What is a Flight Simulator?

A flight simulator, or aviation training device (ATD), is a device that simulates flights. Users can simulate flying in various flight conditions in a safe and affordable environment.

Frasca Cessna 172 Simulator AATD — In November 2020 Epic became the first flight school in the world to acquire the FRASCA Cessna 172 AATD with FRASCA’s Motion Cueing System for fixed-wing devices (FMCS-FX)

How are flight simulators used in training?

A flight simulator artificially simulates aircraft flight in various environments and conditions. Also known as Flight Training Device (FTD), Aviation Training Device (ATD), or Full Flight Simulator (FFS), they is used primarily to augment pilot training. This is because it is not always safe or practical for student pilots to train in adverse conditions.

For example, you can experience variations in air density, wind shear, turbulence, clouds, and precipitation. Sims let you fly in all types of weather conditions.

Flight training in a sim allows pilots to practice difficult maneuvers. You can teach yourself and expand on lessons. Also, you can simulate flight at airports all around the world.

Flight instructors can observe student pilots’ reactions to these factors. In other words, they check students’ application of flight controls and the effects of other aircraft systems. Epic Flight Academy’s fleet includes flight simulators to provide safe training conditions and reduce costs for students.

Do real pilots use them?

Flight schools such as Epic Flight Academy rely on flight simulators to provide various types of training experiences. Cockpit Procedures Trainers (CPT) allow pilots to practice basic cockpit procedures, like processing emergency checklists. Full-motion simulators provide realistic scenarios for student pilots.

Many pilots even polish their skills at home using video games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator. These can be played on various platforms including DOS, Windows, Classic Mac OS, and Xbox One.

The 2018, 2019, and 2020 versions have proven popular with pilots. Pilots of all ages can fly anything from a Piper Cub to a Boeing 777 on a Microsoft Flight Simulator. They fly in the comfort of their homes, which is why they’re so popular.

Can flight simulators reduce training costs?

Yes, flight simulators cost less to maintain than actual aircraft. For example, simulators also eliminate the need for fuel. Therefore, student pilots enjoy the financial rewards of training in a simulator.

Most importantly, if something goes wrong during a challenging maneuver, there is no damage. Since there are no repair bills for a damaged aircraft, everyone benefits. Certainly, pilots still need to log hours in real aircraft. However, training in a simulator offers a true cost benefit.

Flight Simulator Training — Did you know that simulator time can be logged as training time?

Can I log simulator time as total time?

Yes, you can enter simulator time in your pilot log book as training time. However, you cannot count these hours as flight time. Therefore, you can’t log them as total time.

Does the FAA approve flight simulators?

Yes, the FAA categorizes them as full flight simulators (FFS), flight training devices (FTD), and aviation training devices (ATD). Criteria are fully explained in the FAA Advisory Circular 61-136A, FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience.

Does the FAA approve of Microsoft’s?

No. Although many pilots and non-pilots enjoy the realistic imagery and sound effects offered with this system, it is not FAA-approved for training purposes.

What flight simulators does Epic use?

Flight Simulator - FTD — Flight Simulators / Flight Training Devices: Epic’s fleet includes five simulators that allow our flight students to simulate flight under all sorts of conditions at airports around the world.

We currently maintain and operate five flight simulators in the Epic fleet:

Frasca Truflite Cessna 172 with 180-degree visual system, full enclosure cockpit, G1000 cockpit
Frasca Truflite PA-44 multi-engine sim, full enclosure, one large screen for visuals
Precision Flight Control GTX Max Cessna Trainer, Partial Motion Platform, G1000 Cockpit
Frasca Mentor Cessna 172 sim, smaller unit mainly used for instrument training, G1000 cockpit
FRASCA Cessna 172 Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) with FRASCA’s Motion Cueing System for fixed-wing devices (FMCS-FX)

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How to Set Up a Flight Simulator at Home

Many beginner pilots find the best way to fly military or commercial aircraft is at home. A simulation setup requires very little: PC, monitor, chair, hardware, joystick, and software. Some tablets also support sim software. Logitech offers a wide variety of flight simulator gear, such as flight switch panels, yoke systems, and more. Turtle Beach is another favorite source for accessories for home setups.

You can go cheap and download free flight simulation games online or spend more for more professional virtual reality simulations. VR continues to grow in popularity for obvious reasons. Decide which system works for you, assemble the gear, and take off!