RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. This month, eight employees of V.I.P. Charters in Riviera Beach are climbing aboard a special MCI conversion coach to receive simultaneous driver training that extends far beyond anything they could receive in a single day using V.I.P.'s facilities or buses.

The training will take place on-board an MCI "coach driving simulator" and be under the direction of Daecher Consulting Group of Camp Hill, Pa., a leader in motorcoach safety consulting.

Last month, MCI retaining Daecher Consulting to lead the instruction program for its driving simulator.

Earlier, Daecher Consulting Group founder Carmen Daecher worked closely with MCIs technical advisers to create the instructional materials, lessons and skill-assessment materials used on the simulator.

In its new role, the Daecher Consulting Group will lead individual and classroom instruction on the high-tech simulator. Individual or group training is available at MCI customer locations with up to eight drivers trained per day. Sessions include all training materials, skills assessment and performance measurements.

"Our coach driving simulator isn't about training or teaching drivers how to drive -- they know how to do that," says Skip Neff, MCI senior technical adviser. "The system is fantastic technology because it exposes a driver's weakness, such as following too close or not adjusting speed in foggy conditions, assesses skill level, and provides the tools and practice time to improve," Neff adds.

"The . . . simulator reduces on-road training time, lowers fuel costs and minimizes fleet wear while advancing drivers' skills," notes Ken Russell, MCI vice president of aftermarket customer support.

"Well-trained drivers help keep coaches filled and passengers happy. The cost for an operator to develop simulator training on his own would be astronomical, but we've invested in this technology because we believe there's value in making better drivers," says Russell.

"Data supports that simulator training reduces wear and tear on equipment, reinforces safer driving habits and helps increase driver retention. And we all know how important good drivers are to business," he adds.

Using video graphics, sound and motion, the simulator prepares drivers for routine and hazardous situations "without risk." The simulator replicates a wide variety of driving situations on board MCI J4500, E4500 or D-Series models. The training modules include:

Assessment and training

Backing and parking

Space management

Intersection safety

Logbook completion and pre-trip inspection

For more information or to inquire about having the MCI driving simulator at your location, contact an MCI fleet support or sales manager, or call Bonnie Kroll, who coordinates the training schedule, at (847) 285-2257.

Meanwhile, MCI has announced it is doubling the number of Technical Tune-Up Seminars offered next year at the MCI Training Center in Louisville, Ky. The sessions are suitable for beginning or more advanced bus maintenance technicians.

Next years Tech Tune-Up Sessions will be in February, May, September and October. To register, or for more information, contact Kroll.