Graham Warwick/ATLANTA
FLIGHTSAFETY International (FSI) is moving to exploit the power of personal computers (PCs) for pilot training. The US training company has signed agreements enabling it to create "virtual classrooms" for customers and to improve and adapt Microsoft's popular Flight Simulator software for PCs.
FSI has reached agreement with Interactive Learning International (ILINC) to create a "distance learning" capability, which will enable a customer to see, hear and communicate with an instructor and to view multi-media courseware on a PC. ILINC's LearnLinc software is already in use at Boeing.
Under another agreement, FSI is providing its expertise in flight dynamics and instruction for use of a development of Microsoft's Flight Simulator for Windows 95 operating software, scheduled for release in November. The company will also evaluate the software in its primary and advanced flight-training centres.
Microsoft has given the training company exclusive rights for five years to develop add-on products to increase the realism of Flight Simulator, which is used by more than 1.5 million people worldwide. FSI also plans to use Microsoft technology to improve its own training courses.
Source: Flight International
