Students wishing to learn to fly aircraft are in for a treat. The University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences’ Aerospace Studies Program recently inaugurated its newest flight simulator—the state of the art Redbird TD2, an industry standard training tool for aspiring aviators looking to gain flying experience from the ground.
At a December 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Aerospace Studies/Air Force ROTC Building, professors and cadets gathered to celebrate the sleek, new training device’s highly anticipated arrival.
The simulator is located in the D’Angelo III Simulator Training Facility, a room in the Aerospace Studies building. It is named in honor of Major Samuel D’Angelo III, USAF, a class of 1981 University ROTC graduate who died in 1999 during flight training.
The occasion granted an opportunity for current cadets to express what Maj. D’Angelo’s legacy means to them. “It is important for us to have a sense of heritage in our program,” said Cadet Col. Yanet Yanes. “Naming the room after him is an important way for us to honor him and to remember our history.”
While the Redbird TD2 might look like a highly sophisticated video game to the uninitiated, it is anything but. “The students use the simulator to practice operating in various flight conditions using realistic switchology to improve their flying. It is a valuable form of study,” said Lt. Col. Regina Purnell-Adams, detachment commander and professor of aerospace studies.
All cadets will be encouraged to use the simulator to expose them to aviation. Maj. Pamela Blanco-Coca, assistant professor of aerospace studies, explained that “while putting in time with the simulator will not count for University credit, it will help cadets to improve their TBAS [Test of Basic Aviation Skills] and AFOQT [Air…
