After transport on four oversize trucks across 1,026 miles, flight simulators are beginning to arrive from Houston at the United Flight Training Center in Denver.
Three full-flight simulators (FFSs) and two fixed training devices (FTDs) have completed the road trip from the flight training facility in Houston to Denver, marking a key milestone in United’s ongoing flight training center consolidation and renovation project. United is consolidating their two current flight training centers in Houston and Denver into one, at the current 500,000-square-foot Denver facility.
“When all is said and done, we will have a world-class, industry-leading facility for our employees,” Flight Training Center Relocation Project Managing Director Joel Booth said. “There is a tremendous amount of work yet to go, but the arrival of these simulators is a major moment and has made us even more excited for the future.”
The renovations began in March, and both employees and construction workers alike have been hammering away ever since. In addition to moving the simulators, the facility’s classrooms and lobby area are getting facelifts. In the meantime, training continues at the Denver facility.
“Having our entire team in one location will improve our training efficiencies,” Flight Training Managing Director Mike McCasky said. “Currently there are a number of duplicate items, such as tools, simulator parts and training development resources. The consolidation will clear that up. We will also have closer access to our partners in the FAA, since all of their people associated with training will be more readily accessible.”
United expects the process to be complete by the end of 2017, and the completed United Flight Training Center will feature 32 FFS bays and 16 FTD bays. The structure’s design, along with enhancements being made during the refurbishment, will allow United to leverage the latest advancements in training technology.
d
