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Teaching trainees to correctly control and maneuver steerable
parachutes has always been a difficult task.
Maneuverable parachutes allow rapid deployment of mission specialists
when fixed or rotary wing aircraft alone are inappropriate. However,
parachutists who are injured on landing, or land in the wrong location,
degrade or nullify operational effectiveness. Proficiency in
controlling maneuverable parachutes is
vital to mission success.
Safe, accurate parachute
maneuvering requires both training and practice of
perceptual skills. Parachutists must learn to accurately sense visual motion cues,
and to predict and manage their descent and drift toward the
landing zone. The necessary maneuvering concepts are well
documented. However, training techniques have
previously been limited to texts, lectures, procedures practice, and actual (but solo) flights.
A low-cost computer-graphics simulator is now available that can dramatically increase the effectiveness of this training. Flight simulation training, long accepted as an essential standard for military and commercial aircraft, is now being adopted by the professional parachuting communities. The same justifications that make aircraft simulation a success apply to parachute simulation: safety, availability, economy, and efficiency.
Professional parachute instructors provided input in the process of developing specifications for this low-cost simulation device. As a result, this simulator is optimized for teaching as well as practicing parachute flight concepts. The instructor evaluations of parachute simulator training note reduced training costs together with improved parachuting performance and safety. This has resulted in quantity production of these systems.
More information about parachute training for Aircrew Emergencies and Aviation Physiology
More information about Parachute Malfunctions Simulation Training.
Other Questions about Parachute Simulator Flight Training
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