Not just an average flight simulator

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) --  Officials from the 23rd Operations Support Squadron started their first HC-130 Hercules simulator course here recently.

This simulator doesn't train just the pilot and co-pilot, it trains the entire crew.

"The purpose of the simulator is to bring up situations that the crew could run into during a flight," said Col. Chad Franks, the 347th Rescue Group commander. "They can do things with this simulator that couldn't be replicated with a normal flight."

The simulator arrived in 2009 and is now being used alongside the A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator to help train pilots and other crewmembers.

Through the weeklong course, the students participate in both a classroom portion and a hands-on training session inside the simulator.

The classroom portion is where crewmembers review the different systems of the HC-130 and go over variables that could occur during a flight.

The simulator portion is where crewmembers apply their skills using the different systems, testing the knowledge of everyone in the group. The simulator was built to not just help the pilot, but all the crewmembers on board.

"The simulation facility helps prepare the crew for events that could happen in a real-world scenario," said Staff Sgt. Ricky Lamm, a 71st Rescue Squadron flight engineer. "If we don't have the capability or the aircraft to fly, we can use the simulator to save money and time."

"It's a huge asset not only to this base but to units that need this kind of simulator," Colonel Franks said. "With the budget constraints and the economy, we are glad to offer help to guard units or other bases that may need it."