Airplane Cabin Simulators Give Students Hands-On Training Tools
Two airplane simulators now offer students hands-on cabin crew training in the Aviation and Travel Careers department. This semester’s Passenger Services and Safety class, led by Kathleen Reiland, were the first to use the new simulated environment.
The cabin trainers represent Boeing 737 and Airbus A-320 aircraft. The primary purpose of these airplane door trainers is to provide hand-on procedural training for cabin crew members in normal, abnormal, and emergency scenarios, according to ATC Department Chair Captain Ed Valdez.
“They are essential for preparing crews to safely operate doors and emergency exits under pressure,” Valdez said. “These trainers provide pilots and flight attendants the tools to learn emergency egress procedures – critical for safety. The buildout also houses other emergency equipment such as firefighting simulation equipment, CPR equipment, and other equipment to train our students for the airline industry.”
Valdez received a donation from an anonymous benefactor for the equipment. Their donation was handled through the Foundation.
In addition to the cabin trainer donation, the benefactor also provided funding to further build out the flight simulation lab in order to house much needed additional simulators. Valdez says it will enable faculty to provide more hands-on time in flight simulation to students.