Flight Simulator technician courses in NZ?

[bennz]

Hi everyone,


Does anyone know if any place in NZ provides training for Flight Simulator Technician ? For someone who wants to get into this field and build up a career ?!


Thanks for any advice or help




Cheers
Ben

[deaneb]

This is a very narrow field in NZ. The topline simulators - such as ANZ would operate, are highly complex and are treated like real aircraft. I'd pick most of the technical support would come from people with strong aviation backgrounds who have had specialist training on the simulator. Aeroclubs and other training facilities also have a variety of sims (some quite old), many are PC based and I doubt there are many if any full time technical staff as (I'm guessing) they are probably supported by the manufacturers.
Lastly Pacific simulators in ChCh manufacture and install 737 sims. A couple of guys on this forum work for them and may be able to offer advice.

[Timmo]

As Dean says, I don't think there are any specialist courses etc but depending on what aspect interests you, the following may be helpful

Actual flight simulation creation (Software)- A computer science degree with a strong base in Physics and Maths
Scenery/Aircraft/3D visualisation - A course or degree in 3D graphics/modelling learning to use a package like 3D Studio
Mechanical flight simulation (i.e. physically making a moving sim)- Engineering or robotics

In terms of getting a feel for it, FSX is great- Have a look at the SDK documents included with the Gold version of FSX and feel free to ask more questions about what particular aspect you may be interested in

[07moffata]

I can confirm some of deanes guesses. My dad flies for Mt Cook but helps to run the ATR sim up in auckland. The company who sold them the sim provides support and they also trained several of the pilots/instructors in operating it.

Andrew

[bennz]

Thanks all for your inputs and advice.

Totally understand it is a new and complex field for me. And it seems NZ is very limited for this matter.
I may look for some resources overseas.


Cheers

[AlisterC]

This is one of the larger simulator companies in the world: http://www.cae.com/en/careers/home.asp (their careers page). That Integration Specialist position requires quite some qualifications (eg Engineering Degree minimum). The flight instructor position requires a valid type rating for starters for the particular aircraft simulated. Thales is another large simulator company. http://www.thalesgroup.com

[towerguy]

if all else fails there's always DIY - seee the tech section.