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UNO’s Aviation Institute Adds Boeing 737 Flight Simulator

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Aviation Institute is home to a new Boeing 737 Flight Training Device from Flightdeck Solutions (FDS). Much of the new simulator is still in boxes but a team from FDS will be out by the end of February to assemble it.

Three flight faculty, Skip Bailey, Eric Taylor, and Alison Adams will be trained on the flight operations of the Boeing 737 over the next few months. It will be integrated and ready for use in the fall 2023 curriculum.

We have been wanting one of these flight training devices for years,”

 Scott Vlasek, Director of UNO’s Aviation Institute

“We went with this model because it provided us the best value in a jet simulator we could find. It will prepare our students with hands on training on an aircraft many of them will be flying shortly after graduation.”

The Boeing 737 offers fully tactile training, meaning there are no touch screen LCDs. This takes a student closer to a real aircraft, giving them the physical, spatial connection to the environment they will be working in. It is also scaled for accuracy and utilization of actual real aircraft parts, or FDS-engineered components. The simulator also comes with high level Sim-Avionics Flight Management System software that mirrors a real aircraft­ and brings the student an exact physical layout to learn in.

The advantages of having a flight simulator on campus is tremendous, as students gain invaluable, hands-on experience. Moreover, having access to a flight simulator also helps students gain an appreciation for the complexities of flying an aircraft, and allows them to practice their skills in a controlled environment free from risk.

“Simulators put our students into scenario-based training. We can insert failures and rapid weather changes that will force them to use their training and critical thinking skills,” said Vlasek. “The instructor can stop a simulation, at any point, to discuss what went wrong and provide opportunities to work through difficult situations. They are tremendous tools that help deal with potential real-world situations," said Vlasek.

"The Aviation institute is truly grateful for the generosity of the Ethel S. Abbott Foundation and their support for helping us acquire the Boeing 737," explained Vlasek. "Ethel S. Abbott has an amazing connection to the history of aviation in the state of Nebraska," he continued. "Ethel, along with her husband Raymond Page, operated the Lincoln Aircraft Company which trained student pilots and built the Lincoln Page Airplane. One of the most famous aviators of all time, Mr. Charles Lindbergh trained at the Lincoln Aircraft Company."

Now through the generosity of the Foundation students from the Aviation Institute will have the opportunity to train in a Boeing 737 NG Flight Training Device before leaving the program setting a course for success upon reaching their professional career.

The Aviation Institute currently has two Redbird MCX Simulators, one motion, one non-motion located within the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) building. Bringing the new Boeing 737 to campus helps UNO’s Aviation Institute live into its mission of providing our students an environment where they are supported and challenged as they develop the skills, knowledge, and experiences that prepare them for personally and professionally rewarding careers in aviation and transportation.

About UNO'S Aviation Institution

The Mission of the Aviation Institute is to:

Provide an environment where students are supported and challenged as they develop the skills, knowledge, and experiences that prepare them for personally and professionally rewarding careers in aviation and transportation.

Conduct research that enhances the safety, security, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of aviation and transportation services; and improves mobility and quality of life for the citizens of the State of Nebraska.

Engage the community through partnerships and other collaborative initiatives that improve the lives of the citizens of the State of Nebraska and others through innovative education, training, research, and service projects.

Maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the conduct of the Institute’s business and the management and stewardship of its resources.

UNO's Aviation Institution offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation.