10 Reasons Why Your Flight School Needs a Simulator

Written by Adrienne Wiesner / Volarent Aerospace

Does your flight school provide what the aviation industry needs?  With the demand for air travel continuing to increase with modern reliable technology, so does the need for pilots.  The number of pilots has been decreasing over the years and the vast majority are soon approaching retirement age.  It has become more crucial than ever to attract individuals to the industry and swiftly move them through the program to get them to the regional level.  For these reasons flight simulation is playing even more of a vital role in flight schools.  Students and experienced pilots are able to learn how to operate new equipment in a shorter amount of time, at a smaller cost and without compromising their decision-making skills in the air.  Here are the top 10 reasons why every flight school should include a simulator in its training syllabus.
 
Flexibility
Flight simulation gives you the ability to complete training regardless of weather conditions and aircraft availability.   
 
Enhanced training
Simulators offer customized options for primary students and more advanced licensed students.  Modern software provides realism that smoothly transitions the student into the aircraft.
 
Repetition builds muscle memory
Training procedures can be repeated several times in one training session without any ill consequences.   Students are given the ability to practice until they are confident.
 
Emergency procedures
Students can practice several emergency procedures from failed equipment to extreme weather conditions in a low-stress environment.
 
Safety 
Students can be exposed to unique and difficult situations with no risk.  Mistakes can be made without paying the ultimate cost.
 
Control of the flight environment
Students are given the opportunity to fly anywhere in the world from over water to mountainous terrain under all types of weather conditions including rain, snow, ice and wind.     
 
Maintain proficiency
Advanced flight students are able to maintain their IFR currency, navigation skills, and emergency and normal operating procedures.   
 
Efficiency
More experience and knowledge learned in a smaller amount of time.  Flight simulators give you the ability to stop and start a scenario instantaneously.
 
Operating cost is kept to a minimum
Simulators don’t come with the same costs as airplanes do, i.e. fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

 
Affordable 
Flight training fees add up quickly when it comes to aircraft maintenance, fuel, insurance and instruction.  Several simulated training hours can now be credited towards the required total time required by the FAA, which will reduce the overall cost.
 
These are just some of the reasons why simulation plays a vital role in a flight training program.  It may be time to take a good look at what your flight school has to offer.
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