Flight Simulator Training - Part II
August 13th, 2006 | by Dusk |
“Part II” is created because I’m too lazy to edit the previous one. Plus, I forgot to add some info. “Part I” can be found here http://www.flydamnit.com/2006/07/26/flight-simulator-training/
How can I prepare for a Simulator session?
A simulator session is expansive and very costly. Its around RM400 (US $100) per hour. So before the Fixed Base Simulator (FBS), session, there is a session called Flight Management System Training, FMST. This is to get the pilots familiar with the FMC first before flying.
If u read the “Part I”, you will know the Simulator sessions is divided into:
4 FMST sessions
4 FBS sessions
11 Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
1 Instrument Rating Test (IRT)
2 Line Operation Flight Training (LOFT)
1 pre-endorsement
In the old days, they used to handle the FMST session on this computer, with dual touch screen Dell computer. But they found out that the cadets didn’t get enough training for the Normal Procedure the real Simulator session. Realizing this problem, MAS takes a step ahead and train their cadets for FMC in the real Simulator. Now they can get used to the cockpit / flight deck environment too. But, the FMST computer is still there, so anyone can use it to practice the FMC.
The FMST rig
The Boeing 737 FMST example
The Boeing 737 FMST running. Click image above for a bigger view
Other than the FMC, pilots are required to memorize Normal Procedure too. The normal procedure is performed in every flight ad very standard. Its very much like driving your car, but a little bit more strict. i.e. Press clutch, insert gear, release clutch while stepping on the accelerator. In a plane it’s a very much the same, but add 100 buttons to that. This is where the Mock-Up comes in handy. Its just an old piece of simulator-like-thing that doesn’t work anymore. This piece of equipment helps your hand positioning a lot by familiarizing you with the crazy switch’s’ position. Of course, the first time you look at it will be dazzled by the switches, but after knowing what each one does, you will be surprised there aren’t that many switches actually.
The Boeing 737-400 mock-up
Coming up .. Part III – The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004