PUC’s Aviation Department Receives $12k Grant for High Tech Training Simulator

Pacific Union College is delighted to share that the aviation department received a $12,000 grant from the VersaCare Foundation to purchase the full-motion platform and accessories for a high-fidelity, virtual reality flight training device prototype. The VersaCare Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Riverside, California, supporting innovative programs. PUC applied for the grant in December and obtained acceptance in April.

“God has blessed our aviation program in so many ways over the last few months,” said Nathan Tasker, flight center director. “We were overjoyed to receive this grant. We are in the process of purchasing the components now, and we plan to offer a recently-accredited course called AVIA-402 Simulation Innovation in Fall Quarter 2025. Students in this class will be involved in designing and testing new simulation technologies using the components purchased with the VersaCare grant.”

Using full-motion simulators is an unusual concept in the beginning stages of flight training. PUC’s aviation leadership team wants to change that. PUC students have already helped create and build one simulator, which is currently in use. In addition to saving the students money, this simulator allows students to rehearse emergency scenarios that are not as realistic in an airplane.

“High-fidelity simulation gives us a serious boost to pushing the leading edge of innovation,” said Tasker. “This initiative significantly strengthens both our technical and financial pathways. Simulators yield a very high-quality return on investment both to students and to the school's financial portfolio.”

As the aviation department grows, the team continues to ask for support and prayers. Due to unprecedented growth, their department also needs more staff and any connections with aviation professionals who are committed to “preparing Christ-centered pilots for lives of service.” Lastly, as they continue their mission to inspire their students to use their flying skills to serve others, they look for opportunities to visit and help schools or churches.