Lawrence company helps train pilots

A Lawrence company is working to ensure that when pilots train to fly, the simulators they use precisely mimic the actual aircraft's response.

Kohlman Systems Research Inc. provides and analyzes flight test data for the creation of training simulators. The company, one of many across Kansas that quietly support the state's aviation economy, was started in 1982 by two University of Kansas professors.

"There's not a whole lot of competition out there," said John Brown, the company's marketing manager, who has been working in the aviation industry for the past 30 years.

Brown said the company's contracts range across the globe, including flight testing the company has conducted in Indonesia, Serbia and various programs in the Middle East. He said while the company doesn't typically fly the aircraft itself, it installs the many instruments needed to record hundreds of variables for which data is collected and processed.

Despite a prolonged downturn in commercial aviation after Sept. 11, 2001, Brown said those effects don't seem to have reached his company. He said annual revenue has remained steady.

More stringent requirements of those who would seek to train in U.S. flight simulators, in particular those from other countries, has affected demand for simulators themselves. However, at the same time, Brown said, the Federal Aviation Administration has enhanced some of its flight testing requirements for certain aircraft. For instance, Kohlman Systems has tested 145 aircraft to ensure that they meet standards allowing aircraft to fly with a vertical separation of 1,000 feet, from an earlier standard of 2,000 feet.

"We haven't really realized any economic impact that we could say was caused by 9-11, but it could take a couple more years," Brown said.

Two weeks ago, the company announced a new contract with Frasca International, of Urbana, Ill., to support its development of a full flight simulator for the Beech King Air 200.

Amy Bauer can be reached at (785) 295-1231 or amy.bauer@cjonline.com.

THE COMPANY

Web site: www.kohlmansystems.com

Location: 319 Perry Street, Lawrence

Founders: Dr. David Kohlman and Bill Schweikhard

Employees: 25

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