The FAA certainly has some very stringent guidelines in terms of certifying a computer base flight simulator as being sufficiently authentic for meriting their approval. In addition to giving up some indication as to what is required, they have also clearly described the criteria that computer based flight simulators must possess.
Ultimately, the big deal about computer flight simulation is related to the ergonomic connection between real world aircraft control and the computer virtual controls. The controls that are computer based must be identifiable and identical to those that exist in real aircraft. For instance, they must clearly indicate how the pilot is able to manipulate them and the computer keyboard cannot be part of the flight operations as these do not exist in real world aircraft.
Also, physical control systems like joysticks, flight yokes and rudder pedals must be able to replace virtual controls excepting the ability to set wind parameters, location, aircraft configuration or pausing, starting or stopping the actual simulator program.
Now, here's a really important factor - response times. In a professional training environment, the optimum simulation experience not only requires realistic controls, but also those controls must be able to respond in a timely manner. For example, any flight controls delays need to be 300 milliseconds or less. Let's face it - if the plane takes ten seconds to respond to a command from the pilot, then the software that drives it is not going to be of much value is it? At the start of the program, the computer itself needs to monitor the control system response times, and if there is a significant delay, then a warning should be displayed, otherwise - it's game over.
Now, although you probably already know this - certain readouts for real time simulators are paramount to pilots who are still in the training stage, such as indicators for heading and airspeed and an adjustable altimeter. And you are likely wondering about when you return to the ground. Impressive thinking! In addition to live data readouts that are so vital, you will also need to have the ability to analyze your flight in a briefing that takes place after the actual experience. With VirtualPilot 3D, this is not a problem whatsoever given the fact that this software is able to record the vertical track and the horizontal tract of the airplane movement so that it can be referenced in the future. This is ideal for training requirements, but is also really good for its pure entertainment value.
Each one of these features is an important factor to consider in any flight simulator, but at the end of the day, there are no real benefits in having phenomenal features if your monitor is sub-par, so your really need to secure the best possible monitor that you are able to buy. The new LED backlit LCD displays have amazingly fast response times, contrast ratios that are excellent, extreme numbers of pixels, to provide you with fantastic visuals for your VirtualPilot 3D simulator use. You should also bear in mind that the simulator controls - pedals, throttle and flight yoke are in compliance with FAA standards and allow you to enjoy a smooth experience that is very realistic.
Ultimately, the big deal about computer flight simulation is related to the ergonomic connection between real world aircraft control and the computer virtual controls. The controls that are computer based must be identifiable and identical to those that exist in real aircraft. For instance, they must clearly indicate how the pilot is able to manipulate them and the computer keyboard cannot be part of the flight operations as these do not exist in real world aircraft.
Also, physical control systems like joysticks, flight yokes and rudder pedals must be able to replace virtual controls excepting the ability to set wind parameters, location, aircraft configuration or pausing, starting or stopping the actual simulator program.
Now, here's a really important factor - response times. In a professional training environment, the optimum simulation experience not only requires realistic controls, but also those controls must be able to respond in a timely manner. For example, any flight controls delays need to be 300 milliseconds or less. Let's face it - if the plane takes ten seconds to respond to a command from the pilot, then the software that drives it is not going to be of much value is it? At the start of the program, the computer itself needs to monitor the control system response times, and if there is a significant delay, then a warning should be displayed, otherwise - it's game over.
Now, although you probably already know this - certain readouts for real time simulators are paramount to pilots who are still in the training stage, such as indicators for heading and airspeed and an adjustable altimeter. And you are likely wondering about when you return to the ground. Impressive thinking! In addition to live data readouts that are so vital, you will also need to have the ability to analyze your flight in a briefing that takes place after the actual experience. With VirtualPilot 3D, this is not a problem whatsoever given the fact that this software is able to record the vertical track and the horizontal tract of the airplane movement so that it can be referenced in the future. This is ideal for training requirements, but is also really good for its pure entertainment value.
Each one of these features is an important factor to consider in any flight simulator, but at the end of the day, there are no real benefits in having phenomenal features if your monitor is sub-par, so your really need to secure the best possible monitor that you are able to buy. The new LED backlit LCD displays have amazingly fast response times, contrast ratios that are excellent, extreme numbers of pixels, to provide you with fantastic visuals for your VirtualPilot 3D simulator use. You should also bear in mind that the simulator controls - pedals, throttle and flight yoke are in compliance with FAA standards and allow you to enjoy a smooth experience that is very realistic.
About the Author:
People tend to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. An FAA approved aircraft sim is on one side and a fun airplane sim game is on the other. Give VirtualPilot 3D a 60 day test flight and live on both sides of the fence where the grass is ALWAYS GREEN!.
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