
American Airlines Flight Training Academy
Project Overview
The American Airlines Flight Training Academy is home to many commercial airplane simulators. Based near the DFW airport, pilots are regularly trained and tested in this facility. The testing includes both everyday and challenging flight operations.
Highlights
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Aviation simulator facility
- New construction and additions
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Multiple projects
Aviation Engineering Expertise in MEP Design
RWB Consulting Engineers is recognized as a leading engineering firm in the Dallas/Fort Worth region for aviation-related design projects. With extensive experience and deep technical expertise, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering high-performance, precision-engineered solutions tailored to the aviation industry’s unique demands.
Supporting American Airlines Since 2008
Our long-term relationship with American Airlines began in 2008 and has included a wide range of mission-critical design efforts at the Flight Training Academy. Over the years, RWB has played a key role in the facility’s modernization and expansion.
Flight Simulator Integration and Facility Additions
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Retrofitting for Simulator Installation: RWB successfully retrofitted the existing training academy to accommodate seven state-of-the-art flight simulators.
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New Facility Additions: We also designed two building expansions, each capable of housing four additional flight simulators.
These high-value simulators, each costing approximately $20 million, require specialized building systems to ensure proper function, safety, and performance. Our team carefully designs MEP infrastructure to support the sensitive environmental and operational needs of these assets.
Specialized Systems for Flight Simulation Facilities
Designing buildings for aviation training involves unique and highly technical requirements. RWB is well-versed in the specialized systems needed to support flight simulation and training environments, including:
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Advanced grounding and fire protection systems for simulator safety
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Dedicated support spaces, such as pre-flight briefing rooms, instructor viewing areas, and post-simulation debriefing rooms
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Redundant cooling and electrical systems for multiple mission-critical data rooms
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In-simulator cabin cooling systems to ensure pilot comfort during training sessions
Each component is carefully designed to meet both industry standards and American Airlines’ exacting performance expectations.
Additional Facility Upgrades for American Airlines
Our partnership with American Airlines has also included ongoing improvements to other critical building systems. These projects demonstrate our ability to modernize infrastructure in occupied, operational facilities without disrupting day-to-day training schedules:
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Switchboard replacements for improved electrical distribution
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Breathable air system installations
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HVAC modernization for enhanced energy efficiency and climate control
A Proven Partner for the Aviation Industry
RWB has successfully completed aviation engineering projects with all major U.S. airlines, positioning us as a trusted partner in the field. Whether it’s new construction, renovations, or mission-critical system upgrades, we bring deep experience and technical precision to every aviation project we take on.