The flight simulator
A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and the environment in which it flies, for pilot training, design, or other purposes. It includes replicating the equations that govern how aircraft fly, how they react to applications of flight controls, the effects of other aircraft systems, and how the aircraft reacts to external factors such as air density, turbulence, wind shear, cloud, precipitation, etc.
According to Wiki, today flight simulation is used for a variety of reasons, including flight training (mainly of pilots), the design and development of the aircraft itself, and research into aircraft characteristics and control handling qualities.
Crashing a B-737 in the simulator
What could go wrong to cause you to crash your place in a flight simulator?
John Chesire, former US Naval Aviator, recalls on Quora;
‘I discussed this with my pilot daughter after she passed her B-757/767 check ride. She has never crashed a simulator, but I did.
‘I had been flying F-14s. Upon an engine loss they had a tendency to enter a flat spin if one was not careful. Therefore, with the loss of and engine after V1 in the F-14, radical response was required.
‘When I was later hired by my airline, I was subjected to a number of V1 cuts – losing an engine right after takeoff in the simulator. Unfortunately, I reverted to my F-14 recovery controls, rather than the B-737 simulator that I was flying. Not good; I crashed.
‘With some practice, I learned the more correct response. Nevertheless, I still had some problems and crashed. What I learned was that I had the seat not positioned close enough to the rudders. Thus, with an engine failure and needing almost a full rudder input, I was unconsciously pulling back on the yoke and increasing angle of attack…at a terrible time.’
Chesire concludes;
‘Once I became aware of this bad tendency, I always adjusted the seat closer and never had a problem since. Simulators are worth their money!’
Photo credit: Photographer’s Mates Airman Chris Howell / U.S. Navy and Boeing
