simulation GSE How do you determine those ramp operators that will not make the grade? These costs are real and, if mishaps occur during this real-time training, the actual cost could be immeasurable and customer confi dence could suffer. We all appreciate that there is no substitute for hands-on operations and until now there has not been a real alternative. But gForce Technologies is changing the way the industry approaches ramp training. The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company started in 1991, a time when high end simulations required huge amounts of processing power that was only available using mini and main frame systems. Since the arrival of the PC there have always been simulation programs but realism was lacking. Within the last fi ve years, though, the power required has been available on high end PCs at the right price – and this development has given the company huge momentum. This, plus the company’s experience gained from working in the military and automotive fi elds (it is part of L3), helped the development of the deicing simulator in 2004. The pushback simulator followed three years later and gForce is currently looking at other ramp operation simulations. Currently the company is marketing two ground handling simulation systems (pushback and de-icing) and both systems have been enthusiastically received by a growing number of airline and ground handling users. Chris Schock is Servisair’s training supervisor at the central de-icing facility at Toronto Pearson International airport. “We currently have two Elephant Beta Trainer simulators which are networked to create a teamworking environment for the students. The simulators are fully incorporated into our Initial and Recurrent De-icing Training Programs, and are also utilised by our de-icing operators for ongoing refresher training when required.” The gForce simulator controls here use the actual controls employed in the Elephant Beta cab to ensure authenticity although the cab control system for the FMC Tempest is also available. Most importantly, it is not only the function of these control systems that is simulated but also the feel, to ensure that the user can transfer seamlessly to the real-time de-icing environment on the ramp. Servisair breaks down the training into modules where employees are presented with different scenarios, aircraft types, vehicle positions and patterns and simulated contamination types. Interestingly, Chris also uses the simulator as part of the interview process for new de-icing operators, which enables the applicant to see fi rst-hand the type of technology he will be expected to use whilst allowing the company to assess the dexterity and multi-tasking capabilities of the individual. Chris says that since introducing the simulator Servisair has found there to be many benefi ts of integrating the simulators with the training programme. There is zero impact on operations, since it provides a very effective, realistic training environment. Effective training on aircraft de-icing/ anti-icing techniques and procedures means a lower utilisation of de-icing trucks, resulting in fewer hours; less wear and tear; and less fuel consumption with resultant environmental benefi ts. Knowledge is enhanced through one-to-one style training in a classroom environment and training can be performed in the winter, when experience was traditionally delayed due to lack of idle equipment. Practical demonstration can be performed for some aspects of theoretical de-icing training within the classroom and a variety of aircraft types can be included. Employers have the ability to assess an employee’s suitability and any areas of weakness can then be highlighted without affecting operations. A constant 24 hour availability allows trainees to master vehicle patterns, spray techniques and communications during downtime and during refresher training. Clearly Chris is a big fan, having seen the benefi ts of using the simulator when compared to traditional “on the ramp” training. “Using the tandem simulators in areas where actual de-icing equipment was traditionally used has resulted in a reduction of costs by reducing the hours, wear and tear and fuel consumption on the equipment, which also benefi ts the environment. This has resulted in longer times between scheduled preventative maintenance service due to decreased equipment utilisation on the training end. We have also found that our rookie de-icing operator effi ciency has increased: when they start de-icing live aircraft, they have a better understanding of spray techniques, vehicle patterns and positioning and removal of different contamination types, all from having experience with this on the simulator. On average, this results in a shorter timeframe required for instructors to complete all necessary de-icing operator evaluations and quality control ride-along checks – and allows rookies to de-ice on their own sooner.” (Ground Handling International will be taking a look at the pushback simulator in a future issue). 60 APRIL 2008 GHI Just how much does it cost to train a pushback operator on the ramp? Probably not as much as it would cost to train a de-icing operator... A time to train Chris Schock: simulation enthusiast.

W W W . G F O R C E T E C H . C O M + 1 . 7 3 4 . 9 9 5 . 1 9 6 7 i n f o @ g f o r c e t e c h . c o m Our customers enjoy the best of both worlds because gForce Technologies is a small and nimble company backed by the resources of a world-leading organization - L-3 Communications – and a division of MPRI, an industry leader in training, simulations and government services. Benefit from our ability to improvise, adapt and overcome the challenges you face to increase the training and safety awareness of your ramp operations team. With gForce Technologies’ Ramp Operation systems integrated into your training curriculum you can field the best-prepared team onto the ramp quicker and cheaper than the competition. This brochure is considered Technology Software Publicly Available (TSPA) No License Required (NLR) as defined in Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Part 743.7-11 Ramp Training without leaving the classroom. Pushed and Deiced fifty planes today... not bad for the first day on the job.