Former Castle Air Force Base is once again attracting those looking to take flight

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thousands of students from around the world will soon descend on the former Castle Air force Base learning to take flight with the latest aviation technology.

The equipment is the only one of its kind-on the West Coast. But to get the 11 ton Boeing 737 simulator into the Sierra Air Center Development was no easy feat. Crews had to lower it through the roof of a two story building at castle airport using a 150 foot tall crane.

Boeing Simulator Project Manager Tim Turner said, "Hopefully it means bringing back aviation, technology and jobs to Merced County that were vacated when the base was closed down."

The project is considered a new vision for Sierra Air Center Development, and for the future of the aviation industry.

The simulator will be fully operational by early next year.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News anchor Stephanie Stone.