Source: Kurt Barnhart, 785-826-2972, kurtb@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/barnhartbio.html
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu

Friday, April 17, 2009

K-STATE AT SALINA ADDS REGIONAL JET SIMULATOR

SALINA -- Kansas State University at Salina's new Paradigm CRJ 200 flight training simulator will enhance the learning experience for K-State students in the professional pilot and aviation maintenance programs, according to Kurt Barnhart, head of the department of aviation at K-State at Salina.

The new flight simulation training device, built by Paradigm Shift Solutions in Wheat Ridge, Colo., initially will be integrated into the crew resource management class, Barnhart said. Future plans call for the development of a class specifically on the CRJ 200 systems for pilots and training maintenance students in turbine aircraft ground operations, including engine start and taxi procedures.

"Paradigm's CRJ 200 device is another step up from our previous flight simulation capability and ensures that our graduates will meet the needs of the air transportation industry for years to come," Barnhart said.

The new training simulator is fully functional and can replicate flights from airport to airport with full systems and navigation. Student pilots have complete control over engine starts, system checks and tests, failures, emergency procedures, flight management systems and navigation. The simulator also trains students to transition between smaller aircraft to larger, more complex aircraft.

Paradigm manufactures flight simulation training devices primarily to meet the needs of flight schools and aviation colleges. Its product line ranges from basic single-engine piston simulators to 50-seat regional jet simulators.