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Moody Aviation goes back to roots to update sims

Missionary school selects Frasca fleet of Cessna training devices

Moody Aviation went back to its roots and selected family-run Frasca Flight Simulation to update its fleet of three Cessna single-engine advanced aviation training devices (AATD).

Moody Aviation selected family-run Frasca Flight Simulation to update its fleet of three Cessna single-engine advanced aviation training devices (AATD). Photo courtesy of Frasca Flight Simulation.

The new devices will replace three older simulators. The Spokane, Washington-based missionary aviation specialists purchased their first simulator from pilot, researcher, and flight simulation engineer Rudy Frasca in 1960 shortly after he established the company.

The AATDs will model the systems and flight characteristics of Cessna 172R, R182, and U206G aircraft. Students will learn how to manage Garmin digital avionics, S-Tec autopilots, and engine monitoring systems on the two smaller aircraft. The larger U206G allows students to learn on a traditional six pack of primary instrumentation, giving them the best of both worlds.

An Alpha Systems Eagle/Valkyrie angle of attack system will be an invaluable piece of equipment as they concentrate on backcountry techniques and perfect the skills they need to fly into and out of unimproved landing strips—which often is the case during missionary relief operations.

The training curriculum includes 10 to 20 hours of instruction in a reconfigurable simulator prior to moving to the corresponding aircraft and allows for a cost-effective regimen that helps students make the most effective use of training time in an aircraft, an Oct. 3 news release noted.

The faith-based training institute offers a Bachelor of Science degree in missionary aviation technology and builds on 65 years of specialized instruction. Moody Aviation has assisted in dispatching pilots and mechanics to more than 50 countries.

John Frasca, the company’s current president and Rudy’s son, said it was “very humbling” to be an integral part of the school’s training, and he complimented graduates for doing “amazing work helping others.”

The Illinois-based global flight training device manufacturer is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary.

David Tulis
David Tulis
Senior Photographer
Senior Photographer David Tulis joined AOPA in 2015 and is a private pilot with single-engine land and sea ratings and a tailwheel endorsement. He is also a certificated remote pilot and co-host of the award-wining AOPA Hangar Talk podcast. David enjoys vintage aircraft and photography.
Topics: Flight School, Training and Safety, Training and Safety

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