20 AATDs for Flight School

• Each device represents either a Piper Archer or Cessna Skyhawk
• Frasca will begin delivering the simulators at the end of the second quarter and continue through the rest of the year

ATP Flight School has purchased 20 flight simulators, specifically Advanced Aircraft Training Devices (AATDs), from Frasca Flight Simulation. Carrying a list price of US$6 million, the FAA-approved AATDs will be used exclusively in ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program to train the next generation of airline pilots.

Each device features an accurate physical representation of either a Piper Archer or Cessna Skyhawk flight deck, with 220-degree wrap-around visuals surrounding the student. Inside, actual Garmin G1000 avionics mirror the identically equipped Archers and Skyhawks in ATP's fleet, including the 40-plus new aircraft ATP has on order. Active control loading is paired with modeled flight data to replicate the aerodynamics and control feedback of the actual aircraft.

"Key to providing the most efficient path to a successful airline pilot career is investing in new technologies and resources that allow ATP students to train more effectively and safely," said Michael Arnold, Director of Marketing, ATP Flight School. "Investing in these state-of-art AATDs increases safety during the initial stages of training and will allow students to gain proficiency in fundamental skills on the ground to maximize their time in the air."

ATP operates 450 aircraft and 130 simulators across 70 locations, including an existing fleet of Level 5 and 6 flight training devices. Deliveries of the new Frasca simulators will begin at the end of the second quarter and continue through year-end.