Delta State dedicates agricultural aviation simulator, names aircraft in honor of Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith

Cleveland, MS (08/10/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State dedicates agricultural aviation simulator, names aircraft in honor of Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University celebrated two significant additions to its aviation program Monday, Aug. 10, with the dedication of a new agricultural aviation simulator and the naming of an aircraft in honor of U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Hyde-Smith joined Delta State administrators, aviation faculty, students and industry representatives for ceremonies at Gibson-Gunn Hall and Delta State Flight Operations.

"When we talk about how higher education and workforce development can align, you couldn't pick a better example than DSU Aviation," said Delta State President Dr. Dan Ennis. "Every single graduate of Delta State University's Aviation program and every single completer of our Ag Aviation Certificate walk right into gainful employment the day after they walk across the graduation stage. Sometimes before."

The day began with the dedication of a first-of-its-kind Air Tractor 802 flight training device developed by CATI Training Systems specifically for Delta State's Aerial Applicator Pilot Training Certification Program. Built around SGB Enterprises' CAPTE-VCS single-seat platform, the fully immersive simulator was customized with input from equipment manufacturers, agricultural pilots and Delta State instructors to give students realistic, ground-based experience before they advance to training in a live aircraft.

"Our mission at the College of Aviation is clear," said Dr. Joe Childs, Dean of the College of Aviation. "It is to provide innovative educational opportunities in aviation by shaping leaders for the future. We are committed to excellence, safety and sustainable practices that culminate in academic credentials while nurturing life-long learning in our students so that they can have global impact."

The simulator reproduces the fit, form and function of an Air Tractor 802 cockpit and incorporates a SATLOC Falcon and G4 guidance system with Transland application equipment. Its control-loading system mimics the aircraft's handling and flight characteristics, while its visual and audio systems immerse students in agricultural flight operations. Instructors can also introduce equipment anomalies, malfunctions and other troubleshooting scenarios that pilots may encounter during aerial application work.

The device supports aircraft startup and shutdown, ground and in-flight training tasks, precision application procedures and emergency response. By allowing students and working pilots to practice qualification, refresher and sustainment tasks in a controlled setting, the simulator adds a new layer of safety to agricultural aviation training and gives the industry a model for preparing pilots to operate increasingly sophisticated aircraft and application systems.

Representatives from CATI Training Systems, FedEx, DRAFT and the agricultural aviation industry participated in the dedication. Hyde-Smith marked the occasion by completing a demonstration in the unit.

The group then traveled to Delta State Flight Operations for a ceremony naming one of the University's Cirrus TRAC 20 aircraft in Hyde-Smith's honor. Flight instructor Abigail Fair of Saltillo introduced Hyde-Smith before the Spirit of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith was unveiled.

"Credit to Delta State University for creating this program and taking it to the heights which you have taken it to," Hyde-Smith said. "It is so rewarding to see young people with great careers, and it started right here in Cleveland, Mississippi. Over the years, Delta State has become one of the nation's most respected collegiate aviation programs, as you well know."

Ennis said, "There is nobody in Washington, D. C. who cares more for Delta State and has done more for Delta State on my watch than Senator Hyde-Smith, and I want everyone who loves Delta State to know that."

Delta State launched its aviation program in 1981 with 30 students enrolled at the end of its first year. At the time, Delta State was the first and only university in Mississippi to offer a bachelor's degree in aviation. The program has since graduated 1,104 aviation students and currently serves more than 200 active flight students as well as more than 60 aviation management and graduate students.

Delta State is also home to the nation's only collegiate agricultural aviation program. During the past four years, the program has graduated 40 agricultural aviation pilots and secured funding to continue training students.

The establishment of Delta State's College of Aviation in fall 2026 will provide additional focus and leadership for aviation education in Mississippi and the region. The college will prepare graduates for high-skill, high-wage careers in flight operations, industry management and other areas facing critical workforce shortages.

For more information on aviation programs at Delta State University, visit www.deltastate.edu/business-aviation/commercial-aviation/.

Cutline 1: Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (L) and DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis with the newly christened Spirit of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.

Cutline 2: Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith cut the ribbon to mark the dedication of the first-of-its-kind Air Tractor 802 simulator developed by CATI Training Systems specifically for Delta State's Aerial Applicator Pilot Training Certification Program. Pictured are (L to R) DSU Dean of Aviation, Dr. Joe Childs, DSU President Dr. Dan Ennis, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, President of Delta Regional Agricultural Flight Training Ike Brunetti and CEO of CATI Training Systems Paul-Jon Patin.

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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.

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