The FAA Academy’s Regulatory Standards Division (AMA-200) is excited to announce the arrival of two Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs)! The new Frasca Pipers, PA-44 AATDs provide some of the industry’s latest technological advances and simulations. This upgrade on AMA-200’s training devices allows them to meet the annual Flight Standards Training quota of approximately 460 General Aviation (GA) Operations Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) while ensuring a seamless, efficient, and realistic training experience.
The Frasca Piper touts some of the most cutting-edge hardware and software, which operates and functions exactly like the aircraft. This will enable maximum transfer of learning from the training device to the actual aircraft. These simulators also feature a wrap-around, 220-degree view outside of the simulated aircraft, depicting moving landscapes, structures, and sky, creating the illusion and feeling of actual flight. This enhanced, realistic learning environment better prepares students for core oversight, safety, and certification roles. Additionally, the Frasca Piper showcases laser-hybrid projectors that provide high-quality images with significantly lower maintenance costs.
Procurement of such a sophisticated simulator required extensive market research and collaborations with AMA-200 stakeholders. Of equal importance, the 11-month planning and procurement process was completed on June 30, 2023, without delay or impact on any course offerings.
The Frasca Piper mirrors the AATDs, and actual aircraft used by Operations Aviation Safety Inspectors in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Alliance Airport in both initial and recurrent flight training (as required in the 4040 Flight Program for event-based flight currency). It replaces the old Baron AATD, which served the Academy/AMA-200 for 27 years and represents 15,000 learner hours. The management of the old Baron AATD has been transferred to the Aeronautical Director’s Office to be displayed in an upcoming exhibit space in the Aeronautical Center’s (MMAC) headquarters building for future STEM programs and MMAC tours.
Special thanks to the following people who played a crucial role in this technological upgrade:
