The Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School Flight Simulator Lab celebrated its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27th, marking an exciting milestone for the school and the Putnam County School District. The state-of-the-art lab houses a total of 13 flight simulators, offering students a unique and immersive opportunity to take their learning to new heights.
The lab features three types of simulators: the TD Redbird "Glass Cockpit" provided by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Gleim "High Fidelity" simulator, and the Logitech desktop simulator. The remaining simulators were acquired through a grant, making this impressive collection possible. This joint effort would not have been possible without the collaboration of PCSD’s Federal Programs Department, Career and Technical Education Department, and Q.I. Roberts Principal, Joe Theobold. Together, they worked to upgrade and transform a classroom into a space capable of housing the complex simulators — an investment valued at approximately $60,000.
The simulator lab allows students to go beyond learning about airplanes — they get to experience the thrill of “flying” them. By putting classroom lessons into practice through hands-on simulation, students gain a deeper understanding of aviation concepts. The advanced equipment can even simulate local airports, such as the Palatka airport, giving students the experience of flying close to home. With limited funding available for actual flight time, this lab offers an invaluable way for students to log more hours “in the cockpit” without ever leaving the ground.
As the nation faces a growing shortage of pilots, generating interest in aerospace careers has become a priority nationwide. The Q.I. Roberts Flight Simulator Lab serves as a powerful tool in inspiring students to explore the vast potential of high-paying careers in the aerospace industry. By providing exposure and real-world application, the Putnam County School District is investing in the future of its students and helping them take flight toward new and exciting possibilities.
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