Professional pilots, especially those working for commercial airlines, train using professional flight simulators that accurately replicate real flight conditions. These devices allow practicing maneuvers, procedures, and emergency situations without risking their lives or the aircraft. In this guide, we explore which simulators they use, how they are designed, and the types available based on their usage.
What is a professional flight simulator?
Definition and main components
A professional flight simulator is an advanced technological system that faithfully reproduces the experience of piloting an aircraft. It is designed for pilot training in flight simulators, both in initial stages and recurrent training.
Its main components include:
- Realistic cockpit: Exact replica of the cockpit of models like the Airbus flight simulator, Boeing flight simulator, or ATR FFS, with all operational controls.
- Immersive visual system: Panoramic screens that simulate real environments with 180° or 360° vision.
- Motion platform: Reproduces accelerations, turbulence, and maneuvers.
- Avionics and navigation systems: Equipment identical to the real aircraft.
- Instructor station: Allows control of the training environment, introducing failures and evaluating the pilot’s performance.
This type of simulator is considered the most realistic flight simulator available in the industry.
Types of simulators based on usage
Flight simulators are mainly classified into two categories:
- Full Flight Simulator (FFS): These are the most complete and certified for official training. They include motion, surround sound, and high-fidelity visuals. They are used for type ratings and recurrent training. Common examples are the A320 FFS, B737 FFS, ATR 500, and ATR 600 FFS.
- Flight Training Device (FTD): Simpler simulators without motion platforms but with realistic cockpits and visual systems. They are ideal for procedure training, navigation, and certification preparation. The most common are the VPT and FNPT.
Both types are fundamental in flight simulator training and are used in specialized centers such as Global Training Aviation, which offers flight simulators for airline pilots in Spain and other countries.
Why do pilots train in flight simulators?
The use of professional flight simulators in pilot training is not only common but essential. These devices allow training in controlled, safe, and highly realistic environments, improving pilot preparation for any situation that may arise during a flight.
Safety and risk reduction
One of the main reasons for training in flight simulators is safety. In these virtual environments, instructors can simulate technical failures, adverse weather conditions, or medical emergencies without risking human lives or real aircraft.
Simulator training allows pilots to repeat complex maneuvers, practice landings under extreme conditions, and make critical real-time decisions. This significantly reduces risks during actual flights and improves the pilot’s ability to respond to unforeseen events.
Training under extreme conditions
Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD) recreate scenarios impossible or dangerous to practice in real flight: thunderstorms, engine failure, forced landings, among others.
Thanks to advanced simulator technology like the A320 FFS, B737 FFS, or ATR FFS, pilots can train in extreme conditions safely. This type of preparation is key for airline pilots who must be ready to face any situation during operations.
Improved efficiency and cost reduction
Besides safety, the use of flight simulators worldwide optimizes resources. Simulator training reduces operational costs by avoiding the use of real aircraft, fuel, and airspace.
Centers like Global Training Aviation offer training programs with flight simulators for airline pilots that allow intensive, efficient, and economical training. This benefits not only airlines but also pilots themselves, who can access more practice hours in less time.
Main flight simulators used by pilots
Pilots, especially those working in commercial airlines, train on certified simulators that precisely replicate real flight conditions. The most used are the Full Flight Simulator (FFS) and Flight Training Device (FTD), each with specific features depending on the required training type.
Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
The Full Flight Simulator (FFS) is the most advanced and complete type. It is certified for official training and type ratings. It includes:
- Realistic cockpit with all functional controls.
- High-definition immersive visual system.
- Motion platform with six degrees of freedom.
- Ambient sound simulating the flight environment.
This simulator allows training in extreme conditions, simulating technical failures, adverse weather, and emergency procedures.
Flight Training Device (FTD)
The Flight Training Device (FTD), as mentioned earlier, is simpler and mainly used for:
- Procedure training before FFS training.
- Navigation and communication practice.
- Preparation for theoretical and practical exams.
Although it doesn’t offer the same immersion as an FFS, the FTD is an effective and economical tool for pilot training, especially in early stages.
Most used models by airlines
Airlines usually use simulators specific to the type of aircraft they operate. The most common models include:
- A320 FFS: Used by airlines operating the Airbus A320, one of the most popular short and medium-haul aircraft.
- B737 FFS: Boeing 737 simulator, widely used by airlines worldwide.
- ATR FFS: ATR 72 simulator, ideal for regional flights.
Flight simulators in pilot training
Pilot training with flight simulators is an essential part of professional training. Thanks to technological advances, simulators accurately replicate all flight phases, from engine start to landings in extreme conditions. This methodology ensures pilots are prepared to operate safely and efficiently in any situation.
Training stages
Simulator training is divided into several stages, adapted to the pilot’s experience level and the type of aircraft they will operate. These stages include:
- Familiarization with the cockpit: Use of Flight Training Device (FTD) to learn systems and controls.
- Normal procedures: Practice takeoffs, landings, navigation, and communication.
- Abnormal and emergency procedures: Training in Full Flight Simulator (FFS) to simulate technical failures, adverse weather, and critical decision-making.
- Recurrent evaluations: Periodic simulations to maintain type rating and meet safety standards.
Emergency procedures simulation
One of the great advantages of simulator training is the ability to practice emergency situations without real risks. Instructors can simulate:
- Engine failures.
- Onboard fires.
- Cabin depressurization.
- Forced landings in adverse conditions.
These scenarios are performed in simulators like the A320 FFS, B737 FFS, or ATR FFS, providing an immersive and realistic experience. This training improves pilot reaction ability and strengthens decision-making under pressure.
Collaboration and teamwork in the cockpit
Besides technical skills, simulators encourage teamwork inside the cockpit. Pilots train alongside co-pilots and instructors, developing communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
Collaboration among crew members is key to ensuring flight safety. This training is especially important in commercial flights, where every decision must be agreed upon and executed precisely.
What is the most realistic flight simulator?
The most realistic flight simulator is the Full Flight Simulator (FFS). It is considered the highest standard because:
- It faithfully reproduces the cockpit of real aircraft like the A320 FFS, B737 FFS, or ATR FFS.
- It includes a motion platform that simulates accelerations, turbulence, and maneuvers.
- It offers a high-definition immersive visual system.
- It allows training in normal and emergency procedures with full accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What simulators do airline pilots use?
Airline pilots mainly train on Full Flight Simulators (FFS), such as the A320 FFS, B737 FFS, or ATR FFS, which offer an immersive experience and are certified for official training. They also use Flight Training Devices (FTD) for procedure and navigation practice, especially in the early stages of type rating.
What is the best simulator for new pilots?
For new pilots training on commercial aircraft, the best simulator depends on the type of plane they will operate. The most recommended are:
- A320 FFS: Ideal for those training on the Airbus A320, very common on short and medium-haul flights.
- B737 FFS: Perfect for pilots preparing to fly the Boeing 737, one of the most widely used airline models.
- ATR FFS: Recommended for regional flight training with turboprop aircraft like the ATR 72.
How much does a professional simulator cost?
The price of a professional flight simulator varies depending on the model and level of realism. A Full Flight Simulator can cost between 8 and 15 million euros, while an FTD is much less expensive. Centers like Global Training Aviation offer access to these simulators without the need to purchase them.
