New Flight Simulator Enhances Pilot Training

Andrews unveiled a new 737-MAX Crew Resource Trainer

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place during the program. (Photo by Eben Espinosa)

The Department of Aviation at Andrews University recently unveiled a new 737-MAX Crew Resource Trainer, a full-scale replica of a Boeing 737 cockpit designed to enhance advanced pilot training. The simulator was introduced during an Open House and Dedication Ceremony on Feb. 27, marking a significant step forward for the University’s aviation program and its preparation of future professional pilots.

Designed to strengthen decision-making, crew communication and professional readiness, the simulator gives students a realistic environment to practice complex scenarios before entering airline operations.

The new simulator represents an important milestone for the aviation program as it continues to expand its training capabilities. Faculty members noted that while the department has used other simulators in the past, the new equipment provides a more advanced and reliable platform for preparing future pilots.

Reflecting on the transition during the Dedication Ceremony, Kimberly Pichot, dean of the College of Professions, shared that the department had worked hard to keep its previous simulators operational for as long as possible. “We had been running our simulators on Windows XP until last year and even buying parts on eBay to keep them working,” she said, noting that newer technology now allows the program to offer an even stronger training experience for students.

The new developments were made possible through the generosity of donors who support the mission of aviation education at Andrews. An anonymous donor provided funding that allowed the University to replace its commercial simulator with the new 737-MAX model, leaders shared during the event.

“It’s a wonderful addition to the educational programs here at Andrews University,” said University President John Wesley Taylor V after he completed one of the first demonstration flights in the simulator. According to Taylor, the experience also gave him “a new respect for pilots and the many details involved in their training.”

Faculty members emphasized that the new equipment better reflects the type of aircraft students will encounter after graduation. John-Andrew Smith, chief flight instructor, noted that the simulator will serve several courses within the aviation curriculum and represents a final stage of preparation before students complete their training.

For instructors like Seth Wallack, a recent aviation graduate who now teaches in the program, the technology offers an important bridge between University training and professional flight operations. “This is a really exciting opportunity for students and instructors to train on a brand-new simulator that prepares them for airline operations,” he said.

Students also see the new simulator as a major improvement. When Mikhail Nisbett arrived at Andrews five years ago, the training equipment looked very different. “The simulator we had was much older and not nearly as realistic,” Nisbett explained. “This new simulator offers a much more true-to-life flying experience.”

For first-year aviation student Rachel DeJonge, the biggest benefit is accessibility. Having the simulator on campus means students no longer need to travel to other institutions to gain experience with certain types of aviation technology. “Now we’ll be able to gain that experience here,” she said.

“This simulator represents the next level of what can be taught here at Andrews,” University Chaplain Jonathan Fetrick reflected during the Dedication Ceremony.

With the addition of the 737-MAX Crew Resource Trainer, Andrews University continues to expand its aviation program, equipping students with the skills, technology and professional preparation needed to serve in the global aviation industry.