Boeing Uses Interactive Simulation Package To Meet Security Requirements

Boeing Co. is betting on interactive simulation technology to help airline crews meet the security requirements of Homeland Security Act, which President Bush signed into law late last month.

Boeing subsidiary FlightSafety Boeing Training International said Thursday that it's teaming with Advanced Interactive Systems Inc., which develops training software for law enforcement, aviation, security, and military agencies. The companies are developing a program designed to teach pilots how to handle firearms in an aircraft. It will also offer lessons for flight crews to help them identify and defend against threatening passengers.

AIS will integrate into the program its simulation technology, which includes a computer simulator that portrays passengers and threats using MPEG-2 broadcast-quality video. Trainees will be presented with a variety of scenarios that can change in response to trainee reactions. The package, expected to be available early next year, will also capture trainee responses for immediate playback and critique.