Driving simulator benefits

Ground support simulation training allows practice of critical decision-making skills and reinforces positive decision making, situation and spacial awareness in a realistic, risk-free environment.

Practical training

Enhances initial driver training, periodic training and driver assessments allowing you to conduct practical real-world training on different terrains and for different road and atmospheric conditions.

Reduce accident rates

Our customers have significantly reduced preventable incidents as well as reduced severity of the damage.

Optimize training time

Onboard and familiarize entry-level and experienced operators in a virtual classroom setting.

Reduce equipment costs

Minimize maintenance and damage to ground handling vehicles. Training on the simulator keeps your ground crews safe and your vehicles in operation.

Improve ramp agent retention

Complete, consistent, objective feedback on performance gives drivers the skills and confidence to drive more safely and more efficiently.

Flexible delivery options

Included fixed-site installation in a building or fully mobile training unit in a trailer or truck. Trailer options available to outfit in a mobile driver training unit complete with on-site classroom and instructors.

Best-in-class simulation-based training system for ground handling crews

Our Airside-Pushback Simulator is designed for a hands-on experience to ensure proper skill development and familiarity before you operate ground handling equipment. The Airside-Pushback features towbarless and towbar push-back tractors, baggage conveyors, baggage tugs, and other ground support vehicles. We've seen that 75% of operators surveyed feel "safer/much safer" after ground support equipment simulation training.

Best-in-class simulator features	Replicates the complex task of pushing and towing aircraft Supports multiple pushback and ground handling vehicles, aircraft, and locations; includes baggage conveyors, baggage tugs, water trucks, oil tank trucks, and more Trains new operators to gain basic and advanced skills they'll need to be safe, efficient, and prepared on the job Allows experienced operators to demonstrate and hone their abilities Customized databases can replicate airport or gate layout Provides immediate assessment reports to help an instructor spot bad habits and measure performance
High fidelity visual systems	High resolution visual display system with 4K-ready LED LCD displays A sharp and visually accurate 137° field-of-view creates an immersive driving environment State-of-the-art simulation software delivers sharp visuals to enhance learning objectives Enhanced graphics engine capability enables population of more vehicles and objects per scenario
Modern, realistic design	Users can choose from a variety of predefined ground handling configurations using different combinations of pushback tractors and ground handling vehicles Force-loaded steering provides real-time feedback to augment muscle memory Student touch screen providing realistic display of vehicle gauges and controls that mimic those found in owncab vehicle selected Includes a driving seat, steering wheel, brake, 3 point seat belt, clutch and accelerator pedals to enhance realism and achieve better retention Realistic vehicle dynamics including 21 DOF vehicle model

Additional features

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Replay Studio™ After-Action Review Software

Overview	Acron Aviation Replay Studio™ gives you the tools you need to perform a thorough review of the training session while gaining valuable lessons learned. The Replay Studio™ camera records every action, reaction, and nuance of a driver’s physical performance while training on the simulator. Once the session is complete the instructor can simultaneously replay video feedback of the driver, and scenario playback of the simulation to review how a student reacts physically as well as mentally to the situation.
Benefits	Video feedback of the driver, scenario playback of the simulation, vehicle state and 3D views are all synchronized for seamless replay View replay on a separate system to free up the simulator for training Change 3D view quickly by dragging with the mouse Train one student or an entire classroom by replaying the video to illustrate proper and improper driving techniques
User interface	The interface is designed to give you all the information you need to assess both the driver’s performance and vehicle’s state during a training session The SimTile panel reports ongoing scenario and driver information. Its vehicle indicators help assess handling dynamics. They continuously monitor steering-wheel position, brake, clutch, accelerator, speedometer, RPM and other variables The detailed Play-by-Play screen lists events and violations. Clicking on the event or violation takes the replay directly to that point in the simulation, enabling the instructor to quickly move from one event to the next The Sliding Rule feature gives the instructor total control of video replay. Rewind or fast forward to the exact point of interest in slow motion detail Video feedback of the driver is so tightly synchronized with the 3D scenario and simulator views that there is no skipping or lag time between the two. For example: It allows an instructor to review the driver’s scanning technique - where the driver was looking at the time of an event or violation

SkillSet™ Performance Assessment

Overview	Acron Aviation SkillSet™ software tests the driver’s response to tough situations. Through proper driving assessment and training, drivers can improve their decision-making process and become skilled at recognizing and managing risk.
Benefits	Instantly replay, review, and discuss a driver’s performance Clearly define criteria to facilitate a fair and consistent evaluation Consistent, tangible results across multiple instructors Tailor training to improve individual aptitude or group certification Instructors spend more time training and less time capturing results Group reports facilitate evaluation of individuals, relative to the group Bottom line: Improved safety training will reduce accidents and increase your ROI
Assessment measurement features	Startup and shutdown procedure Space management Turning Backing Speed management Learning management system, enabling the instructor to schedule classes, preload student data, review performance and incorporate data from other simulators

Scenario Builder™ Development Software

Overview	Create your own scenarios quickly and efficiently, with no computer programming experience needed. Acron Aviation Scenario Builder™ software allows you to customize scenarios to enhance your driver training curriculum. It’s an effective, affordable way to screen new drivers. Just click, drag, and drop. It’s that simple.
Features	Build customized scenarios in under 30 minutes Build geotypical scenarios for accident remediation, employment prescreening for new drivers and targeted training for existing drivers Easily and affordably create training content for classroom presentations Add new challenges to accommodate any experience level Control the sequence and timing of event triggering View scenarios from any angle, including top-down view for vehicle positioning Create scenarios on a separate PC and transfer the information to the simulator with a flash drive Compatible with any standard desktop or notebook PC with 3D graphics capability
Benefits	Object library - We have an extensive library of over 300 objects for you to add to your scenarios: trucks, cars, trees, pedestrians, signage, and much more. This vast selection allows you to truly customize each training session Real-world environments - Choices include suburban, freeway, rural and driving range settings. Optional environments include urban, swamp, driving track and skid pad Dynamic features - To challenge your operators, choose from: vehicle types, weather patterns, visual stimuli and events

FAQs

How does the Airside PushbackSim™ improve safety on the airport ramp?

