State-of-the-art simulator lands at Massey’s School of Aviation
Massey University's School of Aviation is the first pilot training facility in New Zealand to install the new-generation
Diamond DA-42 simulator. The state-of-the-art machine, which is worth nearly $700,000, will revolutionise aviation
training at the school.
"The simulator will give students the opportunity to practice a range of emergencies that can't be done safely in an
aircraft," says School of Aviation chief executive Ashok Poduval.
He says the simulator also allows students to prepare for the Qantas Future Pilots Program, which provides a pathway to
flying for Jetstar New Zealand.
"It fits perfectly with our strategy for growth, especially with the looming shortage of pilots and increased training
requirements," he says. "The simulator will be a catalyst for addressing that growth.”
The School of Aviation's chief of standards Paul Kearney describes the flight experience in the Diamond DA-42 as
"incredible".
"At times it's hard to believe you are in a simulator, it's so realistic in the way it flies," he says. "That’s because
you are using actual aircraft parts – they literally take it out of the mould at the factory and turn it into a
simulator.
“The feeling in the controls is exactly like the real aircraft, which is particularly important when you start doing
engine failure work."
The simulator has a 220-degree wraparound screen, which creates a realistic view outside the plane’s windows. The
aircraft can be positioned at any airport in the world and the scenery outside will match the location.
The flying conditions can also be changed, including weather conditions like wind and rain, as well as the lighting
conditions, including night flights.
“We have Civil Aviation approvals for things I've never seen before with a simulator,” Mr Kearney says. “For example, I
can examine pilots in this simulator for a circling approach when landing. That's because the visuals come right round
to behind the wing, which is pretty unique for a simulator.”
To see a demonstration of the Diamond DA-42: https://youtu.be/EsD6vjiPecU