In this guide, we will look at the differences between flight simulator and the real world and the differences and comparisons of this technology and how it aids in pilot training.
Ever wondered how pilots train for various flying scenarios and become highly capable when operating real aircraft, often alone or with passengers or cargo? The answer is flight simulators.
Flight simulators are one of the most important inventions in aviation that leverages various technologies to provide an almost real-life flying experience. This sandbox digital environment enables pilots to train not only how to operate aircraft but also how to handle aircraft under various emergencies.
Aviation is inherently risky; however, thanks to strict regulations and incredible training protocols, it has become one of the safest industries and forms of travel in the world.
In this guide, we will look at the differences between flight simulator and the real world and the differences and comparisons of this technology and how it aids in pilot training.
Simulating Digital Flights
Flight simulators came about when we finally had access to technologies that married analogue and digital environments. A typical flight simulator works by replicating a real-life cockpit; the only difference is that there are high-resolution monitors on the windshield that replicate the outside environment.
So, essentially, pilots can take flight thousands of feet above the air, but digitally. The entire environment is rendered in real-time thanks to modern computer graphics and computing technologies. Since everything is rendered digitally, instructors can manipulate the environment to simulate bird strikes, weather conditions and even have the pilot purposefully stall the aircraft to see how they can get out of the situation.
Flight Simulator Vs Real Life
Here is how flight simulators compare with real life:
Flight Controls and Aircraft Feel
Flight Simulator:
Flight simulators provide limited tactile feedback unless using high-end gear. This largely depends on the type of simulator used for training. For example, the military uses ultra-high-end simulators that not only provide incredible haptic feedback but also extremely realistic environments that allow military personnel to practice various high-stakes flying scenarios.
The control inputs of flight simulators may often be too sensitive or too smooth. Keep in mind that in real life, there are several variables like air friction, the wear and tear of mechanical gear and the specific handling type of the aircraft itself. In flight simulators, everything is homogenised, and pilots may find the controls to be too responsive, which may take away from the experience.
However, the point of flight simulators is to put pilots in various regular and dangerous flying situations, so the key takeaway for them is to learn how to aviate out of these issues rather than focus solely on the “feel” of the simulator. In the same way, the trim controls may also feel exaggerated or less critical, with no realistic force or inertia, without moving platforms.
Real Life:
Pilots flying actual real-life aircraft will always physically feel the feedback from the yoke, rudder and the aircraft structure itself. The resistance in controls also changes with speed and wind, providing a very “active” feel to the aircraft.
Furthermore, the trim is essential for stability and must be adjusted frequently, unlike in simulators, where the aircraft is stabilised. Finally, the movement is heavily affected by forces such as inertia, gravity and of course, turbulence.
Environment and Weather
Flight Simulator:
Flight simulators are prized for how they can help manipulate various variables to provide diverse flying scenarios. The weather is based on programmed or real-time data feeds, with turbulence and wind often modelled visually or statistically.
The visibility and lighting conditions are rendered but lack depth which can cause pilots to always know they are in a simulated environment rather than a real-life scenario. Pilots also get limited sensory cues from weather changes since current technologies cannot simulate temperature or moisture changes.
Real Life:
In the real world, the weather is dynamic, unpredictable, and felt physically which adds to the flying experience and keeps pilots on their toes. Visibility can change rapidly due to haze, fog, or rain and can cause pilots to change their approach to flying for maximum safety.
Furthermore, flying through clouds causes real turbulence and potential icing, and without the right data inputs in simulators, these variables can often be absent in simulators. Even the lighting changes, like glares and shadows, directly impact visual navigation in the real world.
Stress, Mental Load, and Risk
Flight Simulator:
Even in the direst of situations, pilots know that they are in a simulator, so there is a low-pressure environment since mistakes have no real consequences.
Just like a video game, flights in a simulator can pause or restart. Pilots can also easily fly in ideal weather and conditions within the simulators unless the instructor programs in an emergency. These critical scenarios are usually scripted or user-triggered and not sudden like in the real world, which can add to the low-pressure environment.
Real Life:
Real-life flying involves extremely high stakes since the safety of passengers and the aircraft is on the line.
Even the most trained pilots can feel some stress during emergencies or unexpected events; however, they are trained in simulators to lessen this stress and easily aviate the aircraft using protocols.
Of course, there is no pause button in real life, and real flying requires real-time judgment and calm decision-making!
Aircraft Systems and Procedures
Flight Simulator:
Simulated flights use high-fidelity models to simulate aircraft systems in detail (e.g., PMDG, A2A). Since everything is controlled via a central and very powerful computer, the electrical, fuel, autopilot, and navigation systems often function accurately, unlike in real life, where they can, on very rare occasions, cause problems.
The startup, shutdown, and flows can be practised repeatedly as well, which allows pilots to familiarise themselves with the various vital functions of the aircraft.
Real Life:
During actual flights, the aircraft systems interact with the physical environment, like engine heat, fluid levels, etc.
Sometimes, failures occur unexpectedly and must be managed under pressure. This is why the Civil Aviation Authority follows strict guidelines that include checklists that must be followed precisely, not memorised or rushed.
ATC Communication
Flight Simulator:
Digital flights rely on automated or online ATC networks like VATSIM or PilotEdge. In many simulators, users skip ATC entirely because the focus is solely on the flying scenario. Furthermore, communication can be inconsistent or incorrect unless an instructor is present on-site and provides the pilot with special instructions over the radio.
