A flight simulator is a piece of equipment that uses advanced computer technology to replicate the motions, sounds, and controls of a modern airplane. The simulator can reproduce how an aircraft maneuvers, how it reacts to the controls, and how it responds to weather and other external factors. All of these are highly valuable in preparing trainee pilots for real-world applications while keeping them in a safe and controlled environment.
While there’s no substitute for manning the cockpit of an actual aircraft, simulator training is instrumental in training a pilot to safely operate an aircraft under different conditions before they go up in the air. Training using flight simulators also has other benefits such as picking up several good habits that will help pilots become efficient aviators in the future.
If you want to learn more about these good habits that you can develop during simulator training, read on.
Correct Any Mistakes While on the Ground
One good habit you can pick up is learning from any mistakes that you make while using a flight simulator. If you make a mistake while flying like messing up a maneuver, you put yourself and your passengers at risk. In contrast, inputting the wrong coordinates or making other mistakes in a simulator won’t have any negative consequences. You can quickly start over until you learned everything safely on the ground.
Improved Flight Proficiency
While safety is an important factor in flight, you can only be an effective pilot if you’re proficient in the required skills. With a flight simulator, you can regularly practice what you have learned so far and continue to enhance your skills. The more flight time you have under your belt, the more opportunities you have to hone your skills. Flight simulators also make practice flights more accessible.
Compared to taking out an aircraft to fly each time you need a practice session, using flight simulators is more convenient and affordable. You don’t need to rent an aircraft or pay for its fuel for a practice flight. You just have to arrange a schedule with your pilot training school and practice flying with reduced costs.
Good Muscle Memory
Muscle memory is very important for pilots. Good muscle memory allows them to react appropriately to sudden changes without risking the safety of their passengers. And the only way to do that is to keep practicing.
Since you can quickly reset everything without fear of ill consequences, simulator training gives you the chance to build up muscle memory and know exactly what to do in specific situations. You can do the simulation over and over again until you’ve mastered the skill and knowledge that you need. This way, you won’t make the same mistakes when you’re up in the air.
Adept in Different Navigational Procedures
Another good habit you can pick up when using a flight simulator is you can become more confident with your navigational abilities. If you want to practice flying under instrument flight rules, you can do so without going to an airport. That’s because flight simulators can recreate almost any simulation, letting you easily practice an entire route. You can load a flight to a particular airport, with real-world runway layouts, accurate roads, terrain, and other airports. This way, you can anticipate what you need to do—from planning the flight paths to executing landings and take-offs.
While practicing using a simulator before going on an actual flight greatly benefits new pilots, it can help seasoned aviators too. If it’s the first time you’ll be flying to a specific location or airport, doing simulator training ensures you have a smooth and safe flight.
Safely Flying in Any Weather
If you’re used to piloting domestic flights, your experience may only be limited to operating an aircraft in local weather. But international flights expose you to weather conditions that you may not be familiar with. As such, you need to be prepared for it. Fortunately, you can practice safely using flight simulators.
Flight simulators can also recreate different types of weather over various kinds of terrain. It provides you with a controlled learning environment where you can build your skills safely. This way, you can practice the necessary techniques that will help you master flying in any condition, whether it’s windy, rainy, or even snowy weather.
Knowledgeable in Handling In-Air Emergencies
Like any machine, airplanes can experience mechanical troubles. Unfortunately, these issues don’t always happen when the aircraft is grounded. As a pilot, you need to be ready for any in-air emergencies like electrical malfunctions and buildup on the wings. In simulator training, you can practice maneuvers and gain the skills required to safely land an aircraft if something goes wrong in a plane during a flight.
Above all these good habits you can pick up, simulator training allows you to build your skill and confidence to safely operate an aircraft in different circumstances. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or preparing for a licensing exam, consider the value of using flight simulators for your training. Find a reputable flight school that has regularly maintained and advanced flight simulators in its facility.