How Simulator Experience Can Help You Save Time, Money, and Even Your Life
“Prepare for the unknown, unexpected and inconceivable … after 50 years of flying I’m still learning every time I fly.”
-Eugene Cernan
These words, spoken by renowned astronaut and pilot Eugene Cernan, encapsulate the essence of aviation. Despite his 50 years of flying experience, Cernan remained humble and aware of the ever-present risks inherent in flying. In aviation, one cannot afford to be overconfident, unprepared, or complacent – the consequences can be fatal. Cernan’s dedication to learning with every flight was a testament to his skill as a naval aviator, electrical engineer, aeronautical engineer, and fighter pilot.
The Importance of Flight Simulators
While most people think of flight simulators as devices used to train pilots, they have many other important uses beyond the cockpit. Flight simulation training equipment is a crucial tool in pilot training as it provides a realistic simulation of the sensations and experiences that pilots encounter during flight. Airlines commonly use this equipment to enhance the safety and efficiency of pilot training, but flight simulators are not just for airlines, they are also used in aircraft design, space exploration, education, and entertainment.
Flight simulators also have important applications in military training. For example, pilots can use simulators to train for combat situations without putting themselves or others in danger. Simulators can also be used to simulate various environmental conditions that pilots may encounter in the field. Beyond pilot training, simulators can also be used to train ground personnel, such as air traffic controllers or maintenance crews.
Cost-Effective Flight Training
Flight simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and X-Plane 12 are important tools for training pilots. They mimic different flight conditions that pilots will likely encounter. Hardware additions, such as Desktop Pilot’s Flaps Panel, Ignition Panel, and Throttle Box, allow pilots to practice instrument skills and build muscle memory.
Moreover, flight simulators provide pilots with a safe and controlled environment to practice and refine their procedures and decision-making abilities, mitigating risks and enhancing aviation safety. These devices replicate realistic flight scenarios, including weather patterns, terrain, and other aircraft, allowing pilots to hone their skills making them valuable educational tools for aspiring aviation professionals.
With the ability to pause, reset, and repeat exercises, pilots can review their actions, evaluate the outcomes, and learn from their mistakes without risking injury or damage to an actual aircraft. The use of simulators also reduces training costs, as they eliminate the need for expensive fuel, maintenance, and airspace rental fees.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes the value of simulators in pilot training and has established regulations for their use in aviation training. These regulations require that simulators meet specific performance standards and that pilots complete a certain number of hours in the devices before being certified for a particular aircraft type.
In addition to the safety benefits of simulator training, it also provides pilots with the opportunity to build their confidence and improve their skills in a low-stress environment. By experiencing a wide range of scenarios and challenges in the simulator, pilots are better equipped to handle similar situations in real-life flying.
The First Flight Training Device

The use of simulators in pilot training has come a long way since Edwin Link’s introduction of the first Flight Training Device (FTD), the Link Trainer, in 1929. Despite its primitive technology, the Link Trainer revolutionized aviation training by providing a safe and controlled environment for pilots to practice their skills and learn how to fly in various weather conditions and situations.
The Link Trainer was initially designed to train pilots to fly solely by instruments, a skill that was essential for flying in clouds and other low-visibility conditions. The device simulated flight by rotating on its base, while the instructor outside controlled the flight conditions, making it a highly effective tool for training pilots in instrument flying.
During World War II, the Link Trainer was used to train hundreds of thousands of U.S. military pilots, who would go on to fly in combat missions in Europe and the Pacific. Today, simulators have become more sophisticated and advanced, incorporating the latest technologies in computer graphics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
The Link Simulation and Training division of L3 Harris Technologies continues to manufacture and develop simulators for the aviation and transportation industries. These devices not only provide pilots with a safe and effective training tool but also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of aviation by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Frasca International FTDs
Frasca International, founded by Rudy Frasca in 1958, specializes in building Flight Training Devices (FTDs) for pilots. The company builds FTDs for a wide range of aircraft, from light training aircraft like Cessna 172 and Diamond DA40 to jets and turboprops used by airlines and corporate flight departments. The company has evolved with the changes in simulation technology, from mechanical linkages and levers to analog electronics and micro-process computers. Frasca’s FTDs have FAA approval and are used by flight schools to teach air work and emergency procedures. The company also offers a Reconfigurable Training Device AATD that can be quickly configured to represent multiple aircraft. The use of CloudAhoy app allows for the recording of flight metrics and later playback, which helps with in-depth debriefing.
The AGATE Alliance
NASA established the Advanced General Aviation Training Experience (AGATE) program in the 1990s to revive the declining aviation industry. The program aimed to enhance pilot training and improve aviation technology, which had remained unchanged for decades. The decline of the general aviation industry was caused by regulatory restrictions, liability claims, and a lack of product innovation. The AGATE Alliance was formed to make single-pilot, light airplanes more affordable, safe, and available for trips between 150 to 700 miles.

