Simulators help drivers gain experience

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airman 1st Class George Puhlman, 52nd Mission Support Group knowledge operations manager, trains on the stick shift simulator here July 30. The simulator uses computer based training to teach people basic driving techniques to ensure they are trained on how to drive in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Toon/Released)

Simulators help drivers gain experience

Published July 31, 2012
By Senior Airmen Christopher Toon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - -- The 52nd Fighter Wing safety office has two driving simulators for the base population to use for training.

One simulator helps drivers learn to drive an automatic transmission vehicle, while the other gives people practice with a manual transmission.

The simulator's computer based training is easy to follow and especially useful for newcomers because it has step-by-step instructions that teach people how to drive a stick shift on European roads, said Klaus Van Den Boom, 52nd FW safety office occupational safety and health specialist.

Van Den Boom recommends people drive a manual transmission vehicle here in Europe. They tend to be cheaper and usually have better gas mileage than automatic vehicles.

Department of Defense identification card holders, family members and civilian employees can use this simulator. Children 12 years old and younger are asked not to use the simulators due to height and safety requirements. The safety office is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call DSN 452-7233 or 06565-61-7233.