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Richmond, British Columbia, Canada – The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) welcomes the arrival of two state-of-the-art flight simulators from Flightdeck Solutions, a leading Canadian aviation simulator manufacturer. The addition of the two advanced flight simulators to the BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond marks a major advancement in support of the aviation sector in BC while also furthering BCIT’s leadership as one of the largest aviation training providers in Canada. The flight training devices offer Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students with full-scale representation of the Boeing 737 MAX and the De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 flight decks – providing an immersive and safe learning experience that mimics real-world aviation scenarios and settings. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students with full-scale representation of the Boeing 737 MAX and the De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 flight decks – providing an immersive and safe learning experience that mimics real-world aviation scenarios and settings.

Both devices, despite their large scale and all-metal construction, were transported in through a standard door and assembled inside the BCIT learning space. Inside each fully enclosed flight deck is a 220 degrees wrap-around projection screen where students get a fully tactile experience complete with operational switches and knobs for all key functions, as well as loaded flight controls for a realistic feel of the aircraft under different flying conditions. Within each device, there is space for an instructor to play and pause flight scenarios, change weather, or set up failures or malfunctions for the students to respond to – all of which mimics a real-world flying experience.

The comprehensive capabilities of the two flight training simulators contribute to fostering a safe and realistic learning environment for students to familiarize themselves with complex flight operations, procedures, and real-world scenarios, such as taxiing, approaches, and landings.

Beyond enhancing students’ hands-on learning experiences in a simulated real-world environment, the new flight simulators also benefit the broader aviation industry by providing improved access to cutting-edge training tools. This ensures industry professionals stay up to date with the latest skills and advancements in aviation.

Supporting innovation and growth in the BC aerospace sector

British Columbia has one of the largest aerospace clusters in Canada and is home to approximately 200 aerospace companies specializing in training, maintenance, manufacturing, security and more. According to the Province of BC, the aerospace industry in BC is estimated to generate $2.5 billion in revenue annually and directly employ almost 9,000 people.

The addition of the two flight training simulators at BCIT was made possible due to funding provided by PacifiCan. Together with industry and government, BCIT continues to elevate aviation training standards, drive technological advancements, and cultivate a skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the aerospace sector.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

“The addition of the two flight training devices is equivalent to BCIT gaining two new aircraft, through simulation,” said Steve Perry, Dean, School of Transportation. “Thanks to collaboration with Flightdeck Solutions and support from PacifiCan, BCIT Aerospace students and industry partners now have improved access to training opportunities that support a growing and thriving sector.”

 Flightdeck Solutions

“We’re incredibly proud and thankful to see yet another leading Canadian aviation institution recognize the value of our training solutions,” noted Peter Cos, President of Flightdeck Solutions. “The collaboration with BCIT, like our partnerships with other Canadian schools, underscores the power of homegrown innovation in shaping the future of aviation training. Together with our Canadian partners, we’re setting new standards for pilot education and reinforcing Canada’s reputation for excellence in aviation.”

PacifiCan

“These new flight training resources will prepare British Columbians for exciting opportunities in the aerospace sector,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “The British Columbia Institute of Technology has a long history of driving innovation and supporting world-class training opportunities in our province, and PacifiCan is proud to partner with BCIT in this effort.”

About the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Celebrating its 60^th anniversary in 2024, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) delivers flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to lead innovation in their workplaces and communities. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, 300+ programs, and close to 43,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce. The BCIT curriculum is developed through close consultation with industry and delivered by instructors who have hands-on experience in their fields.  

About Flightdeck Solutions
With a 24-year legacy of excellence, Flightdeck Solutions (FDS) has emerged as a prominent global provider of high-level flight simulation offerings for the aerospace and aviation industry. FDS has garnered worldwide trust by consistently delivering premium-quality, immersive, fully tactile Flight Training Devices (FTDs), as well as niche custom hardware solutions, supporting R&D, marketing, and flight training initiatives across the aerospace sector.

FDS’s versatility shines through their work on diverse aircraft systems, from the widely adopted B737MAX and A320 to the B787, B777, C208, C172, and Q400. This breadth of expertise, combined with their renowned quality and financial accessibility, has earned them the trust of industry leaders like Boeing, Honeywell, and CAE, as well as prestigious educational institutions throughout North America who turn to FDS for their comprehensive offerings.

Source: Flightdeck Solutions and British Columbia Institute of Technology
Photo Credit: Flightdeck Solutions and British Columbia Institute of Technology