Delta Squadron - Advanced Flight Simulator

25 December 2006
Spring, TX - Delta Squadron, TX 334, is utilizing advanced flight simulation techniques to create a professional and realistic simulation of common GA flights and CAP missions to improve training and proficiency while still maximizing funds.  

The multiple-monitor display was accomplished by networking several computers together (each with two screens), to give the flight crew a view of approximately 180 degrees of the flight environment and a separate monitor for the engine and flight instrument gauges. Each computer runs a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and employs the “WideView” software for the multiple displays, which is the glue that links the flight simulator display computers together and has them act as a single unit. The system can be expanded to any number of PC’s allowing growth of the simulator in the future. Spacing and placement of the monitors can be also be adjusted to give different view angles and aircraft configurations, or by adding additional monitors create an even more immersive effect.  

The “Civil Air Patrol – Search and Rescue” software by Abacus Publishing is an add-on to Microsoft flight Simulator, and gives the ability to place and search for multiple types of targets. The product includes downed aircraft, (with or without working ELT’s), trucks, people and boats to name a few. The ELT search function includes gauges for the aircraft that are working simulations of the L-Tronics Direction Finder Unit and the Becker SAR gauge which are commonly used in CAP aircraft. With these instruments and targets, aircrews can train to fly any type of search pattern or mission and also allow simulations which may fall outside of “normal” operating procedures.  The ability to pause the action during a mission to discuss improvements or to make corrections before proceeding with the simulation is a bonus and the simulator can be used for an unlimited number of hours with no risks to the flight crew or the aircraft. 

All of the hardware and software in the system is readily available in local retail stores or the internet and is extremely cost effective. Some of the hardware used by Delta was donated, and some was purchased with squadron funds, so the cost of the system has been reasonable and can be easily duplicated by other squadrons. If the system were to be purchased new at retail prices today, the total cost would be about $3,500 or roughly the equivalent of 40 hours of flight time in a Cessna 182.  

Edward M. Brown, GS-12, USAF, State Director visited TX-334 on 19 Sept, 2006 and commented in his Report of Unit about the simulator. “This is the BEST CAP-operated flight simulator I have ever seen”. 

(Picture captions)
Col Dan Crum practices on the newly completed flight simulator
2^nd Lt Gaither Simmons answers questions about the simulator

Article and Pictures submitted by 2nd Lt Gaither Simmons and 2nd Lt Mary Ureke