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Simulator 101
There are three FAA-defined categories of simulation-based training devices currently used to provide flight simulation training. As simulators become more complex, they provide a more realistic training environment in terms of flight systems, visual displays, motion simulation, and cockpit environment.
Just as you look to buy the aircraft that most perfectly suits your mission requirements, you should invest in the simulated training environment that best suits your training needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Full Flight Simulators The full flight simulator (FFS) is the most advanced type of flight simulation available to pilots and training institutions. An FFS has a motion base and includes a full replica of the cockpit of a specific make, model, and series of aircraft. All aerodynamics, flight controls, and systems must perform as the actual aircraft would in flight. There are three levels of FFS available:
■ FFS Level D: The highest level provides a motion platform capable of moving in all six directions, a visual system with a 180-degree view, and a number of motion, visual, and aural effects that enhance the realism of the cockpit environment.
■ FFS Level C: This level has the same motion and visual capability as Level D but features fewer visual and aural effects.
■ FFS Level B: This level has at least a three-axis motion platform and a visual system that responds to pilot input at a slower rate than the level C or D.
Flight Training Devices A flight training device (FTD) is usually a nonmotion trainer that replicates a specific aircraft, including instruments, equipment, panels, and controls, in an open or closed flight deck. Some newer FTDs have a motion base. Research has shown that an FTD that provides even subtle motion or aural cues, such as vibration seats, can match the immersive experience offered by a more expensive FFS. Aircraft-specific flight training devices are designated by numbers
rather than the letters that correspond to full-flight simulators: ■ FTD Level 7, the highest level, has an enclosed flight deck and a
fully operational aerodynamic program with all helicopter systems operational. All controls and switches replicate the feel of the aircraft. The visual system must provide cross-deck viewing from both pilots’ seats, and vibration cues enhance the realism of the training.
■ FTD Level 6 is the same as Level 7 without the vibration cues. ■ FTD Level 5 has at least one operating system, and the flight controls must be physical controls. ■ FTD Level 4 has one operating system.
Aircraft Training Device An aircraft training device (ATD) has a nonspecific cockpit. Significant developments in computer flight simulation and visual graphics capability have led to the increased use of ATDs in general aviation training. This evolving simulation technology provides effective training capabilities at reduced cost for flight schools.
Virtual Reality Simulation The simulation industry is rapidly evolving, with manufacturers developing new technology that in some ways challenges current FAA-defined simulation levels, such as virtual reality. As these new devices come to market, more revolutionary and affordable options will help expand simulation training access.
Group, has been actively involved in promoting simulator training in the helicopter industry for more than two decades. One of the training industry’s leading advocates, Palmer has an insider’s view of the evolution of simulator training.
“Insurance companies respond to NTSB
recommendations,” Palmer says. “When the NTSB made the recommendation for training in simulators, the insurance companies finally put pressure on their customers, the helicopter operators, to use simulators. Te operators then put pressure on the OEMs for better simulators, and it snowballed from there.” By this time, Level D full-motion full flight simulators (FFSs) were being used at several
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training locations. However, training time in these advanced simulators, which provide a high-fidelity experience in a full-size replica of a specific aircraft cockpit, has remained very expensive—sometimes twice the cost of training in the actual aircraft. Flight simulation was therefore rarely used beyond insurance or customer contract requirements. Meanwhile, better computer flight simulation
and graphics opened the door for less expensive flight training devices (FTDs): simulators that may or may not emulate a specific aircraft model and typically do not move, but that provide accurate instrument responses and flight controls to practice regular and emergency procedures. Tese less-sophisticated simulators,
while not delivering the immersive experience of an FFS, provide all the advantages of simu- lation training—a way to accurately practice procedures and build correct muscle mem- ory—at a lower cost. Helicopter OEMs and operators began working with simulator manufacturers to bring more FTDs to market and get them approved by the FAA.
Simulator Training Today Today, most large helicopter operators, such as those supporting offshore energy production, government contracts, and helicopter air ambulance missions, provide annual or semi- annual simulator training for all pilots, some in FFSs and some in FTDs.
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