United Airlines Flight Training Center – Building H

With demand for pilots rising to support 75 new 737 Max and A321neo aircraft, United Airlines needed a new flight training center quickly. The Turner + BRPH team made it happen. Building H brings 157,000 sq. ft. of space for 12 flight simulators, 12 fixed training devices, classrooms and support areas. Two simulator bays were finished in 16 months, allowing for uninterrupted training.

The team adopted a Best Value, two-step procurement process to build strong partnerships and adapt to changing market conditions. Daily technical meetings and weekly design sessions brought the design, construction and specialty contractor teams together to solve problems quickly. Co-location ensured questions were answered in real time, keeping work moving forward. This collaborative approach produced contract documents with practical, buildable solutions.

Meeting Complex Demands
When the facility’s complexity required more expertise, the team engaged life safety consultant Jensen Hughes and permitting advisor Rondielli Life Safety for guidance. A phased permitting and occupancy plan enabled early turnover of simulator bays, each with its own systems and life safety features.

One major goal of the project was called “Two Bays in May,” which required two simulator bays to be finished months before the rest of the project. To facilitate this accelerated timeline, the team built a separate self-contained section of the building with its own systems and life safety controls. Separate design packages and phased approvals from the City of Denver allowed this part of the building to open early while maintaining safety and security.

The team made sure efficiency did not come at the cost of quality or community. They earned LEED Silver certification for this energy-intensive facility by adding a rooftop solar array, using advanced building management systems and choosing materials with care. Turner also surpassed 20% participation from underutilized local businesses, helping smaller firms grow by involving them directly in the project.

Design-Build Team

Photos

Photo Credits: Small Giants Photography; Turner Construction Company