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Remarks—September 2024

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Despite acknowledged differences in "feel" and specific avionics realism compared to actual aircraft, flight simulators retain significant training value, especially beyond primary training.
  • Simulators offer numerous practical advantages, including cost-effectiveness, precise control over weather, the ability to pause and reposition instantly, and the safe practice of otherwise dangerous scenarios.
  • The author strongly advocates for simulators as an indispensable and beneficial tool for pilot proficiency and training, encouraging skeptics to experience their benefits firsthand.
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Frequently in this publication we stress flying simulators for proficiency (and often for legality). While we treat sims as an accepted part of any routine training regimen, not everyone is on board with that sentiment. For those of us who are believers, we find it difficult to accept that there are some out there who don’t like sims. 

The biggest argument against using sims is that they’re not realistic—they don’t fly like the real thing. That’s absolutely true, but in the sense that a Tailorcraft doesn’t fly like a Mooney. The control feel is different and one has more sensitive controls than the other. I’d argue, though, that the differences, while undesirable if you fly a Mooney, are still largely overcome by the advantages.

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