He downloaded Corpus Christi scenery that a pilot would see from the cockpit. He said he did it because he wanted to get good grades. Lacy got those and more. Navy officials say his program could save taxpayers millions because there are no costs for research and development of a similar program. There are about 500 students at the navy base who will use the dozen simulators.
Pilots typically have trouble with the familiarization portion of the training.
It gives you a picture of what you'll see when you get up there,' he said. Jim Holt, training officer for Training Wing 4, said students must know the lay of the land to find their way and avoid other aircraft. Getting a head start in that area before leaving the ground is a huge advantage, he said. Ensign Edwin Phillips has been in training for about three months. In addition to working at the base for about 40 hours per week, he studied at home for more than 20 hours a week.