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.
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'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 - 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.
These are all feature that are very important to consider with every flight simulator, however, there is no benefit in having superior features if the monitor that you use is a letdown, so you want to make sure to get the best monitor that your money can by. The newest innovations in LED backlit LCD displays have response times that are lightning fast, phenomenal contract radios and extraordinary number of pixels, which allow for the ultimate viewing experience for your VirtualPilot 3D simulator. Oh, and remember that your simulator controls - throttle, flight yoke and pedals meet FAA standards and will afford you with a very realistic and smooth experience.
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'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 - 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.
These are all feature that are very important to consider with every flight simulator, however, there is no benefit in having superior features if the monitor that you use is a letdown, so you want to make sure to get the best monitor that your money can by. The newest innovations in LED backlit LCD displays have response times that are lightning fast, phenomenal contract radios and extraordinary number of pixels, which allow for the ultimate viewing experience for your VirtualPilot 3D simulator. Oh, and remember that your simulator controls - throttle, flight yoke and pedals meet FAA standards and will afford you with a very realistic and smooth experience.
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