Flight Simulator Training - Part I
July 26th, 2006 | by Dusk |
What is a simulator?
A flight simulator is used to train pilots on the ground. It permits a pilot to crash his “aircraft” without being hurt. Flight simulators are often used to train pilots to operate aircraft in extremely hazardous situations, such as landings with no engines, or complete electrical or hydraulic failures. The most advanced simulators have high-fidelity visual systems and hydraulic motion systems. All the Boeing and Airbus
As most of u already know, their training were conducted in a Simulator. Every different model has a different simulator. This is kinda similar to the typical Flight Simulator game but combined with motion room. Like those motion room in you see in theme parks.
The b777 sim and b737 sim
This is how the 737 sim looks like from inside on a visual approach for RW 16, WMKJ, Johor.
There are three 737 simulators in the MAS building, labeled b737 #1, b737 #2 and b737 #3. Now there is 2 more 737 sims only because they sold #1 off. Besides the b737 and b777 sim, there is also the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A320 simulator located at the other part of the building.
One sim costs about RM 50million-200million (USD 12million-50million) and currently they are building the Airbus A380 simulator because the aircraft is scheduled to reach Malaysia by 2007/2008.
Here is the building plan showing the A380 sim.
It might look something like this.
Other than MAS cadets, captains and First Officers, other airlines rent the MAS simulator too. It runs 24hrs daily and the first session of the day starts at 1am, next session is 5am, 9 am, 1pm, 5pm, and finally 9pm. Each session is 4 hours. For training purposes, one person will use up 2 hrs for his sector and then his partner will get another 2 hours. The captains usually get the sim during the day and the rookie cadets get pushed back and have no choice but to take the graveyard shift.
How long is the simulator training period?
Well for new pilots on the b737, there is about 23 sessions with 2 hours each as pilot flying and 2 more hours for pilot monitoring. That’s 4 hours for each session. The training is devided into:
4 FMS training.
Where we we play around with the FMC.
B737 FMC4 Fixeb based training.
Where the simulator doesn’t move. Just fly motionless.11 Full Flight Simulator.
The simulator moves with hydraulics and emergencies were thrown at us during FFS6 onwards. This is the hardest. Haha.1 IR test
For license approval by the DCA (Department of Civil Aviation) Malaysia2 LOFT
This session is based around a normal sequence of events. Might or might not have any non-normal situation. This is to build awareness of what is required online in a normal series of flight.1 Pre-endorsement
This is the preparation for the endorsement. The endorsement is where we fly the real plane without passengers. So this is like a check.
Simulator training video
B737 simulator in action
10 Responses to “Flight Simulator Training - Part I”
By Anonymous on Aug 9, 2006 | Reply
damn
By Edmund Yung on Aug 12, 2006 | Reply
Thanks for posting this up man, it’s very informative for me as a cadet pilot. I always wonder what do we really do during the conversion phase after we finish the CPL/ATPL (frozen) course here in Langkawi. For the FMC, do you train anywhere else before you move into the sim or you can only learn it in sim?
By Dusk on Aug 13, 2006 | Reply
Owh there is another place where we can train for the FMC. They have a small station called the FMS Trainer. I wanted to make that post here but i was a little bit busy at that time. Hehe. That FMC pic is taken from the FMS trainer. For my next post, ill write about the FMST. Thanks for reminding.
Owh i just realised i didnt answer ur question. Last time, cadets had to do the FMST on a small computer. (ill show the pic on my next post). Nowdays u do it in the actual Simulator. But the computer is still there. So u could use it anytime u want.
Other than that, i would want to recommend FS2004 PMDG series. It has a FMC programe in it. Its very accurate and even more up to date then the one MAS is using in their real simulator and planes. Its a very famous programme created for the Microsoft Flight Simulaor (9). I have tried it a little bit. If u need help using the FMC just post a question at the forum. Ive created a board for FS users.
By Edmund Yung on Aug 13, 2006 | Reply
I’m currently using (or playing) Wilco Publishing’s 737-300/400/500 add-on for FS9. There’s also a working FMC inside with updatable NavData, but seem like I had to add a lot of local SID and STAR waypoints. I do have the PMDG 777 but not using it because I do not think I’ll fly one so soon, so now have to familiarize myself with 73 first.
I plan to start reading 737 POH (pdf, Boeing original I guess) in details after I clear all my ground subjects. Do you think this will help me during conversion?
By Dusk on Aug 13, 2006 | Reply
Of course it will. If possible read the “limitations”. And how things work for the 737-400. Its kinda similiar with 300/500. But with minor difference. Some instructors recommend http://www.b737.org.uk/ .
By Dusk on Aug 13, 2006 | Reply
I just tried Wilco’s panel and system just now, Its much more accurate compared to PMDG. But i havnt try the FMC yet. Testing it now.