Pacific Union College Flight Center Director Nathan Tasker had the idea to build a type-specific aircraft simulator for his students.
Since flight training devices in general aviation tend to be generic, limiting their usefulness, Tasker questioned how he and the program could obtain a simulator to teach basic skills, such as visual ground reference maneuvers and landing techniques.
He shared his dilemma with Russell Laird, the former chair of PUC’s technology department, who would help bring this idea to life.
Building the simulator started in the summer of 2024, with dimensions mirroring the college’s Piper Cherokee cockpit.
Aviation major Micah Dymer drew an instrument panel that Laird designed and built. Other students also assisted Laird, volunteering to assemble parts and help calibrate the controls.
Parts for the custom-built sim were sourced from Hong Kong to Indonesia to Germany and the United States, according to college officials.
“We have an amazing group of students this year,” said Tasker. “They are creative and willing to jump in and help. They are very engaged and excited to get involved. I am confident these students will go far. “
With the success of its first custom-built flight simulator, college officials plan to build a full-motion platform and expand their fleet with a new full-motion simulator.
You can see the custom-built sim yourself during the college’s Air Expo May 4, 2025.
Located in Angwin, California, Pacific Union College is a private Seventh-day Adventist liberal arts college.
For more information: PUC.edu
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