TSTC pilot training students learn in new simulator lab

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Aircraft Pilot Training Technology students are getting a new experience as they learn about instrumentation.

Last fall the program opened a new simulator lab at the Col. James T. Connally Aerospace Center on the Waco campus. The lab consists of computers along with foot, throttle and yoke controllers. The lab is being used for the program’s Instrument Ground School class.

Grace Renner, who teaches the class and is a certified flight instructor at TSTC, said students are saving money using the simulator lab because they do not have to pay for and reserve time on the program’s large flight simulators.

Renner said teaching in the simulator lab gives her more time to pause for students to learn.

“It feels like it gives me more purpose to what I am saying,” she said.

Brandon Jaco, of Galveston, is a second-semester TSTC Aircraft Pilot Training Technology student. He said he adapted quickly to using the simulator lab.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s nice to have a lecture and then immediately go apply it in the real-world scenarios.”

David Wai, of Grapevine, is a second-semester TSTC Aircraft Pilot Training Technology student. He said using the simulator lab adds to the hands-on work he enjoys doing in the program.

Renner said now that the lab has opened, students get more time to practice what they are learning in class and can do additional work outside of class.

Renner said virtual reality headsets will be included in the future in the class.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Pilot Training – Airplane Specialization and a certificate of completion in Aircraft Pilot Training Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.