Flight simulator ready for take-off at Open Day

Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor in the pilot's seat of the new CAZ-80 flight simulator, alongside GeoSim Technologies' technician-designer Mr Chris du Plessis
Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor in the pilot's seat of the new CAZ-80 flight simulator, alongside GeoSim Technologies' technician-designer Mr Chris du Plessis

Aspiring pilots will have the opportunity to take the controls of Griffith University’s new aviation flight simulator at the University’s Open Day this Sunday (August 9) at Nathan.

The CAZ-80 simulator, created by Queensland company GeoSim Technologies, replicates the flight deck of a twin-engine Baron B58 aircraft.

“With six degrees of freedom motion, it provides a realistic experience of flight factors such as pitching, rolling, yawing, heaving and swaying, while also recreating sounds, visual scenes and instrument presentations,” said Griffith’s Head of Aviation, Professor Tim Ryley.

“The flight environment also enables training for landing, take-off, night flying and cockpit familiarisation in normal, adverse and emergency situations.”

Certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, hours spent in the simulator count towards students receiving their pilot’s licence.

Professor Ryley said he was expecting plenty of aviation study inquiries at the Open Day, which runs from 9am-2pm.

“Resources such as the new flight simulator ensure that students’ learning experience is enhanced via invaluable access to state-of-the-art technology,” he said.

“We already have around 400 students involved in the programs within Griffith Aviation and the Open Day will provide information for the curious and the serious about aviation study and the career pathways we offer.”

Open Day aviation information session, N02/Cinema, 10am-11am. Flight simulators operating in N25/1.28, from 9am