$16M Flight Training Center Opens in Prescott

A newly expanded and modernized flight training center, featuring new simulation technology, has officially opened at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus. The $16 million David L. & S. Harry Robertson Flight Simulation Center spans 16,000 square feet and is equipped with simulators and student-focused spaces to enhance the university’s flight education programs.

The expansion significantly increases simulation capacity, creating a more balanced instructional experience and improving the quality of training both in the air and in the simulators, according to Parker Northrup, chair of the Prescott Campus Flight Department. “This will better prepare our students for the high standards required for a safe and successful career in the aviation industry,” Northrup stated.

The facility features advanced simulators provided by FRASCA, including fixed-wing simulators and full-motion devices based on the Cessna 172 and Diamond DA42 aircraft, which are used for student training. These tools allow students to practice complex maneuvers with realism, replicating conditions such as turbulence, crosswind landings, and fire in the cockpit.

The training center also features infrastructure for a future Level D Full Flight Simulator, used in commercial jet training. Embry-Riddle is exploring partnerships to acquire this equipment. Additionally, the center integrates real-time data collection to tailor training sessions and improve performance. Northrup explained that simulators allow instructors to isolate errors and ensure that students receive focused feedback.

The center is also paving the way for virtual reality (VR) flight training, with VR capabilities expected to launch in the summer of 2025. These technologies, combined with real-time data and artificial intelligence, promise to personalize training to individual student needs.

Honoring the legacies of Dr. S. Harry Robertson and his son, David L. Robertson, the center stands as a lasting tribute to their contributions to Embry-Riddle. As the university approaches its centennial celebration in 2025-26, the facility represents a significant step in its mission to advance aviation education.