Embry-Riddle Receives Top Rating for Flight Training Devices

The Frasca Seminole flight-training device (FTD) at Embry-Riddle's campus in Prescott, Ariz., has been approved at FAA Level 6, becoming the first flight-training device based on a training aircraft to qualify at such a high level.

The Level 6 qualification for the Embry-Riddle Frasca Seminole FTD is part of the continuing Federal Aviation Regulation 142 certification process with the FAA. With this goal accomplished, Embry-Riddle now plans to train students in the FTD to a significantly higher degree.

"The capabilities of the FTD with the new visual system will revolutionize the training of student pilots," said Mike Corradi, chief flight instructor at the Prescott campus. "The new FTD will allow instructors to train their student pilots in how to handle bad weather conditions, emergencies, different airports, and any non-normal conditions. You can't do that in the actual aircraft."

The devices, which are in use at Embry-Riddle's Prescott and Daytona Beach, Fla., campuses, simulate the Piper PA44 Seminole and the Cessna 172 aircraft used in daily flight-training activities at both campuses. The FTDs are equipped with Frasca's new 220-degree visual display system, custom cockpit, and other components of the actual aircraft.

Embry-Riddle officials predict that usage of the Level 6 flight-training device will increase the quality of training for students and allow the cost of training to decrease. Student training will closely parallel commercial airline training, with scenario-based sessions that develop a student's experience and judgment.

"This is a milestone for the flight-training environment overall and for Embry-Riddle in particular," said Dan Carrell, chancellor of the Prescott campus. "Overall student training will be safer, better, and faster, with a lower cost to the student."

Embry-Riddle will ultimately operate a fleet of four Level 6 Seminoles and ten Level 6 Cessna 172s when the FAA qualifications are completed, making Embry-Riddle the single largest operator of Level 6 FTDs in the world. There are only 23 active Level 6 FTDs in existence, the majority of which are used for transport class aircraft.

Frasca International provides flight-training equipment for airlines, flight schools, and military organizations worldwide. More than 1,800 Frasca devices have been delivered since the company was founded in 1958.

Embry-Riddle, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates more than 25,000 students annually through the master's level at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 150 teaching centers in the United States and Europe, and through distance learning.