Real Life:
During real flights, pilots are expected to maintain real-time interaction with trained ATC controllers. This skill requires a mastery of radio phraseology and aviation English and involves complex instructions, rerouting, and fast thinking.
Navigation and Situational Awareness
Flight Simulator:
The on-board GPS and navigation aids are often simplified or pre-configured in simulators making the flight uneventful unlike in the real world where things can go wrong. Pilots can often rely on visual cues generated by software which can make everything look too easy.
Furthermore, charts and approach plates can be loaded digitally with ease, and pilots know exactly what to expect from each digital flight.
Real Life:
Pilots must interpret real terrain, obstacles, and sun position during actual flights. This involves using navigation aids that may fail or be unavailable due to terrain or range. Finally, during real flights, pilots require constant awareness of aircraft position and traffic.
Training Requirements and Regulations
Flight Simulator:
The best thing about simulators is that there are no licensing, certification, or medical requirements. These are digital flights and are conducted on the ground, so there is no actual “flying” that takes place.
However, simulators are immensely useful for self-training or brushing up on procedures, with some FAA-approved simulators even allowing for logged time, but this is typically very limited.
Real Life:
Real pilots operating aircraft require medical clearance, written exams, and supervised instruction. They must adhere to regulations set by the FAA, EASA, or local CAA, with currency, recency, and check rides legally mandated.
Cost and Accessibility
Flight Simulator:
Flight simulators have a one-time or subscription-based cost for software. Modern simulators are designed to have an affordable hardware setup, which includes the yoke, throttle, rudder pedals, etc. Since there is no fuel involved, the flights are virtually (pun-intended) cost-free.
Real Life:
In the real world, there are several costs pilots need to keep in mind, which include aircraft rental, fuel, maintenance, and instructor fees. Furthermore, insurance and licensing add to the expense, and in many cases, weather, airspace, and maintenance can limit flying availability.
Where Simulators Excel
Simulators are excellent for practising instrument procedures like ILS, RNAV, and holds. They are great for learning aircraft systems and startup/shutdown sequences and are key to becoming familiar with airspace, radio navigation, and avionics.
They provide a limited but vital virtual feeling of the aircraft’s motion, inertia, and aerodynamic behaviour. Pilots can also use simulators to manage real-time decision-making under pressure. With practice, they can develop spatial awareness, especially in poor visibility and build confidence through actual flight hours and experience.
It is important to keep in mind that even though flight simulators are incredibly valuable tools for procedural learning, systems practice, and scenario training, they lack the full physical, emotional, and operational complexity of real-life flying. The job of a simulator is to provide an excellent supplement to real-world flight training and should never be relied on as a substitute.
STARTING YOUR PATH TO BETTER CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS
If you are a new pilot or someone looking for pilot training that includes simulator training, then your best bet is to enrol on a great flight school. If you are intrigued by the technology and idea behind simulation training and are planning to enrol in a commercial pilot programme, then flight schools like Sherburn will be a great fit for you.
By joining an aviation club such as Sherburn Aero Club, you will not only be able to access simulators but also take advantage of the highly trained faculty of the club.
Here is some information about flight training and simulators that might interest you in joining our club:
Sherburn’s Flight Simulator
Sherburn Aero Club has an in-house flight simulator, known as G-SIMM.
If you think this simulator is beyond your reach and only reserved for advanced training, then think again! G-SIMM is available for all beginner pilots looking to get a grasp on what to expect during an actual flight, as well as advanced pilots hoping to refine their skills.
It is designed for the club’s airfield, which means that you can expect a similar environment in the digital world! This simulator is also optimised for Sherburn’s fleet of aircraft.
The simulator is situated in its own purpose-built room and is free to use for members of Sherburn. However, if an instructor is required, the standard fee may be applicable.
The simulator allows pilots to refine their general handling and procedure skills, including Practice Forced Landing (PFL), engine failure, component failure, and instrument practice, including Instrument Landing System (ILS), Non-directional Beacon (NBD) holds, and the general instrument scan.
By practising their approach to such situations via a simulator, pilots learn to develop the judgements necessary for a successful landing.
Instrument Training Via Simulation
If you are interested in progressing your licence and learning how to operate aircraft using the onboard instruments, then you’re in luck! The simulator at Sherburn also houses a second station that can be used for instrument training, providing a great, cost-effective way to learn.
The way it works is both easy, fun and engaging too: an instructor can take on the role of an air traffic controller and give you vectors to the ILS, introduce failures including the horizon, engine, instrument, and pitot, as well as change the weather parameters within the simulator.
The instrument panel is also fully integrated and connected, which means that if your scan isn't quite working, or you are gaining height or turning, and you haven't spotted it, the instructor can remind you and get you back in the zone.
Flight Simulator Group (FSG)
The Flight Simulator group is an integral part of Sherburn’s community, with over fifty members sharing their love of aviation.
Collectively, the members have simulators ranging from basic PC setups to complex cockpit varieties. So, you get an overlap of tech lovers and aviation enthusiasts! The group is open to all members of Sherburn without any added cost, with the group consisting of beginner pilots, professionals, and aviation enthusiasts.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
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. Sherburn also proudly hosts state-of-the-art facilities, including a flight simulator.
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.
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 on 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 Lorin Both on Unsplash
