The next time you visit the Freeman Army Airfield Museum and wonder what it’s like to fly some of the aircraft featured there, you might want try out a new exhibit designed to bring aviation to life.

The exhibit, which features a flight simulator, comes courtesy of a 16-year-old Seymour Boy Scout looking to earn scouting’s highest attainable rank.

Xander Good’s ceremony to receive his badge for earning the rank of Eagle Scout was Sunday at the museum at 1035 A Ave. at Freeman field. Good also introduced the simulator after the ceremony.

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The three-screen simulator allows users to select from a variety of aircraft to fly anywhere in the state.

The museum sets across from one of the main runways at the airport, which began operations as a training base for pilots to fly twin-engine advance aircraft during World War II. More than 4,220 pilots, including some of the Tuskegee Airmen, trained here between 1942 and 1945.

Good began the project several months ago and it only took a few days to set up.

Getting everything together and organizing was a different story, and took several months.

He wanted his project to benefit the museum because he has volunteered there in the past. His mother, Bonnye, is a board member and gives tours there, too.

The simulator uses satellite imaging so users see the Indiana landscape beneath them.

“Assuming you live in Indiana, you could find your house,” Good said.

Users also can change the weather conditions during flight.

Good said the simulator brings to life what it is like to operate a plane, which may be different than what people expect.

“It gives people a better understanding of what it’s like to fly them,” he said. “People may think it’s simple or that it’s challenging and they may not understand what the actual flight is like.”

The simulator doesn’t move, but it has a radio panel, control panel, a throttle section and pedals. An iPad displays many panels.

“It simulates flights for any style of plane you choose,” he said.

Knowing visitors to the museum can see aircraft that are pictured there — or the pieces that have been recovered — and get an idea what it’s like to fly them is unique, Good said.

Some of those who attended his Eagle Scout ceremony took advantage of the new simulator, and Good said he was proud to see some interest in it.

He also said he was thankful for those who attended the ceremony, which is an official Eagle Scout court proceeding.

The ceremony is a milestone for any scout, and few are able to reach that point.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is about much more than receiving a badge. There’s a formal application process to go along with the service project. Then there’s a verification process, a signature effort, ceremony and more.

Good said he joined Cub Scouts when he was in second or third grade and has enjoyed being part of the program all these years.

Good said he feels Boys Scouts has given him a number of skills. Many people may think it’s about tying various knots, but it’s so much more, he said.

A lot of the lessons revolve around character, he said.

“There’s a lot of stuff about leadership in the scouting program,” Good said. “They design it where you have to figure it out on your own and it’s not just teaching you things, but it’s experience driven.”

For example, leaders in groups do not simply tell scouts how to do everything while at various camp outs, Good said.

“People will tell you how to do something, but you have to figure out how to accomplish it and make it most efficient,” he said. “You have to learn to work with people.”

Throughout the years, Good said he was always able to count on Troop 526 of St. Ambrose.

“They’ve always helped me along,” he said.

The Eagle Scout ceremony allows those recognized to present various pins to those who have made an impact on the scout’s life. Good chose scout leaders and his parents. When it came time to award a pin to another scout who will promise to fulfill duties to earn an Eagle Scout badge, Good chose his younger brother George.

Being awarded the Eagle Scout badge was a proud moment for him, but Good understands it means there’s more expected of him.

“The actual award shows they expect you to go further,” he said. That’s a lesson he understands. “It’s not that you’ve reached a peak, but you will go further.”

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Try out the new simulator built by Xander Goode at Freeman Army Airfield Museum

Where: Freeman Army Airfield Museum, 1035 A Ave, Seymour. (Near Headstart School and the airport.)

When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment.

Contact: 812-271-1821

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