulator software, navigation data and instrument procedures.
FlyThisSim’s first version of the TouchTrainer includes analog, Avidyne and Garmin Perspective profiles for the Cirrus SR20 and SR22. While it is quick and easy to switch between different panel configurations for each airplane type, previous customers will find the transition from the Cirrus to the Cessna profile much more complex.
Hardware (sidestick versus yoke) and software changes must be made to the simulator by the manufacturer. FlyThisSim is working to streamline this transition for customers who are interested in practicing on all available platforms.
