Welcome to a new reality! Eastern Kentucky University is home to one of the largest and most advanced virtual reality (VR) flight simulation labs in the United States. VR offers new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning as students can be taught in an immersive, hands-on experience. The VR experience in our simulators accurately represents the cockpit and in-flight experience of our Cessna 172 aircraft, giving students a significant advantage as they transition from the classroom to the airplane.

Our lab contains 12 advanced simulators, each consisting of an adjustable racing-style seat, a full array of flight controls and switches, a 42-inch ultra-high-definition TV, a high-end Alienware gaming computer, and an HTC VIVE Pro VR headset. Combined with Gleim Aviation’s X-Plane 11 Flight Training Course and the full capabilities of X-Plane 11 Flight Simulator, our simulators can take you anywhere in the world while providing superior flight training.

In addition to our VR capability, some of our simulators have been equipped with Garmin GPS simulators that replicate the hardware and functions of the Garmin GPSs installed in our EKU aircraft. We currently have two Garmin GNS 430/530 simulators and three Garmin G1000 simulators in use. These simulators allow students to devote additional time into learning the functions of the Garmin GPS’s before stepping into the cockpit.

The VR Flight Simulator Lab is located in the Ralph W. Whalin Technology Complex on the EKU Richmond Campus, Room 331 . The lab is open to all EKU students and their accompanied visitors.