Flight Simulators - Research Paper Example

Flight Simulators A flight simulator is a device that is used to artificially recreate a flight situation by simulating the various environments realized in flight situations. Flight simulators have always been used in training pilots and developing various models of aircraft. The devices react to the various applications and artificial external environmental factors like turbulence, cloud, precipitation and air density. The development of flight simulators is governed by various needs and the specific needs for these devices. There are many different types of flight simulators used today and their uses and complexity vary. However, before any flight simulator is used for any aviation purpose, it must be evaluated and certified by various authorities like the National Aviation Authority (3). In the Canada, this responsibility falls within the mandate of the National Certification Authority and Transport Canada (TC). The device is normally evaluated against a given set of criteria focusing on different aspects. Despite the presence of several types of simulators in the aviation field, the aviation regulators have classified these simulators into three major classes. Full- flight simulators (FFS) flight training devices (FDT), and flight navigation and procedure trainers (FNPT). The full flight simulators are the most comprehensive and consist of completely closed cockpits which create the impression of real aircraft (4). They use very accurate 3D simulations in the training process. The FFS produced by cueSim is certified by the Transport Canada TC and given Level B qualification. This simulator is effective in the training of pilots for S76C++ aircraft types (4). CueSim has been awarded several qualifications for most of its simulators. FFS simulators play a very important role in the initial and recurrent training of the pilots in order to enhance their skills. In this regard, the FSS are granted certifications by different authorities in different countries. While dealing with the flight simulators, the authorities normally differentiate between the technical ability of the simulator and its use in the training process. The evaluation is meant to ascertain the replication of the simulator for training purposes (4). On the other hand, the flight navigation and procedure trainers (FNPTs) offer most of the services realized in the FFS but without the six-axis moving base. These simulators are normally used in certain levels of flight training and recertification purposes. In this regard, the cueSim's Level III simulator is certified by the EASA to be used for this purpose. There are several other simulators from different manufactures that are also certified in the United States and Canada to serve as the FNPT. One of them is the AO1-Piper Seneca from Entrol which has a level II certification from the EASA. This simulator is also certified by the FAA to be used in the United States as a Level B simulator. Another FFS simulator that has been certified by the several bodies including the FAA and TC is the CAE 7000 Series simulator that is recognized all over the world as a true benchmark for quality ad fidelity (2). The simulator is normally used as a full solution in cases where specialized training services are needed. It enables full customization and has been used by several training situations across the world. Operators seeking the certification of their simulators should always be aware of all the issues relating to the performance of the related aircraft. The FAA and TC are normally very strict in the certification process. In most cases, the Qualification Test Guide (QTG) is used as the basis for certification in the United States and Canada. In the case of the FAA an initial evaluation is conducted before the simulator is certified for use. The FAA also conducts recurrent evaluations on periodic basis in order to ensure that the manufactures comply with the level of qualifications (4). The difference in the level of qualifications for the FFS emerges out of the different needs for these simulators. Most certification bodies use different criteria in granting the qualifications. In this regard, the FFS are normally given levels A, B, C and D depending on the ability use of the devices. A FFS simulator certified as Level C or D might easily be substituted by a Full Training Device (FDT) certified as level 6. The FTD are also certified by the FAA as levels 1-6 depending on the various features of the devices. However, it should be realized that the aspects of qualification is basically a prerogative of the certification body which might grant a qualification level different from another certification body. In this regard, the FAA is normally very stringent in comparison to the EASA or TC (4). The FFS is effective in training pilots for wide body commercial aircraft, narrow body commercial aircraft and even regional liners. The simulators can also be effective in training for rotary aircraft and can be customized to match entirely all aircraft designs. The simulator creates very effective seamless training experience and an ideal aircraft environment that is very important in the training purposes (4). The FFS simulators are characterized by very advanced technologies and capabilities and most of them are very cost effective while employing very advanced technologies (3). The FFS can also be made in a way to meet the demands of third party training and conversion purposes in level D situations. The conventional flight simulators are not simply limited to the cockpit versions. There are other 2D flight trainers that are also used for simulation purposes. The ACT trainer is one of the most effective desktop simulators that are designed for use of Airbus personnel. The simulator is enhanced with real time schematics that are animated and able to provide fully simulated virtual environment (3). The simulator is deployed in classroom environment. The Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) is also developed for used in training of maintenance staff and pilots. It offers a simulated functionality capabilities as well as providing virtual aircraft which enhances the familiarization of the pilots with the flight procedures and the cases of troubleshooting. The Flight Management System Trainer (FMST) is also an advanced flight simulator that integrates all the flight management systems using a re-hosted technology and a modern simulated rendition process. The flight simulators used in present day aviation normally vary in terms of the needs and complexity. They are used in training both civilian and military aircraft pilots and maintenance officers. The Cockpits Procedures- Trainer (CPT) is a basic simulator that is used in training pilots on the basic cockpit procedures and familiarization purposes. It is however important to realize that certain systems in real aircraft cannot really be simulated the use of CPT is not really regulated due to its basic usage and most training schools used these devices in familiarizing their students with aircraft conditions. The Aviation Training Device (ATD) is also a basic simulator that is used in training some of the basic procedures and concepts. It is able to simulate various flight systems and its use is therefore regulated by the various regulatory agencies. In the United States, the use of the ATD has been authorized by the FAA (1). The Full Missions Simulator (FMS) is a flight simulator that is majorly used by the military in training pilots for the various aircraft designs in this field. Other than training the basic flight processes, the FMS is used to simulate some of the real conditions realized in training the various aspects of missions and the uses of the various aircraft realized. In the same way, the Full Training Device is used in training for both aircraft specific and generic purposes. The FTD has been used extensively in the training of pilots and it has been authorized for aircraft training by both the FAA and the EASC (3). In most flights schools the training of pilots is partially conducted in real aircraft and in basic simulators. As the students become more familiar with the flight operations, more emphasis is then placed in cockpit management, instrument flying and advanced aircraft systems. In this process, the pilots are normally shifted to the more advanced FFS and the pilots are therefore acquainted with the more advanced systems of aircraft. The use of flight simulation is a very important aspect of modern aviation. Indeed, the training of pilots is a very intricate process that cannot really be accomplished though the sole use of real aircraft. It certainly becomes very expensive for flight schools to use such aircraft as the 747 in training of aircraft (1). The flight simulators therefore come in various levels and complexity and can be effectively used in the training of pilots and other aircraft operators. References 1. "CAE › Military › Simulation Products & Solutions › Flight Training Systems › Flight Training Device/Cockpit Procedures Trainer." CAE Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. . 2. L. L Kelly. The pilot maker. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 2001, pp.45-51. 3. W. Leinhos. Flight simulator pilot's shop. Grand Rapids, MI: Abacus, 2005, pp125-132. A. Lee. (2005). Flight simulation: virtual environments in aviation. Aldershot: Ashgate. 4. S. Womack. (2002, February 20). Simulators come down to earth. (flight simulator industry expands) (The Engineer Report). The Engineer, 0, 0. Read More