New flight simulator at Sask. Polytech elevates commercial pilot program

Saskatchewan Polytech’s commercial pilot students now have a second flight simulator on which to learn and hone their skills.

The school unveiled its second ALSIM flight simulator on Tuesday in Saskatoon. The high-tech simulator allows students to experience many different real-life scenarios, including emergency training and flying in all types of weather, without ever leaving the ground.

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The simulator allows students in the school’s commercial pilot program a chance to experience many of the challenges pilots face in the skies, in a safe environment. (Saskatchewan Polytech/Submitted)

“Modern simulators, like the ALSIM ALX, offer highly realistic environments with advanced technology that replicates the look and feel of an actual cockpit,” Reed Willison, the head of the commercial pilot program, explained in a statement.

“With this new flight simulator students can experience various weather conditions, turbulence and other flight challenges in a controlled setting. This ALSIM ALX is particularly useful for learning complex tasks that require a steep learning curve, like engine failure on takeoff, flying under high wind conditions and working as a team in an emergency.”

The simulator will be used for many years in the future, the post-secondary institution explained, as it provides a cost-effective method of training by saving costs associated with fuel, aircraft maintenance and aircraft rentals.

Adding the program’s second simulator was possible thanks to $450,000 provided by PrairiesCan, the federal department that works to promote growth in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.

“Our government is proud to partner with Sask Polytech to expand pilot training for more students,” Terry Dugoid, minister for PrairiesCan, said in a statement.

“This funding, together with our other recent investments—including the Dziret’ái Pilot Training Program for Indigenous residents in Northern Saskatchewan and the Regina Flying Club—is helping address critical pilot shortages in Saskatchewan and across Canada, while supporting well-paying jobs in aviation and beyond.”