New flight simulator unveiled for students

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Hillyard students with a goal of learning to fly won’t have to dream anymore.

Hillyard Technical Center is partnering with the FlyTech Pilot Academy to give students realistic flight experiences with a full-motion flight simulator.

While the simulator may be a fun hobby or club for many students, it’s also meant to provide opportunities for those interested in exploring an aviation career.

“Students can actually earn hours towards their license in that machine with a qualified instructor,” FlyTech Pilot Academy Co-founder Lute Atieh said. “Other than otherwise, you’re just kind of in a simulator for fun, which is great because you get a good experience, but this one is actually a teaching tool.”

The idea of bringing a flight simulator began in November, when representatives from both FlyTech and Hillyard’s administration attended the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation High School Aviation STEM Symposium in Atlanta.

The symposium aimed to give educators the tools and resources to assist students with a passion for aviation while also creating networking opportunities with professionals in the industry.

The flight simulator became operational Wednesday afternoon.