Library

The Airplane Flight Simulator is a student installation on the second floor of the Cal Poly Humboldt Library, designed to cultivate an interest in aviation. Housing it in the Library makes it accessible to everyone.

Planning for the flight simulator began in Fall 2018, led by PC Gaming Club President Sarah Kanga Livingstone. The initial equipment was unveiled Spring 2019, thanks to generous community donations.

In Fall 2021, the Aviation Club at Cal Poly Humboldt was formed to take on oversight of the flight simulator. Jasmin Torres, a 4th year business major, became the founding president and worked with others to craft the club's founding mission statement. During this time, Tanner Hooven and other club members studied for and passed their FAA drone pilot exam.The club meets in the Library to learn the fundamentals of airplane operations using the flight simulator and to share their passion of flying with others.

In Spring 2023, the Library Aviation Fund was established to support student interest in aviation, to provide much needed funding to employ flight simulator student assistants, to provide free campus and community workshops, and to maintain the recently donated upgraded flight simulator. You can read more about how Cal Poly Humboldt came to acquire the refurbished unit in FLYING Magazine: Aviation Simulator to Land in Cal Poly Humboldt Library by alumni and supporter, Meg Godlewski.

The new state-of-the-art simulator is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified advanced aviation training device, providing everyone the hands-on opportunity to learn to fly. The flight simulator offers a highly realistic experience, with six screens and the ability to tilt and pitch. Take off from airports around the world and choose from multiple types of aircraft to fly. All Library visitors are encouraged to try it out. There are instructions nearby to help you start the engine, set the flaps, and take flight!

To learn how you can support the club and the flight simulator project, please contact them at aviation@humboldt.edu or Dave Marshall, club advisor, at dave@humboldt.edu. You are also encouraged to donate directly to the Library Aviation Fund and come by for a virtual flight.