Trying out the flight simulator in Swinburne’s Aviation Simulation Laboratory, 2012

Some of the most significant advances in air safety are about to be achieved without anyone leaving the ground. Australia's leading Aviation Simulation Laboratory was opened today by Victorian Aviation Industry Minister Mr Gordon Rich-Phillips at Swinburne University of Technology's Hawthorn Campus. The new laboratory is the only research facility in Australia to be equipped with simulators capable of replicating flight in both aeroplanes and helicopters. Researchers will use a variety of methods to monitor both experienced and trainee pilots using the facility in a range of projects which will examine the impact of issues such as fatigue, poor visibility and pilot inexperience on flight safety, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Matthew Bailes said. Photograph appeared in the Media Centre Release: ‘Safer skies start on the ground’ on 20 March 2012