STF Spotlight: Flight Simulator

Florida Student University is home to a state-of-the-art Flight Simulator located in the Renegade Flight Simulation Center within the Harpe Johnson Building. Thanks to Student Tech Fee funding, the flight simulator offers FSU students the opportunity to explore the world of aviation at an affordable price. 

The Flight Simulator

The Flight Simulator uses advanced technology to simulate real-world flight experiences like takeoff landing and navigating various environments at airports across the globe. It is equipped with tools that can be found in an actual aircraft and runs Redbird GIFT. This highly specialized training software features an external display, allowing flight instructors to give real-time feedback to students, greatly increasing learning opportunities.  

The flight simulator is unique due to its designation as an Advanced Aviator Training Device (ATD), one of the highest rankings by the Federal Aviation Administration. Currently, FSU is the only school in the state of Florida that offers a highly- rated flight simulator free for all students to use.  

 

We're the only public school in the state of Florida to have such access to a machine. You could go to these private universities and pay $100,000 a year and access something similar. This is completely free, and we're at a public university, so I think the ease of access to students and the fact that it's so advanced for no cost really sets us apart.

Open to all majors, the flight simulator provides opportunities for FSU’s Aviation Club, ROTC students interested in aviation, and any student interested in obtaining a private pilot license. The simulator offers an affordable means of logging flight hours, boosting ROTC Candidate Selection Method scores and offering learning opportunities via an instructor. This allows students to gain practical experience that supports their academic and career goals. 

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a pilot, but after looking at the costs and how much it is to go from nothing all the way up to being a commercial pilot, it's extremely expensive. So, this flight simulator has given me the opportunity to just dive right into the world of aviation” -Logan Craig, ROTC Cadet 

One notable project supported by the flight simulator was led by FSU’s Aviation Club. They participated in a 36-hour Fictitious Operation Able Defender (FOAD) which allowed both ROTC cadets and students interested in aviation to immerse themselves and gain valuable experience in planning a large military operation.  

Ryan and Logan operating the Flight Simulator.

FSU students interested in using the simulator can book an appointment with the Department of Aerospace Studies. Additionally, every Friday deemed “Fly Fridays” from 12pm-5pm FSU students can visit the Renegade Flight Simulation Center without an appointment and explore the flight simulator for free.  

To learn more about the Flight Simulator and how it provides hands-on aviation opportunities for FSU students, watch this month’s STF spotlight.