Story ID: 
Simulated Training, Real Results
By: Martha Jercinovich
Caption: FlightSafety prepares aviators to be capable and confident in every situation.
Word Count: 830
Using cutting-edge technology and tailored curriculum, simulators and ever-improving training methods enable pilots to practice real-life scenarios safely and more consistently in ways not achievable before. Today, virtually any business or commercial aircraft can be replicated, resulting in safer, sharper pilots, who are prepared for anything.
Training from the Ground Up
With preparedness as the core of its training philosophy, FlightSafety International (FSI) leads the industry in the design and supply of advanced-technology training devices, with the world’s largest fleet of full flight simulators. Whether an operator or pilot is seeking a single class or a complete training program, a broad range of courses are available across initial, recurrent, advanced or special operations training.
At FSI, time-tested and tailored curriculums are rooted in fundamentals but improved beyond the basics, utilizing insights from decades of instruction plus real-operational flying data. Whether a green or seasoned professional pilot is seated in the cockpit, simulators are great procedure trainers for solidifying fundamentals and increasing proficiency.
Consider a first jet type rating. A simulator can allow for a dozen go-arounds in half the time of a real aircraft. Time is more efficiently spent honing these skills on the ground versus burning fuel circling patterns, avoiding traffic, or flying to various airports to perform specific procedures. Students can repeat maneuvers and practice landings repetitively with much less fatigue or expense.
With the ability to freeze the simulator at any point, instructors can also provide real-time feedback versus waiting until engine shutdown, allowing the instructor to focus on a precise point in time to reveal an error and teach a correction. Students and instructors can collectively partake in discussion without the distraction of controls, weather, or traffic to guide and influence the next steps or procedures to focus on. The simulator can easily be reset to repeat maneuvers or play out a flight completely, allowing pilots to fully and safely observe the results of their decisions without potential repercussions or aircraft damage.
Avionics is another significant consideration in today’s training. As performance and processes have advanced in the cockpit, so has the need for increased technical knowledge and competence. Simulators give pilots a convenient and accurate platform to dive more deeply into their aircraft’s technology and automation. Improving those skills and learnings on the ground could mean solving a situation more efficiently in the air.
Scenario-Based Training
Realistic experiences and accurate flight environments on the ground allow for the exercise of both standard and critical flight procedures.
Simulators empower pilots to go beyond the expected or usual and confront worst-case scenarios. Specific emergency procedures – failures of engine(s), hydraulics, or electrical – simply cannot be safely practiced in real aircraft.
FlightSafety full flight simulators help formulate real-world (and worst-case) situations pilots might face unique to their aircraft type, mission, and geographical environment. With equipment and controls mirroring those of their actual aircraft, the simulator is programmed to respond exactly how the aircraft would in each scenario. Additionally, emergency ATC calls can be practiced with realistic ATC responses. Such training aids a deeper understanding and respect for adverse developments and the proper, potentially lifesaving, reactions.
Training days aren’t canceled for the weather either – quite the opposite. Types and severity of the weather can be controlled throughout a session, adding elements of difficulty around visibility, turbulence, wind or rain. Icy runways and nighttime conditions can also be integrated. Instructors can customize probable situations unique to various piloting backgrounds. Each instructor’s experience runs deep, with many holding similar past flying experiences as the student they’re teaching.
Rather than merely standard maneuvers, scenario-based training aims to develop critical thinking and flight management skills. So, not only is greater proficiency achieved on the fundamental level, but enhanced threat awareness instills pilots with bolder confidence to take to the cockpit. With full-flight simulation, pilots increase proficiency but also confront hazardous scenarios not feasible in actual aircraft. Thanks to next-generation computer technology and graphics, simulator realism only continues to improve.
Premier Preparedness
FlightSafety offers courses for 135 aircraft types taught by 1,600 instructors worldwide. As industry-leading experts in flight simulation production and instruction, a higher level of support and customization comes with such breadth.
Top simulation engineers have led the way in technological innovations and custom designs, built to meet customers’ unique operational requirements. For this reason, commercial, government, and military organizations rely on FlightSafety full flight simulators for their training programs. This includes core and advanced master-level courses and instruction.
Incorporating simulators into a training regimen also leads to cost savings in fuel, insurance and maintenance. Many insurance companies now even require or provide discount incentives for simulator training as it becomes more proven that building skills beyond regulatory minimums on the ground puts pilots in the best position to succeed in the air.