Su Valley student builds flight simulator

SU VALLEY — The Susitna Valley aviation elective class provides preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration knowledge test, ground school for private pilot certification. Much of the coursework is abstract to students who are not also taking concurrent flying lessons.

A flight simulator would be a valuable resource in demonstrating the function of navigation, compass errors, demystifying takeoffs and landings. However, the aviation program was absent this essential tool. That is, until junior Frank Kelly had an idea.

Kelly mentioned to science teacher Ed O’Connor that he could build a computer from components and had done so already. So over the last few months, with the support of sponsors in the local aviation community, the Su Valley PTSA and Matanuska Electric Association, high quality components were purchased and Kelly set to work.

Kelly demonstrated strong aptitude and work ethic in accomplishing his goal of becoming an IT professional because the project required a lot of resilience. The three-monitor display, which replicates the view inside the cockpit, was challenging, since most computer applications require a maximum of two screens.

“I have never worked with a student that seemed less intimidated by obstacles,” O’Connor said of Kelly. “At every frustration, Frank grumbled, but then defined the next task, got to work, then knocked that challenge down.”

The Su Valley aviation elective class wishes to thank the following Talkeetna area sponsors: Sheldon Air Service, Talkeetna Bachelor’s Society, Talkeetna Air Taxi, Hudson Memorial Fly In, and K2 Aviation.