Simulator training is getting really popular around here, but I think skipping real seat time is a mistake. You just don't learn the machine's feel from a screen.

3 comments

3 Comments

Ruby mentioned the jolt of a hard landing, but newer sim setups with G-seats and strong force feedback actually do shake you pretty good. They can't copy everything, but they're way past just a screen and speakers. My instructor had me practice engine failure drills in a full motion sim last month, and my stomach definitely dropped when it cut out. You still need real air time, but saying sims don't give any physical feel isn't totally fair anymore.

ruby_lopez1mo ago

Flight schools require 40 hours of real air time before soloing for a reason. Simulators can't mimic the jolt of a hard landing or the seat-of-your-pants feel when the engine sputters.

adam_adams1mo ago

Simulators are helpful, but @ruby_lopez is right about missing the real feel. My cousin practiced on sims for ages but still got shaky during his first actual landing. There's no substitute for hands-on time in the air.