Swinburne University of Technology has officially opened its new Aviation Simulation Laboratory at its Hawthorn campus.
Opened yesterday by Victorian Aviation Industry Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips, the new laboratory is the only research facility in Australia equipped with simulators capable of replicating flight in both aeroplanes and helicopters.
Researchers will use a variety of methods to monitor both experienced and trainee pilots using the facility in a range of projects to examine the impact of issues such as fatigue, poor visibility and pilot inexperience on flight safety.
“Australians rely on aeroplanes and helicopters to connect us to each other and the world. Their navigation, operation and simulation are complex ICT/engineering problems,” Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Matthew Bailes said. “So it is appropriate that a University of Technology like Swinburne should establish itself as a regional leader in aviation research.”
The FlyIt Professional Helicopter Simulator is the only one of its kind in Australasia and is capable of simulating six types of helicopter, including the Bell 206 Jet Ranger light turbine.
“Helicopters are used extensively in civil aviation, from fighting fires to shuttling workers to oil rigs; but research into key factors to improve the performance and safety of helicopter pilots is quite minimal,” Professor Bailes said.
The laboratory is also equipped with a Redbird flight simulator, which can simulate flight in a Cessna 172 and a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron. A full-sized Cessna is also housed at the Hawthorn laboratory, providing hands-on opportunities for maintenance training.
“This facility will enable researchers to study some of the key stressors and challenges faced by pilots – ensuring this laboratory will make a valuable contribution to improving safety, with an impact both in Australia and beyond,” Stephen Fankhauser, Swinburne’s Aviation Discipline Leader, said. “In the future, Swinburne hopes to further expand the scope and scale of aviation research, working closely with our industry partners.”
The opening yesterday coincided with the 20th anniversary of Swinburne’s Bachelor of Aviation degree, which took its first intake of students in 1992. CAPTION: Victorian Aviation Industry Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips launches Swinburne's new sim lab. (Swinburne University of Technology)
(Swinburne University of Technology)
(Swinburne University of Technology)
