New Flight Simulator Gives Youths a Chance to Soar

The BCW got a chance to soar on January 26 when President and CEO Marsha Gordon and Ebony White, Director of Workforce & Employer Development, tested the White Plains Youth Bureau’s new flight simulator. The two-seat cockpit is equipped with 9 LCD monitors and 5 purpose built computers.  Its software and hardware are capable of simulating a wide array of aircraft from a single engine Piper Cub to a Boeing 747.The program will be open to White Plains youth first grade through high school.  Students will learn about variety of subjects including map reading, meteorology, computer usage, navigation and aerodynamics. It was donated by White Plains resident James Parker. Parker is a former pilot who built the simulator and designed the software.

Frank Williams, Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, said the flight simulator would help engage young people considering careers in flying and STEM. “This will open up careers for young people interested in becoming a pilot or those pursuing careers in science. We hope that more of our young people will take advantage of this opportunity that Mr. Parker has given us,’’ he said.

Gordon said that building the workforce of the future is part of the Business Council of Westchester’s mission and that tools like the flight simulator help bring possible career choices to life for young people. “We thank Mr. Parker for this wonderful gift,’’ she said. “We know that Frank Williams and the White Plains Youth Bureau will put it to good use.”

White said, “This was an amazingly realistic learning experience that will provide a real hands- on opportunity for youth to learn about careers in aviation.”

SEE THE FLIGHT SIMULATOR