### Traditional instruction can be expensive and inconsistent At $150–$250/hr in the aircraft, inefficient ground prep translates directly into higher student costs and slower progress. ### Schools need structured tools — not just simulators Without a standardized curriculum and LMS backend, simulators become expensive toys rather than training infrastructure. ### The cockpit is an overwhelming learning environment Vibration, heat, ATC communication, and live traffic compete for students' attention before they've mastered the basics. #### Institutional Partners & Deployments TCS solutions have been implemented or explored by a range of respected aviation and educational organizations, including: - [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University](https://tcsims.com/virtual-fly-lands-at-embry-riddle-aeronautical-university/) - [University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Aviation, Australia](https://tcsims.com/true-course-simulations-installs-da40-vr-immersive-flight-simulator-at-unsw-aviation-in-sydney/) - [United States Air Force Academy](https://tcsims.com/true-course-creates-virtual-realty-flight-training-programs-for-air-force-academy/) - [Flight Simulation Technique Centre, India](https://tcsims.com/true-course-simulations-vr-flight-training-in-india/) - [Nelson Aviation College, New Zealand](https://www.nelsonaviation.nz/blog/pilot-training-with-technology) - Challenger Learning Center, USA - In The Pattern Flight School This breadth of collaboration highlights TCS’s ability to support diverse training environments—from high school STEM programs to military and collegiate aviation pipelines. #### Awards & Recognition TCS has received notable recognition for its innovation and impact, including: - Arizona SBA Veteran Small Business of the Year Award (Yavapai College SBDC) - SBA Arizona Honors – National Small Business Week Award These awards highlight the company’s leadership in advancing aviation training technology and supporting workforce development. #### Industry Presence TCS has actively attended and sponsored major aviation and education events, including: - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh - University Aviation Association (UAA) Collegiate Aviation Education Conference - Yavapai Exploration and Science (YES!) - Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech - AOPA High School Aviation hashtag#STEM Symposium - Flight School Associations of North America (FSANA) Participation in these events reflects a strong commitment to advancing aviation education and building connections with flight schools, universities, and STEM programs nationwide. ### [Virtual Reality Immersive Training Device](https://tcsims.com/virtual-reality-flight-simulators/) The foundational TCS training platform — a Cessna 172-configured simulator with full motion, high-resolution VR headset, and integrated Virtual Flight Instructor courseware. ##### Ideal for ab initio flight schools, high school aviation labs, and STEM programs. ✔️ Cessna 172 control configuration with yoke and rudder pedals ✔️ Motion actuation (pitch, roll, yaw) via D-BOX haptic actuators ✔️ High-resolution VR headset with immersive scenery environments ✔️ Virtual Flight Instructor with 70+ structured lessons ✔️ LMS backend with session recording and performance analytics ✔️ No pilot on staff required for student self-paced use _Skyfarer exclusive: Schools referred through Skyfarer receive a partner discount on this system._ ### [Mixed Reality Immersive Training Device](https://tcsims.com/mixed-reality-flight-simulators/) The advanced TCS platform combining physical cockpit hardware with a mixed reality headset for maximum immersion and procedural fidelity. ##### Designed for universities, military programs, and career technical education centers requiring a higher-spec training environment. ✔️ Mixed reality headset blending physical controls with virtual environments ✔️ Full cockpit panel with physical instruments and avionics ✔️ Fighter-style side-stick configuration available ✔️ D-BOX haptic motion platform with hand-coded flight sensations ✔️ Compatible with both Cessna 172 and advanced aircraft profiles ✔️ Supports reduced instructor-to-student ratios with virtual instruction _Skyfarer exclusive: Schools referred through Skyfarer receive a partner discount on this system._ ### 35 high schools, 70,000 miles TCS built a purpose-fitted RV (Hangar on Wheels), and drove it across the country to demonstrate VR flight training at schools using AOPA curriculum. Students who had the ground school but nothing to practice with now had a tool to make it real. ### Why VR changes spatial learning Flying a traffic pattern means judging distance and altitude with your eyes — not a hat switch. In VR, students look at the runway exactly as they would in a real aircraft. Ray explains why this makes maneuvers like rectangular courses dramatically easier to teach. ### The progressive lesson structure Students begin with guided markers in the sky, then face added wind and fewer cues, until the final pass mirrors real-world conditions — with instant feedback on deviations. This is the Read → Watch → Do methodology in practice. #### Can students log flight time in a TCS simulator? It depends on whether the specific TCS device your school operates holds an FAA Letter of Authorization (LOA) as an approved Aviation Training Device (ATD). Without an LOA, simulator time cannot be logged toward certificate or rating requirements — though it remains extremely valuable for building procedural skills, cockpit familiarity, and reducing overall training time in the aircraft. #### What is the difference between a BATD, AATD, and a non-approved simulator? The FAA classifies approved training devices into two tiers under Advisory Circular 61-136B: - **BATD Basic ATD**: Entry-level approved device. Generic cockpit, basic instruments. Suitable for foundational procedural training. (Up to 10 hrs instrument time toward IR; 2.5 hrs toward PPL) - **AATD Advanced ATD**: Higher fidelity. Must represent a specific aircraft model, with full instrument panel and navigation systems. (Up to 20 hrs instrument time toward IR; broader credits toward CPL and ATP under Part 141) - **Non-approved**: Consumer-grade software (e.g. Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane on a home PC) with no FAA LOA. (Zero — cannot be logged toward any FAA requirement) #### Does simulation time count even if it can't be logged? Yes — significantly. The primary value of the TCS system is not logbook credit. It is the reduction in wasted time and cost in the aircraft. A student who arrives at their first dual lesson having practiced checklists, cockpit flows, basic maneuvers, and radio calls in a simulator is a fundamentally different student than one who has not. #### Does a school need a flight instructor (CFI) on staff to use a TCS simulator? Not for the self-paced courseware. The TCS Virtual Flight Instructor system is specifically designed so that students can work through the 70+ lesson curriculum independently, without an instructor present. The structured Read → Watch → Do methodology, combined with LMS-backed progress tracking, enables students to build foundational skills on their own schedule. #### What aircraft does the TCS simulator? The standard VR Immersive Training Device is currently configured for the Cessna C172, the Diamond DA40, and advanced fighter-style aircraft. As the Cessna 172 is one of the most widely used training aircraft globally, this alignment ensures a direct transition from the simulator to the cockpit for student pilots. #### Why flight simulation is perfect for STEM education? TCS system goes beyond simple gaming; it’s a powerful, immersive educational tool that provides a structured and engaging way for students to learn. - Hands-On Learning: Students take to the controls in a realistic virtual cockpit, directly applying physics, aerodynamics, and problem-solving skills. - Safety and Repetition: Students can safely practice complex or even higher-risk maneuvers, such as engine failures, repeating lessons as many times as needed to achieve deeper levels of understanding and mastery. This makes learning effective, accessible and, most importantly, FUN! - Real-World Application: The courseware prepares students for potential careers in aviation and other technical fields by teaching them practical skills and procedures. - Automated Instruction: TCS Virtual Flight Instructor guides students through every step, allowing a single human teacher to supervise many more students at once. This system is so intuitive and self-paced that the supervising staff member doesn’t even need to be a pilot. #### How do high schools typically afford VR flight simulators? Most schools fund their programs through STEM / CTE grants, rather than direct budget allocation. Common funding sources include: - Perkins (CTE funding) - State Aeronautical Commissions or Aviation Boards - Workforce development initiatives #### Can local partners or sponsors support a school program? Yes — many programs are supported through: - Local flight schools or aviation businesses - Workforce development organizations - Regional employers investing in pilot pipelines #### Can our school try the simulator before purchasing? Yes — TCS regularly conducts demo visits and roadshows for schools. These are typically free engagement events designed to: - Introduce students to aviation - Demonstrate the training system - Help schools evaluate fit #### How does the school demo / road tour work? - Schools typically start with a Zoom or phone call - TCS evaluates fit and interest level - If aligned, they may schedule an on-site demo visit #### What is the Skyfarer referral discount and how does it work? Schools and training organizations introduced to True Course Simulations through Skyfarer qualify for an exclusive partner discount on their system purchase. This applies to both the VR Simulator ($48,000) and the Mixed Reality Simulator ($92,000). To access the discount, simply submit your inquiry through the form on this page. Skyfarer will make a direct introduction to the TCS delicated team and ensure your partner referral is noted. No separate discount code is required — the discount is applied through the referral itself.