The Airside PushbackSim™ significantly enhances ramp safety by giving pushback tractor drivers extensive practice in a no-risk setting. Pushing an aircraft back from the gate is a delicate operation; mistakes can endanger personnel or cause costly damage to the aircraft. With Airside PushbackSim™, operators train on proper procedures, spatial awareness, and coordination with cockpit crews, all in a virtual environment. They can experience critical scenarios (like low visibility, tight gate areas, or sudden equipment malfunctions) and learn to handle them correctly. This means when they’re out on the actual ramp, they’ve essentially “seen it all” before. According to industry data, investing in thorough simulator training reduces accident rates by ensuring tug drivers have extensive experience before handling real aircraft. In other words, Airside PushbackSim™ produces confident, skillful tug operators who are far less likely to make an error that could result in an incident. The overall safety culture on the ramp improves when you’re protecting your crews, passengers, and multimillion-dollar jets from harm.

What kind of ROI or cost savings can an airport or ground handling company expect from Airside PushbackSim™?

The ROI can be very compelling because the costs of even a minor pushback accident are huge. Consider the expenses of repairing aircraft skin damage or an engine ingestion incident, the flight delays and schedule disruptions, and potential fines or claims – a single mishap can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not more). Airside PushbackSim™ acts as cheap insurance against those events by preventing them. Some large operators have projected savings in the tens of millions of dollars by using simulators to improve ground crew training. (For example, the U.S. Air Force found that virtual pushback training could save up to $172 million per year in fuel, manning, and equipment costs by streamlining training and avoiding mistakes). Even in a civilian airport context, if the simulator prevents just one major accident or a handful of minor ones, it likely pays for itself. Moreover, because training on the sim can be done any time, it can sharpen operators’ skills without burning jet fuel or tying up real aircraft, which is another operational cost saving. Bottom line: Airside PushbackSim™ helps you avoid the nightmare scenarios and their costs, making it a high-ROI investment for any airport ramp operation concerned with safety and efficiency.

How realistic is the Airside PushbackSim™ training experience for tug drivers?

It’s state-of-the-art and highly true-to-life. The simulator recreates an aircraft tug’s driving station, complete with realistic controls (steering tiller, brake, throttle, towing bar controls, etc.) and even the limited visibility factors that tug drivers face. The training scenarios account for all the physics of moving large aircraft. For instance, operators feel the inertia and weight of a Boeing 737 versus an A330 when pushing back the simulator’s physics engine, making sure the effort and response differ accordingly, just like reality. Visually, the Airside PushbackSim™ immerses drivers in an accurate 3D ramp environment: you see the terminal gates, other ground vehicles buzzing around, taxiway markings, and of course, the aircraft you’re towing, all in correct scale. Crucially, the system allows drivers to practice under various weather and airport conditions. They’ll experience scenarios like pushing back on an icy tarmac or in high winds where traction is reduced, or at night with rain obscuring visibility. The first time a tug operator encounters these challenges shouldn’t be with a real aircraft attached, and Airside PushbackSim™ ensures it isn’t. Because the simulator provides immediate feedback (e.g., if the driver turns too fast or misaligns the aircraft on the taxi line, it’s flagged in the debrief), trainees learn from mistakes without consequences. By the end of their simulator sessions, operators often say the experience is so realistic that they feel fully prepared for real pushback duties, as if they’d already been doing the job.

Can Airside PushbackSim™ help new ground crew members get up to speed faster?

Yes, Airside PushbackSim™ is an excellent tool for accelerating the training and proficiency of new tug operators. Traditionally, a rookie would have to wait for opportunities to practice with actual aircraft (which might be infrequent and nerve-wracking). With the simulator, they can train intensively in a short period, repeating maneuvers dozens of times until they’re done right. There’s no need to wait for an aircraft to be available or suitable weather to practice in. This consistent training access means newbies progress much more quickly. They build muscle memory and confidence in days or weeks that might otherwise take months of on-the-job training. In fact, one military study noted that trainees who used a pushback simulator were essentially mission-ready with little to no additional supervision required when they moved to the real flight line. We often hear from our customers that their junior crew members perform like seasoned pros after thorough simulator training. Additionally, instructors can use Airside PushbackSim™ to provide targeted coaching, for example, focusing on a specific weakness of a trainee in a controlled way. All of this leads to faster certification of new drivers and a more uniformly skilled team. In operational terms, you’ll have a larger pool of qualified tug drivers available sooner, helping with staffing flexibility.

How can we evaluate the Airside PushbackSim™ or get more information for our operation?

We’re happy to help you explore Airside PushbackSim™ further. You can contact Driver Training Solutions to discuss your needs, whether it’s for an airport authority, an airline ground ops team, or a third-party ground handler. We can provide detailed specs on the simulator (footprint, power requirements, integration with VR or flat panel displays, etc.) and talk through how it would fit into your training hangar or facility. Additionally, our team will consult with you on building the business case, for instance, using your incident data to estimate potential savings and safety improvements with simulator training. As a visionary leader in simulation, DTS is committed to improving ground safety globally, and we’d love to partner with you on that mission. Please reach out with any questions or to set up a meeting; we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about Airside PushbackSim™.

Airside Pushback™ Simulator