In this guide, we will look at the importance of flight simulation in pilot training and the benefits of this technology in modern aviation.
Flight simulation is the epitome of advanced aviation technology and commercial pilot training. Pilots are faced with numerous challenges and risks when flying any type of aircraft. However, for commercial pilots, the stakes are much higher because of the number of souls that travel in commercial aircraft.
This is why commercial training is far more demanding – and for good reason! To combat the severe challenges that pilots can face on rare occasions and to prepare them on how to tackle these issues, the aviation industry sought to create an artificial environment where they could train pilots on various scenarios and teach them how to get out of these situations without losing their focus on what really matters: flying the aircraft.
In this guide, we will look at the importance of flight simulation in pilot training and the benefits of this technology in modern aviation.
SIMULATION TRAINING
Simulation training is based on the technology behind Virtual Reality (VR). VR headsets have become all the rage these days with many companies spending billions on investments to further this futuristic technology.
However, simulation training in the aviation industry has been around for many, many decades. In fact, the best-known early flight simulation machine was the Link Trainer which was produced by Edwin Link in Binghamton, USA. The simulator was introduced in 1927 and laid the foundations for future designs that would only improve upon the graphics, control surfaces, and the experience of the simulator.
Flight training is quite demanding, and even more so for commercial pilots who need to be at the top of their game to perform their duties without fault.
Aviation is inherently risky, however, using technology, advanced communication and navigation systems, and a lot of strict policies and regulations, humans have been able to make flying the safest form of travel – which in and itself is a tremendous feat and a testament to human ingenuity.
Modern pilots are trained on highly advanced systems that are designed to simulate a virtual environment using a combination of analogue and digital controls. So, instead of flying for real, the pilot is put in a grounded, fully functioning cockpit with multiple screens in front. These screens project a natural (albeit animated or virtual) environment with all the real-world physics.
The cockpit is usually a replica of common commercial aircraft and any changes to the analogue controls have a direct impact on the simulated/virtual aircraft within the computer programme.
If you think about it, simulation training has been quite common since the dawn of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and chances are that you might even have played a flight simulation game!
Games like Xplane 12 and Microsoft’s Flight Simulator are usually the gold standard for computer-simulated flight training. These games are played by enthusiasts but offer a staggering level of realism in the context of flying aircraft and graphics.
However, flight simulators at top-class aero clubs like Sherburn Aero Clubs take the concept to a whole new level. These advanced simulators replicate a physical cockpit and put the pilot directly into a simulator program that is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
These simulators are commonly used to assess pilot faults and even air-related disasters. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the CAA selects pilots to replicate the conditions during the accident and figure out the pilot’s mistake and what they could have done better to avoid it.
These programs truly are remarkable and important in modern aviation which is why simulator training is a dedicated course in any commercial pilot programme.
BENEFITS OF FLIGHT SIMULATION IN PILOT TRAINING
Here are all the important benefits of using simulation technology in pilot training:
Safety
- No-Risk Training Environment
The entire point of simulation training is to train pilots in a virtual environment free from actual risk or harm. Flight simulators provide a controlled environment where pilots can experience various emergency scenarios and train on how to get out of those scenarios without losing control of the aircraft. Simulation training is done with a trained instructor on-site who can also guide the pilot on what they can do to make the situation better.
Even if a pilot fails, they can simply reset the simulation and start from the beginning, however, this time, they can apply their experience and fix their mistakes along the way.
- Control Various Aspects of the Environment
Since the pilots are training in a computer-simulated environment, you can set the parameters of the simulator to simulate thunderstorms, hail, turbulence, and virtually any natural disaster that can affect flight. The simulator can also replicate aircraft issues such as engine failure, power failure, malfunction, software glitches, and much more. This type of training is impossible if not utterly dangerous in the real world.
Cost-Effectiveness
- Reduced Costs
Think of the training hours required for commercial pilots! Commercial pilots require a minimum of 150 hours. Most of this is flying in the real world but a good portion of commercial training happens within a simulated environment. Flying aircraft in challenging situations can not only be dangerous but also costly since it would require specialty aircraft. A much easier way to train pilots is to put them in a simulator and change the parameters of the aircraft and the environment. This method not only saves costs but also increases the pilot’s training efficiency.
- Time Savings
Simulators save time and resources! When you are put in a simulator, you don’t have to wait for the usual protocols for flying planes in the real world. For example, instead of getting on a plane and taking off, the simulation can begin mid-journey. The simulation can also focus on key areas such as descents, landings, and even taxis and takeoffs.
Regulatory Requirements
- CAA and EASA Standards
Simulation training isn’t optional! It is mandatory as per the CAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This means that all commercial pilots need to put in mandatory training hours as part of their regular training. We have already discussed why simulation training is important, but another reason why it is mandatory is because it allows pilots to build intuition during tense situations. This intuition can not only help them stay calm during emergencies but can also help them save lives.
