9.1 Introduction

#Central claim

It is not surprising that flight simulators are built as realistically as possible. But the simulator does not train: it is the manner in which the simulator is used that yields its benefit. Transfer of training is a function of factors such as training objectives and instructional quality as well as the fidelity characteristics of synthetic training equipment. Effective training in the flight simulator is a critical factor determining the overall effectiveness of the entire flight training regime.

#Why simulators dominate modern training

The complexity, operating costs, and operating environment of modern airplanes have led to broader use of simulators. Simulators can provide more in-depth training than can be accomplished in airplanes, and provide a very high transfer of learning from the simulator to the airplane. The economic argument (high-cost, high-stakes events trained in a low-cost, no-stakes environment) is reinforced by the safety argument: many of the threats and manoeuvres that EBT recurrent training prioritises (engine fire at V1, dual hydraulic failure, severe windshear at low altitude, full loss of thrust) cannot be safely exposed to a line crew in an aircraft. The simulator is what makes these trainable at all. See FSTD for the upstream ICAO Doc 9625 framing.

Most of the students trained in modern jet aviation have flown visual / motion simulators. The student must learn a great deal of technical information in a short period of time, and the instructor's challenge is to make the time available in the simulator (or other training device) as productive as possible.

#The Advanced Qualification Program credit

Under the Advanced Qualification Program, a student will be able to demonstrate certain proficiencies on a lower level device, and all testing is not required in a full flight simulator. The AQP framework is what makes the 9.3 Device Levels operationally meaningful: the lower-level devices receive sign-off credit against time in the airplane and against time in the simulator, and the trainee can receive sign-offs on certain competencies on those devices rather than reserving them for a Level D / Type VII full-flight simulator.

#Connections

• 9.2 Definition of Flight Training Device. Gives the formal definition synthetic training device material operates from.
• 9.3 Device Levels. The seven device-level taxonomy this introduction previews.
• 9.7 The Simulator Training Process. The six-task training process the "manner of use" claim is operationalised through.
• 9.10 Factors that can Affect Simulator Training. The instructor-skill, time-pressure, and perceived-reality factors that determine whether the manner of use yields the benefit synthetic training device material claims.
• FSTD. The ICAO Doc 9625 umbrella concept for the device classes catalogued in 9.3 Device Levels and the 9.4 Types of Simulators.
• EBT. The methodology that depends on the FSTD as its principal training and assessment platform.
• AQP. The framework that authorises lower-level-device credit and lets simulator testing replace airplane testing.