‘Cutting-edge’ flight simulator unveiled for use of Limerick students

THE SKY is the limit for Limerick students studying aviation, as a new Boeing 737 Max simulator has been unveiled at one education campus.

One of the most realistic flight simulators used in aircraft training, it was unveiled at the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s (ETB) College of Further Education and Training (FET) Shannon Campus, in Co Clare. 

The campus is the only centre of its kind in Ireland which offers an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship and the simulator is the latest enhancement to the state-of-the-art facilities on-site.

Described as “the latest and greatest of technology” with “unparalleled functionality”, the Boeing 737 fixed-base simulator is equipped with a modern flight deck, detailed to replicate the real cockpit environment with fully functional controls and panels. 

READ MORE: Eighteen new special classes for Limerick schools

This will enable learners to receive hands-on, practical experience when it comes to carrying out aircraft maintenance functions and operational checks.

Michael Hayes, Aviation School training manager, said: “A lot of theory is based in the classroom, but now when we are explaining an aircraft system in class, we can take the apprentices out to the simulator and actually show them.” 

According to Michael, the immersive simulator will also see the learners dealing with a range of scenarios that pilots have to deal with on a daily basis. 

“While pilots fly the aircraft, from an engineering perspective aircraft maintenance engineers need to know what every switch in the flight deck controls. They will now have the opportunity to gain this type of experience thanks to this impressive new technology.”

ETB director of FET, Paul Patton, also spoke about the benefits of the new arrival: “This type of technology is an invaluable tool for training that mirrors real-world flight operations and will be very beneficial to learners here on campus studying Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. 

“Having an opportunity to work on this type of simulator and become familiar with the aircraft instruments and systems and how they operate will be an excellent opportunity for them.”