The latest Level D full flight simulators are a sight to behold. With their six-axis motion and high fidelity vision systems they are perhaps the ultimate big boys' toys. And, costing anywhere from $10 million upwards, they are priced to match.
But just as impressive has been the technical development of fixed-base systems such as the latest fully interactive flight training devices equipped with large multiple screens that are used for procedure training. These devices have been evolved to replicate the feel of a full-flight simulator for training military pilots by using "motion-cueing seats".
Not only are such devices significantly cheaper, but they don't need the infrastructure associated with motion simulators and can be easily transported.
However the message coming from training organisations at last week's Asian Airspace exhibition was that the technical advances in flight training devices have gone unnoticed by the regulatory authorities.
That is a pity given that countries such as China and India will need 2,500 extra pilots every year in the next boom, meaning that the industry clearly needs to find simpler, more cost-effective training solutions.
The reality is that next generation of pilots - today's "screenagers" - has grown up with this new technology. Training philosophies can be adapted and the sooner the regulators recognise this, the better.
Source: Flight International
