An integral part of the instructor station is an extremely flexible mapping program called Quickmap from Project Magenta. (see links page) The map not only tracks the actual flight path of the sim in real time, but also displays a wealth of world-wide databased information. The instructor can use the map to direct the pilot to tune to various NAV and ILS frequencies and notify the pilot to various land features. Since other virtual traffic can be displayed as well, thus giving the instructor the ability to provide vectors to intercept other aircraft.
Additional instructor station functionality includes the ability to reposition to any airport, change weather conditions, fuel properties, initiate a multitude of faults and many other functions. All of these functions are accessible via the touch-screen monitor.
Separate monitors mirroring the sim's HUD and MFD displays are connected to the sim via VGA splitters, thus allowing real-time monitoring of critical information displayed to the pilot. The instructor can communicate to the pilot via the interphone control system.
Remote control of all the other sim computers is also made possible via touch-screen menus. Restarting applications, or shutting down whole computers, can be done from the instructor's station. This makes it easy to properly shut down the sim's computers without having to access multiple keyboards and mice.
Future development of the instructor's station will involve a custom-developed console to house the various displays, analog instruments, and extensive tactical mission support equipment.
