The 6th Calvary Bridade is the only one in the Army designated to fly missions over water, he said. The simulator has been at Camp Humphreys for a couple years, but was relocated to a new indoor facility that opened in April. About two training sessions a month are held at the facility. Before using the simulator, a trainee must study escape procedures and undergo underwater training, during which he is held nearly upside down in a pool until he gets used to the feeling of water going into his nose. The next step is called shallow-water egress training, which involves being strapped inside a metal cage similar to a cockpit.
Trainees practice escaping through sides that simulate open and closed windows.
They also use opaque goggles to simulate a nighttime escape. Two trainers stand on either side of the cage, turning it upside down by hand. Trainees must find their bearings, unlatch their seat straps and helmets and wriggle out of the window. The most difficult part is to not panic. Corsavo said he's helped train crew members who are afraid of the water.