What Everybody Should Probably Know About The FAA And Aircraft Sims
The FAA sure has some tough guidelines when it comes to certifying a computer based flight simulator as authentic enough to give it their stamp of approval. They have not only given us some clues as to what they require, but they have outlined in great detail what criteria any PC-based flight simulator 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.
Additionally, physical control systems such as flight yokes, joysticks, or rudder pedals should be able to replace virtual controls with the possible exception of setting location or wind parameters, aircraft configuration, or starting, stopping, or pausing the simulator program itself.
Now, here is one very important aspect - response times. In training environment for professionals, there not only needs to be controls that are realistic, but controls that can issue a timely and efficient response. For instance, delays in flight controls must be no more than 300 milliseconds. Face it, if an aircraft required ten full seconds to issue responses to pilot companies, then the driving software is of no value at all. At the very beginning of the program the computer must monitor the response times for the control system and should a marked delay occur, there must be a warning display or else - the game is finished.
Now - as you are already probably aware - certain real time simulator readouts are paramount to a trainee pilot, such as an adjustable altimeter, and of course heading and airspeed indicators. Ah, but what about when you're "back on the ground"? Good thinking! Along with those crucial live data readouts, you must be able to analyze your flight during a post flight briefing. No problem with Virtual Pilot 3D, as the software records the horizontal and vertical track of the aircraft movement so that it can be played back later. This is great for training purposes, but also can be used purely for your entertainment.
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.
Additionally, physical control systems such as flight yokes, joysticks, or rudder pedals should be able to replace virtual controls with the possible exception of setting location or wind parameters, aircraft configuration, or starting, stopping, or pausing the simulator program itself.
Now, here is one very important aspect - response times. In training environment for professionals, there not only needs to be controls that are realistic, but controls that can issue a timely and efficient response. For instance, delays in flight controls must be no more than 300 milliseconds. Face it, if an aircraft required ten full seconds to issue responses to pilot companies, then the driving software is of no value at all. At the very beginning of the program the computer must monitor the response times for the control system and should a marked delay occur, there must be a warning display or else - the game is finished.
Now - as you are already probably aware - certain real time simulator readouts are paramount to a trainee pilot, such as an adjustable altimeter, and of course heading and airspeed indicators. Ah, but what about when you're "back on the ground"? Good thinking! Along with those crucial live data readouts, you must be able to analyze your flight during a post flight briefing. No problem with Virtual Pilot 3D, as the software records the horizontal and vertical track of the aircraft movement so that it can be played back later. This is great for training purposes, but also can be used purely for your entertainment.
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.
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