North American Van Lines discusses how it uses its truck driving simulator, and the results it has experienced from simulator training

The Texas Association of Counties writes a one-year review of its simulator package and FAAC's customer service since delivery

TAC reports its preliminary results after a 21-month study of simulator training.

For more information on FAAC's simulator solutions, please contact us.

This simulator is the culmination of over three years of research and development guided by FAAC's Industry Advisory Group (IAG) of 19 different agencies, including private carriers, insurance companies, government agencies, and universities. A long story short - our simulator acts and feels like the real thing because it was designed by those who drive the real thing.

Features

• Vehicle models include straight truck, tractor-trailer, 5- and 10-yard dump trucks, tankers, plows, etc.
• Choose the number of display screens appropriate for your needs. Options range from a single screen to eight screens.
• SmartNode^TM steering allows students to physically 'feel' the virtual world, including curb strikes, braking, road surface variation and vibration, fast turns, tire scrub, and collisions. Motion seats contain up to 15° pitch and roll angular motions and ±2 inches of heave (up/down)
• Actual side- and rear-view mirrors enable instructors to teach proper mirror usage techniques.
• Selectable center of gravity for cargo provides different road feel for the student.
• Cameras monitor and record driver activity, which can then be replayed for the student as learning reinforcement.
• Dashboard layout is modeled after a typical (but non-specific) truck. All critical gauges and displays are authentic, active and accurately modeled. (They are not computer-generated replicas.)
• Actual truck components are used for the gauges as well as for the clutch, accelerator, and brake.
• Real-time and post-lesson scoring shows areas where the student has performed well and where further instruction is needed, such as shifting efficiency and braking force.
• An Instructor Operator Station acts as the command center for the instructor. The instructor is able to control all variables
• Instructor-controlled events include:
• Oil pressure drop
• Brake loss
• Engine overheat (w/ fire & smoke visuals)
• Steering axle tire blowout
• Loose lug nut
• CNG or methane gas leak
• Fire in engine compartment
• Engine failure and shutdown
• Fire in rear dual wheel well (w/ fire & smoke visuals)
• Emergency interlock/accidental tripping.