Australian-first flight simulator unveiled at airshow

A first of its kind in Australia, FlyThisSim FM210 is the latest in flight simulation technology and will function as a training tool at the University’s Point Cook campus.

It will be used as part of the flight training curriculum to practice all phases of flight, in any weather or any time of day or night, before students take to the air.

According to Kim Wadham, from Aviation Simulator Technology (Australian distributor for FlyThisSim), the high-tech training tool is the evolution of many years of research and development. 

“FlyThisSim engineers worked closely with pilots, instructors, training experts, aircraft and avionics manufacturers to create a cost effective, realistic, simulated environment for flight training specific to RMIT needs,” Wadham said.

“The FM210 simulator has a comprehensive set of custom-engineered flight decks, avionics, auto-pilots, electrical systems and GPS software, and leads the world in its ability to accurately simulate multiple aircraft and reconfigure from one to the next in a matter of seconds.

“It is able to represent more than 100 different aircraft or avionics combinations – including RMIT’s entire fleet of aircraft.”

Geographically accurate and realistic 3D graphics of the landing strips, local ground and air terrain surrounding Point Cook will be used to practice take-offs and landings, while haptic feedback through the controllers will allow the trainee pilots to feel the wind tension during manoeuvres.

Michael Heffey, Senior Project Manager Aviation and Defence at RMIT said the new simulator will have significant benefits for student pilots, both for their training and their overall experience.

“The simulator provides an enhanced learning experience and will increase students’ versatility as professional pilots,” Heffey said. 

“Importantly, control can easily be passed between instructor and student for demonstration and practice, and flight trainers will be able to replay students’ responses to highlight areas for improvement. 

“Simulations too dangerous to perform in real-life training, such as complete engine failure and emergency landings in complex terrain, can be practiced thoroughly.”  

In addition to showing off the new simulator, RMIT staff and students will be on-hand at the airshow to talk to interested business partners and aviation professionals about how the simulator can be used in industry.

Potential industry partners and members of the public will be able to experience the simulator at the Technology for the Future display in Hall 1 at the Australian International Airshow (Avalon, 3-5 March).

Story: Jennifer Paynter, Rebecca McGillivray