Flight Simulator for Pilots

A flight simulator can simulate the experience of flying artificially. This can be used to train pilots, to test aircrafts, or just for fun. This article will primarily deal with the flight simulators that are for training pilots.

Advantages over real flight

Teachers may want to train pilots on a flight simulator rather than a real aircraft for a variety of reasons. Simulations are often times safer and more practical. For example, there can be electrical, instrumental, hydraulic, environmental, and control failures on a real aircraft. Also, there are some maneuvers that are not safe to practice on a real airplane. In a flight simulator, there will not be these sorts of problems. It is safer for pilots and their teachers.

Training on a flight simulator is also much cheaper than training on a real aircraft. Flight simulators do not need fuel or insurance, unlike actual airplanes. It is also easier for teachers to focus on the student in a flight simulator. For example, it is easier to position the aircraft in a simulator. Sometimes in teaching pilots to fly, many approaches are needed. On a simulation, the teacher can immediately change the position after an approach.

Types

There are many different types of flight simulator for training. Some simpler devices include the cockpit procedures trainer. This is for practicing fundamental cockpit functions and to familiarize the pilot with the cockpit. The aerodynamic model is simulated. Another example is the aviation training device. This is for practicing fundamental flight concepts and to familiarize the pilot with flight procedures. Ordinary flight systems are simulated. Also, the basic instrument training device and the flight and navigation procedures trainer are used for generic flying.


There are also many complex devices in a flight simulator for training pilots. One example of such a device is the flight training device. This can be used for both generic training and training for specific airplanes. This includes a comprehensive system for flight and the environment. Another complex device is the full flight simulator. It is specifically for individual aircraft training. Everything is fully simulated, and it requires motion and visual systems. Another popular device is the full mission simulator. The military uses this to train military pilots.

Technology

For a full flight simulator, all of the airplane and the environment must be replicated. This requires a simulated cockpit, a visual system, and a motion platform. This motion platform requires six degrees of freedom to go in all directions, and six jacks in currently the standard for this motion platform. In the United States, motion platforms are regulated by the FAA. Since motion platforms are limited, they use acceleration onset cueing to simulate the acceleration and then resume a normal position.

The motion platforms for a flight simulator used to have hydraulic jacks, but they usually include electric jacks now. This is because electric jacks do not require hydraulic motor rooms, are simpler, and they have fewer delays. In the military, these motion platforms can be used for anything from large aircrafts to helicopters. Generally, motion platforms feel very much like being on an aircraft, so it is good for training pilots on.

To train pilots, a flight simulator may be used instead of a real plane. Generally, flight simulators are cheaper and safer, and they still feel as if the pilot is in a real plane. This makes a flight simulator very good for training pilots.