Photo: Frasca Diamond DA42 Interior
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Frasca International signed an agreement at EAA Air Venture Oshkosh this week, which detailed the $5 million purchase of new flight-training simulators to be housed at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus, in Arizona.
“This [agreement] ensures that Embry-Riddle will continue to offer industry-leading flight education and training at a time when there is a greater need than ever for highly skilled aviation professionals,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. “Such cutting-edge simulation training positions our students for rapid career progression and higher leadership roles in the workforce, government, and the military.”
Reinforcing the university’s longstanding relationship with Frasca — the first collaboration between the two organizations occurred in 1987 — the agreement was signed on July 26, in the Embry-Riddle tent at the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based airshow. Included in the purchase are a total of eight new simulators, including seven Cessna 172 machines and one Diamond DA42. Portions of the new fleet will also feature high-fidelity motion-cueing systems which, when combined with realistic replicas of an aircraft’s flight deck, offer students a fully immersive learning system.
“The skills students learn in these simulators transfer directly to real aircraft, but at a much lower cost,” said Flight Department Chair Parker Northrup. “That higher level of accessibility to in-flight emergency scenarios increases overall pilot proficiency and safety preparedness, readying our students for long, safe and successful careers in the aviation industry.”
Additionally, extensive upgrades and updates will also be made to the three existing Frasca simulators on campus as part of the agreement.
“This partnership helps maintain the rigor and top-tier training that is anticipated from our college,” said College of Aviation Dean Tim Holt. “The integration and utilization of Frasca simulations in our curriculum not only helps build greater student success, but helps us provide industry with career-ready professional pilots.”
The first equipment delivery from Frasca is scheduled to take place toward the end of 2023, with upgrades to existing devices expected by mid-2024, and then a second and final delivery of simulation devices by late 2024.
“Embry-Riddle selecting Frasca validates the quality and capabilities of our simulators,” said Frasca International President John Frasca, who also serves on the Industry Advisory Board for Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus College of Aviation, as well as has collaborated with the Aerospace Advisory Board for the College of Aviation at the Prescott Campus. “We look forward to seeing the results of how our new simulation technologies enhance pilot training at Embry-Riddle.”
Frasca International is a world leader in the design and manufacture of flight simulators, flight training devices and simulation components. Frasca, a FlightSafety International company, has a proven reputation for delivering high-quality simulation equipment and leads the industry in simulation technology. Since its founding in 1958, over 3,000 Frasca simulators have been delivered worldwide. Frasca is ISO: 9001 certified.
