Train-the-Trainer by DataHomeLab

9.4 Types of Simulators

As technology has progressed, the authorities have permitted the increased use of simulators in approved training programs. The classification of full-motion simulators has been designated as A, B, C, or D.

The A-to-D classification

The four-letter scheme stratifies full-motion simulators by motion fidelity and visual fidelity:

  • Simulators classed as type B are required to have three degrees of freedom.
  • Types C and D must have six-degree-of-freedom platform motion.
  • The type B visual can be night only.

The requirement of platform motion is ostensibly based on the assumption that physical fidelity is highly correlated with training effectiveness.

The instructor's role in the simulator environment

Simulator training is considered to be a learning environment, and requires a great deal of monitoring by the instructor. For the instructor to have control in this environment, it is first necessary to understand the different training techniques used during transition and differences simulator training. The catalogue below lists six device classes, ordered roughly by ascending fidelity.

9.4.1 Instrument Trainer

Part of the training organisation's responsibility includes identifying and instructing students with less-than-adequate instrument flying skills.

An instrument trainer is provided for training in basic instrument flying. The Instrument Trainer Manual includes four lessons, techniques and procedures, and guidelines on how to operate the trainer. The instrument trainer is the lowest-fidelity device in this catalogue; its purpose is targeted remediation of basic instrument-flying deficiencies, not type-specific procedural training.

9.4.2 Procedure Trainer

An effective method of transitioning to the procedures of the new airplane is through the use of a Level 4 procedures trainer (see 9.3 Device Levels for the Level 4 definition).

When conducting procedures training, the instructor should cover:

  • Normal procedures.
  • Non-normal procedures.
  • Supplementary procedures.
  • The associated checklists for all of the above.

Once the student has demonstrated an understanding of the system, associated malfunctions of that system, and the proper use of the checklist, they are ready to put that knowledge to use in a higher-level device.

9.4.3 Fixed Base Simulator Training

Fixed-base simulators have the same flight control forces as the full-flight simulator, but with the lack of motion cues, they may seem more sensitive than the airplane.

The fixed-base simulators are a Level 7 device (see 9.3 Device Levels). They are not designed to be manually flown, and are used for training students under automatic control. The only phase of flight requiring manual control is the take-off.

9.4.4 Full-Flight Simulators

A Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) is described as a flight simulator as an off-line training device in which training is conducted by simulating the flying environment. In general, a simulator is composed of:

  • A students' station (the simulated flight deck).
  • An instructor / operator station.
  • Other control and utility subsystems, all integrated within a simulation complex.

The simulator flight compartment is a replica section of the forward portion of the fuselage which accommodates the flight deck. An extension is installed at the rear of the flight deck to house the instructor / operator station.

Control loading

The control column, rudder pedals, and brake assemblies are equipped with hydraulically actuated control loading devices to provide realistic feel and response.

Motion system

The full-flight simulator's motion system has six actuators and provides the following six degrees of freedom:

  • Pitch.
  • Roll.
  • Yaw.
  • Heave.
  • Surge.
  • Sway.

Weather radar is functional on several full-flight simulators in typical fleets. All other airplane instrumentation is included and functional.

Independence of control loading and motion

The control loading and motion systems are driven by the same hydraulic power unit; however, they work independently of each other. Therefore, the simulator can be flown with the motion system on or off. This independence is important operationally: for selected procedural and systems-management exercises the instructor may turn motion off without compromising control feel.

9.4.5 Visual Systems

The visual systems provide either daylight, dusk, or night visual in colour with sufficient scene content to recognise airport, terrain, and major landmarks. A large number of training models are stored, and may be called up at any time during the training period.

A generic visual model is available for use with any airport worldwide which does not have its own model.

9.4.6 FMS Data Base

The Flight Management System database in full-flight simulators is designed to be as close to the real aircraft system as possible. The FMS database fidelity matters because trainee FMS competence transfers to the line directly: a database that diverges from the line aircraft database trains divergent procedures.

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