In the early days of aviation, flying was more dangerous. The problem is that pilots don't have training tools that simulate the feeling of flying so they can practice their skills safely from the ground.

But in 1927, a pilot and flight instructor named Ed Link invented the world's first flight simulator called the Link Trainer. The Link Trainer replicates a full cockpit, allowing pilots to gain much-needed experience without rushing into the air or risking death.

Many changes and advancements have taken place since the Link Trainer first entered service in 1927. Modern flight simulators have undergone tremendous development due to advanced technology and other factors. Modern flight simulators feature a high level of realism, ranging from smartphone apps, immersed in virtual reality options, to full-motion enclosed devices that can be used for citation training.

Purpose and Form

The primary purpose of a full-motion flight simulator is to train pilots to achieve, test and maintain proficiency in aircraft operation without danger to personnel or property. It is also much cheaper to train in a flight simulator than to actually fly an airplane.

The most basic forms of flight simulators include:

One or more computer systems that process control input to digitally generate audio and visual representations in response to the input. Flight data will also be recorded for analysis.

An audio system for producing realistic communications and sounds, including external sounds, aircraft sounds and cockpit sounds.

Controls include joysticks or yokes and rudder pedals.

One or more displays that represent the external environment.

The value of a full-motion simulator

Despite the long history of aviation reform, the percentage of plane crashes for which pilots are blamed has remained stable for about 50 years. Between 1940 and 1990, about 60 percent of crashes were due to pilot error. It doesn't matter what type of plane you're flying on at the time. Here's a hard truth: Most plane crashes are caused by pilots' bad decisions.

The latest statistics are much brighter. Since the introduction of highly realistic flight simulators in the 1980s, the number of accidents caused by pilot error has decreased by 70%. As a result, less than 30% of aircraft accidents are now caused by pilots' bad decisions.

The real benefit of a flight simulator is that it forces pilots to internalize their experience, not just memorize what's on the board. Simulators force pilots to learn how to stay calm and think clearly through traumatic experiences. Bad things can happen when flying in the air, and pilots need to learn how to stay calm and think clearly.

The point is, piloting is a profession where important decisions are inherently emotional and instinctive. That's why it's crucial to have them practice in that emotional state. Transferring simulator practice time into the real world saves thousands of lives each year.

Advantages of full motion simulator:

1. Less study time

Studies have claimed that one hour of training in a flight simulator is equivalent to two hours of the same type of training on an actual airplane. This means that when you incorporate flight simulator training into your flight training process, you'll learn more in less time.

In addition to learning more, this method of pilot training is much less expensive than training on a real aircraft. It's easy to see why this is a method of choice for training pilots.

2. Build confidence

Flight simulators give anyone the opportunity to practice specific scenarios over and over until they can be sure. Pilots who train on the simulator feel confident in their ability to fly the aircraft in almost any situation. If you practice enough, it becomes second nature.

3. Train anytime

Conducting flight training on an actual aircraft has its limitations. For example, you cannot train on a plane in bad weather or darkness. One of the benefits of training on a flight simulator is that you can practice at any time of the day or night, even during a thunderstorm.

4. Tricky Weather Conditions

A pilot's flying skills need to be adapted to specific weather conditions. Whether it's snow, rain, wind or other weather conditions, pilots need to adapt. Since we have no control over the weather, there is no way to create such a scene in the real world.

Rather than sitting around waiting for specific weather conditions, it is much easier to create these conditions through flight simulation.

5. Do it again

If everything goes according to plan in the flight simulator, you just repeat until you are satisfied with the end result. You can't do this on an actual plane, otherwise there would be serious consequences.

6. Improve your navigation skills

If you're planning a flight to an unfamiliar airport or a cross-country trip, you can practice your route ahead of time with a flight simulator.

7. Practical communication

Many student pilots are terrified of the fundamentals of radio communication. Even experienced pilots may sometimes struggle to keep up with the fast pace of ATC communications. Flight simulators provide students and experienced pilots a way to practice proper radio techniques and acquire the skills required for ATC communications.

8. Get your full attention

When training in a flight simulator, you will be fully focused on your training with no other distractions. Also, the instructor's attention is focused on your training and not on other issues that inevitably arise on the plane.

9. Reduce loss

Save wear and tear on your plane by training on a flight simulator. Adventure simulators are preferable to adventure planes in training.

Whether used to maintain proficiency, learn new knowledge or practice emergency procedures, flight simulators are powerful tools for pilots of all experience levels.