MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Classes for the C-130 simulator started here Nov. 1. Members from the 71st Rescue Squadron will have the necessary equipment to run scenario events that cannot be set up in real-world flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Training for the C-130 simulator is broken into two sections: classroom instruction and hands-on training here Nov. 1. Members graduated from the simulator training course after a week of instruction and testing in the flight simulator. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Rebecca Reed, contracted simulator instructor, teaches a class during the C-130 flight simulator training course here Nov. 1. Ms. Reed asked the class to share their stories of problems that they have encountered during real world flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Two pilots and a flight engineer fly inside the C-130 simulator during training here Nov. 1. Pilots, navigator, flight engineers and other crew members trained during the class as if on an actual mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Capt. Daniel Ritter, 71st Rescue Squadron navigator, uses the controls to the forward looking infrared system while flying in the C-130 simulator here Nov. 1. The infrared system allows the crew to see harsh terrain during dense fog and hours of darkness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

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MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A crew prepares to take off in a C-130 simulator during training here Nov. 1. The crew consisted of two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator and a communications specialist, who are all going through the simulator class together as a group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)

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Not just an average flight simulator

Published Nov. 4, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- When the word "simulator" comes to mind, one may think of a pilot in the cockpit learning to fly a plane or something as simple as a video game on a computer.

These situations do not compare to the simulator owned by the 23rd Operations Support Squadron, which recently started its first HC-130 course.

This simulator doesn't hold just the pilot and co-pilot, it holds the entire crew.

"The purpose of the simulator is to bring up situations that the crew could run into during a flight," said Col. Chad Franks, 347th Rescue Group commander. "They can do things with this simulator that couldn't be replicated with a normal flight."

The simulator was brought in earlier last year and is now being used alongside the A-10 simulator to help train pilots and other crew members.

Through the weeklong course, the students participate in both a classroom portion and a hands-on training session inside the simulator

The classroom portion is where the crew reviews the different systems of the HC-130 and goes over variables that could occur during a flight.

The simulator portion is where the crews apply their skills using the different systems, testing the knowledge of everyone in the group. The simulator was built to not just help the pilot but all the crew on board.

"The simulation facility helps prepare the crew for events that could happen in a real-world scenario," said Staff Sgt. Ricky Lamm, 71st Rescue Squadron flight engineer. "If we don't have the capability or the aircraft to fly, we can use the simulator to save money and time."

The simulator is one of only two C- 130 simulators currently in use in the Air Force.

"It's a huge asset not only to this base but to units that need this kind of simulator," said Colonel Franks. "With the budget constraints and the economy, we are glad to offer help to Guard units or other bases that may need it."