Simulation training is also a requirement for licence renewals. All commercial pilots are required to complete several simulator hours in order to renew their licence and show their prowess at handling emergencies.
Technological Advancements
- Realistic Scenarios
Realism is key with simulated environments. This is why major companies have invested millions in making simulators as life-like as possible. Although the graphics of the system are limited, the real-world replication of physics is incredibly accurate which makes the system infallible during training.
Furthermore, these simulators will continue to improve with newer technologies. For example, since the 2000s, simulators have benefited a lot from GPU advancements which have made not just computational tasks easier but also improved the graphics and physics of the system.
Environmental Impact
- Reduced Emissions
Another key benefit of using simulators is their impact on the environment. The aviation industry generates a lot of greenhouse gases and has a considerable carbon footprint. However, by using simulators, we can reduce emissions for training and help reduce the overall impact of the industry on the environment. It is important to note that the aviation industry is constantly working on making improvements on fuel and other factors of flight to lower their greenhouse impact and even though we have a long way to go, every little step towards making the environment better goes a long way!
Enhanced Training Programs
- Scenario-Based Training
Whether it is simple manoeuvres, unstable flight simulations, or advanced scenario-based training, a simulator can replicate all these situations perfectly and train pilots to combat these issues in real time. This helps improve the decision-making of pilots and allows them to build a resilient mindset that can withstand sudden emergency scenarios.
Furthermore, a simulator can simulate the environment for various aircraft. So, even if you don’t have access to a particular aircraft due to availability, by changing the parameters on the simulator, you can set it to replicate the environment for any type of aircraft.
WHAT IS COMMERCIAL FLIGHT TRAINING?
Commercial pilots have the same foundational ground school and flight training requirements as private pilots – however, commercial pilot programmes have additional courses and a more in-depth curriculum.
The reason why commercial pilots are put through the wringer is that they have a much bigger responsibility while flying commercial planes that usually have either people or cargo on board – both precious in their own right.
Commercial pilots have been around since the commercialisation of aviation. As soon as humanity realised that aviation could be used for more than just recreational flying and war, the industry started to shift its focus on commercialising its operations and building aircraft that could enable cross-country travel both cheaply and safely.
Commercial pilots require a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) which allows them to commandeer large aircraft. These pilots have strong career opportunities and as they gain experience, they become more valuable in aviation.
Commercial flight training schools, like Sherburn, hire experienced and often retired commercial pilots with vast experience to teach candidates about topics such as:
- Aircraft Systems and Aerodynamics, which focuses on everything related to the principles of flight and all the onboard systems that are essential in the operation of an aircraft.
- Meteorology focuses on weather forecasts and the importance of interpreting them to ensure a smooth flight.
- Regulations and Procedures and all other essential Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are mandatory to operate an aircraft.
- Simulation Training, which focuses on training pilots for various risks and emergencies. These situations not only help pilots develop the mindset for tackling these tough situations but also prepare them for how to follow regulations even when faced with a challenging environment.
Training Curriculum
Commercial pilots train in multi-engine flight, instrument rating, simulated flights, and also night operations.
Multi-engine flights are to train pilots to operate larger aircraft like the Airbus A330/A320 or Boeing 777/747.
Instrument flights are designed to train pilots to fly aircraft without visual aids. In other words, the pilot will use the onboard instruments and data to operate the aircraft safely. This type of training is used to prepare pilots for flying in bad weather conditions or in scenarios where visibility is low.
Night ratings are designed to help pilots fly after sunset or outside of Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Using simulation training, pilots can not only learn on various aircraft, but the settings of the simulators can also be tweaked to replicate scenarios where the pilot would have to use the onboard instruments to operate the aircraft.
WHERE DO PILOTS TRAIN?
If you want to become a pilot, then finding a great flight school is the first step in your aviation journey!
However, not all flight schools offer the full spectrum of training that includes commercial pilot training and simulator training. Only full-fledged flight schools like Sherburn Aeroclub are equipped with the faculty and facilities to train pilots for both CPL and PPL.
It is important to note that these schools can train pilots for both commercial and private pilot licences. Commercial pilot training is just like private pilot training except that it includes additional courses related to multi-engine aircraft, aircraft systems, and instrument flying.
While private pilot training doesn’t require simulation training, it is important to have this facility at your flight school since if you decide to upgrade your PPL to a CPL, it would be better to continue your training at the same flight school.
Even after obtaining your licence, you can enjoy the perks of being enrolled at the flight schools since most schools also offer the services of a flight club.
Flight clubs offer trained pilots access to infrastructure, various aircraft, aircraft services, rentals, experience flights, a vibrant community, events, and much more.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on flight simulation in pilot training!
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
