911 AW upgrades parachute simulator, ensures safety culture

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandy L. Grace
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. --  "Look up. Now look down," said Tech. Sgt. Chris Heaney, an aircrew flight equipment specialist with the 911th Airlift Wing Operations Support Squadron at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. Heaney directed a Naval Operations Support Center member on how to view his surroundings while in the parachute simulator.

The simulator, upgraded in the beginning of October, provides members of the 911th Airlift Wing with quality hands-on training, while ensuring they have everything needed to execute their job safely, said Master Sgt. Rudy McAllister, an aircrew flight equipment specialist at the 911th OSS.

The simulation allows members to train on parachuting without the costs associated with in-flight training. The upgrade cost one-third the price of a new simulator and gives Airmen the hands-on training needed to maintain their annual flight requirements, said Heaney.

"They're not going to get the opportunity to go out and jump from a plane. This better prepares them for their job," said McAllister.

Instead of purchasing a new simulator, the wing decided on an upgrade because it would be more cost-effective.

"It's a little bit cheaper because they don't have to buy a whole new system," said Heaney.

The system allows for adjustments in altitude, wind speed, wind direction, and other variables to make the experience more realistic. Adjustable variables ensure the member receives better training, and safe execution of their job.

"I'd rather them make a mistake in here. If they make a mistake out there, it could cost them their life," said McAllister.