By Betsy Finklea
Marion County Airport Director Charles Taylor held a meeting at the Marion County School District Office today, Tuesday, October 1, to introduce the Virtual Reality Flight Training Program.
Among the local people speaking were Dr. Kandace Bethea, Marion County Schools Superintendent, and Chavis Watford, Marion County Administrator.
A presentation was made by True Course, a “high performance virtual reality flight training program.” This program was created to help students with a better way to fly with a virtual instructor. Students fly the simulator and master fundamentals flying maneuvers. It has a building block approach. Students learn the basics until they have built enough skills to actually pilot a real airplane and pass their flight test. They read an excerpt, watch a video, and then use the virtual simulator to test their skills. The simulator records their actions for post-flight analysis and instruction.
Skeet Cooper, a South Carolina Aeronautics Commissioner for District Three, spoke about the Aeronautics Program in the Pickens County Schools. They have an aerospace program at their school for students who are interested in aviation and aerospace careers.
Local officials are excited about the opportunities that this could provide for students in Marion County, Dillon County, Horry County, and possibly throughout the Pee Dee area. Eight schools were represented from the public schools in Marion County, Dillon County, and Horry County as well as Dillon Christian School and Pee Dee Academy. The simulator will be located at the Marion Vocational School because it is centrally located between Dillon County, Marion County, and Horry County.
The virtual flight training program is another way that Taylor is trying to introduce aviation to the community. Taylor said while every student may not get their pilot’s license, this program broadens their horizons and opens the doors for other careers such as engineering, mechanics, airport security, airport fire service, and a realm of other good-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
Taylor also has plans to expand the airport and take actions to expand aviation in the community with the support of Marion County officials.
