The Universidad Ana G. Mendez, located in Carolina, Puerto Rico will soon be using a Frasca Cessna 172 RTD (Reconfigurable Training Device) – the first RTD to be delivered to Puerto Rico, in their Aviation program.
The school operates the aviation program under a collaborative agreement with Isla Grande Flying School located at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, and uses Cessna 152, Cessna 172 and Cessna 172S with glass cockpit for their training aircraft.
The RTD will be used in the Associate Degree of Aviation Science Professional Pilot Technology program, a new program which currently has 50 students enrolled. The program’s curriculum provides students with the opportunity to learn about aerodynamics, aircraft systems, aviation safety, aviation law, and other related courses that will train students to fly an airplane safely while developing the skills needed for a career as a professional pilot. The flight curriculum includes private pilot, instrument and commercial pilot training under CFR 14, Part 141. The program has an estimated completion time of two and a half years.
While in the program, students will have the opportunity to supplement and practice their flying skills by using the RTD, which will be configured as a Cessna 172 with Garmin G1000 avionics and a Frasca visual system. The RTD is qualitied by the FAA as an AATD (Advanced Aviation Training Device).
The RTD will allow students to be able to practice and improve their navigation skills and ATC Communications. Additionally, it will be easier for instructors to teach instrument procedures using realistic scenarios that will be put in practice during their flight lessons. The objective for the RTD will be for students to enhance their training while maintaining a high level of proficiency.
“When we decided to acquire an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), we selected Frasca as our provider due their excellent reputation and high standards to provide the best flight simulators in the industry. From our first interaction with the sales representative, he was able to provide all the information required and assist to help us choose the best equipment for our training needs,” stated Oswart A. Mora, Chief Ground Instructor at the UAGM Carolina Campus.
“We are committed to providing our students and instructors with the best resources available in the industry in order to better prepare the future generation of pilots. Frasca has exceeded our expectations with high-quality service and excellent operator and maintenance training for our new AATD.”