The AGATE consortium was tasked with developing a Small Aviation Transportation System (SATS) that could serve as an alternative to short-range automobile trips for private and business transportation needs. The aim was to reduce travel time by using small aircraft to make time-sensitive short-haul trips more affordable for various purposes such as business, medical, public safety, and recreational activities.
The creation of the AGATE consortium in 1994 has had a positive impact on general aviation-related aerospace by promoting collaboration between government and interested parties, including non-profit organizations. This NASA-led consortium was established to halt the gradual decline of general aviation in the US and to forge new alliances to develop innovative solutions that can meet the transportation needs of various sectors.
The focus was on personalizing flight training products to make it easier and less expensive for pilots to obtain and maintain proficiency, and to develop less expensive and more effective ways to train people to fly.
One-G Simulations

Xylon Saltzman, the founder and CEO of One-G simulations, had a realization while piloting corporate charters in a Cessna 340. When he had to go to Scottsdale, Arizona for recurrent training in the only FAA model-specific simulator in the country, he recognized the need for better access to training equipment. He began constructing a simulator in his garage with the vision of providing beneficial instruction for pilots at all levels, even those with no experience.
In 2011, One-G was granted authorization from the FAA for their first design. The company collaborated with their sister company, Modern Pilot, to develop the training model, which Modern Pilot also uses to test beta designs. One-G offers learners the option to train in a Cessna 172 with either G1000 or round dial, a Beechcraft Bonanza, or a Pilatus PC-12 using their Foundation sim.
According to Saltzman, the time spent training in an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) can be valuable for pilots even if it is not logged as flight time. The simulated environment can effectively enhance pilot performance and translate into real-world proficiency. However, it is essential to note that while the FAA updated the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) in 2016 to allow for 20 hours of the 40-hour requirement for instrument certification to be completed in an AATD, it is still necessary to recognize the limitations of simulators and to ensure that training is properly conducted in the appropriate environment.
The Versatility of Flight Simulators
Beyond these practical applications, flight simulators also have an important role to play in entertainment and education. Many people enjoy using flight simulators as a way to experience the thrill of flying without actually leaving the ground. As technology advances, these simulators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Some simulators even include physical components, such as cockpit controls or motion platforms, to provide a more realistic and immersive experience. This has made flight simulators more accessible and appealing to a wider range of users.
Flight simulators are a versatile and valuable tool that will continue to become even more sophisticated and useful as technology progresses. However, it is important to recognize that simulators have limitations and should be used alongside practical flight training, as they cannot fully replicate the physical and psychological challenges of actual flight. Nevertheless, flight simulators have played a significant role in enhancing aviation safety and efficiency, from the early Link Trainer to today’s advanced simulators.
While flying will always carry inherent risks, the use of flight simulators provides pilots with a valuable tool for enhancing their skills, knowledge, and safety. By practicing and refining their procedures and decision-making abilities in a controlled environment, pilots can mitigate the risks and ensure a safe and successful flight.