Paper Example on Flight Simulators: Low & High Fidelity Training

Introduction

The aviation simulation system implements the equations that monitor the operations of an aircraft on air and also incorporates the behavior of airplanes and jets towards aspects such as a change in turbulence or precipitation. The goal of the simulation is to allow amateur pilots to gain knowledge and skills in the field of flight training before starting to use real airplanes (Roganov et al., 2018).

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

There are two forms of flight simulators, which include low and high fidelity. Low fidelity comprises of simple equipment such as pen and video games while high ones are complex devices such as virtual cockpit (Sparko et al., 2010). There are various types of flight simulators and they can be grouped in terms of three aspects, which include the phase of learning, the kind of task, and the category of analysis (Sparko et al., 2010). In-flight simulation, there are three stages of skills development that include cognitive, associative, and autonomous. The cognitive period is the first step, which entails learning through directions and supervision from an educator. Associative is where the learner gets an opportunity to incorporate the new ideas into running the simulator. Autonomous is the final phase whereby the student gets used to the routine thus it becomes automatic. It illustrates that the least realistic simulators should be used by the cognitive stage while the highly advanced simulators are employed at the final stage. The simulator that is used to teach aviators differs from the one that students employ to conduct their training. The type of simulator should correspond to the set objectives and goals.

History

The simulation technique began in 1929 during the time when Edwin Link created a trainer (Merriman & Karn, 2019). The equipment consisted of a basic group of devices, a motion platform but it did not have visual displacement. French commanders established the concept of flight simulators intending to train their soldiers on how to use military airplanes vital during the battle (Keck & Lopez, 2017). The Second World War, which took place between the year 1939 to 1945 propagated the development of flight simulators since it facilitated growth in the field of electronics (Roganov et al., 2018). Academic research and evaluations on flight simulators began in 1949 (Merriman & Karn, 2019). In the early 1950s, experts started to discover analog computers, which helped in the storage of massive data and improved the speed of operations during airplane simulations (Aebersold, 2016). The advancement in modern technology allowed the U.S. Air Force to employ simulators that were a direct replica of its aircraft's cockpits. As the years passed, digital technology was discovered, which paved the way for the creation of hybrid desktops. The advancement encouraged the aspect of flexibility in the conduction of flight training. In the 21st century, experts formulated the programming concept, which allowed students to experience real-life conditions during flight simulation to gain complex aviation skills, knowledge, and experience (Roganov et al., 2018). High-tech companies developed the concept of a virtual simulation that an individual can employ while at home. Microsoft made advancements in simulation technology by adding a new version known as the flight to enable pilots to improve their navigation abilities. The simulator is used by 70 percent of the consumer market since it provides a diverse range of services such as flight practices, which is convenient and easy to use (Roganov et al., 2018). It is correct that over the years, there has been consistent growth and development in simulation technology (Durak, 2016).

Importance of Flight Simulators

There are diverse reasons why experts employ the concept of simulation technology, for example, to train pilots, to study the design of an airplane also to examine an aircraft's characteristics.

Train Pilots

There are various advantages of employing flight simulators for educational purposes rather than other training techniques (Durak, 2016). The technology is affordable due to its low costs of insurance, fuel, and maintenance. But when using an actual helicopter or airplane during the training period, it requires a lot of fuel also it tends to need constant maintenance.

The simulation strategy is safe since the recruit does not practice on air, which allows one to make errors without facing fatal consequences (Merriman & Karn, 2019). It ensures that students learn how to deal with emergencies to eradicate the risk of accidents. Flight simulators create a stress-free environment for amateur aviators to eradicate the aspect of confusion when conducting various operations in the cockpit (Davey, 2004). The technique enables students to progress their navigational abilities when operating under both visual and instrumental regulations. In the current times, companies such as Microsoft created software, that allows students to practice aviation procedures at home to promote their accuracy and proficiency skills (Durak, 2016).

Simulation is a flexible technique that can be employed by both amateur and veteran aviators (Socha et al., 2016). Experienced pilots can train under emergency conditions to ensure that they gain expertise in procedures and skills to partake in deadly circumstances. The technique can create a variety of malfunctions concerning aspects such as engine and electricity to maximize the preparedness of the aviators. The concept of flight simulation allows individuals to repeat various procedures in response to diverse malfunctions to ensure that they gain extensive muscle retention that can guarantee full preparedness (Socha et al., 2016). The simulation technique has analytical features, which allow its users to evaluate their daily activities and progress against the standardized criteria. It allows students to grow and develop their technical and non-technical skills.

A flight simulator saves time since it reduces the learning duration compared to using a real airplane (Kraemer, 2018). When employing advanced technology, activities such as examining weather trends and completing flight schedules only take around one hour to complete. Compared to other training methods, it takes the shortest duration, which is convenient for both the students and the instructor (Mairaj et al.,2019). Time management allows all of the aviator students to get an opportunity to develop and strengthen both their technical and non-technical abilities.

For Analysis

The flight simulation process allows experts to study and examine into deeper lengths the traits and qualities of a particular aircraft (Kraemer, 2018). The technology makes it easier for experts to gain comprehensive insights on various models of aircraft and helicopters. It is a strategy that lets researchers develop effective techniques that can help to manage and control vital sections of an aircraft such as the cockpit and engine (Memon, 2019).

For Research

In the aviation sector, flight simulators are important since they facilitate further research and development (Kraemer, 2018). The constant evaluation and monitoring can assist scientists in collecting comprehensive data to create highly efficient airplanes or jets. Experts employ the simulation laboratory as a place of aviation research to test new equipment and approaches that can help curb flight errors (Merriman & Karn, 2019). A simulation requires a limited amount of data hence there is no need for an institution to have a reserve for large datasets.

Research Question

1. Does a flight simulator have an impact on an aviator’s non-technical skills?

Purpose of The Study

1. To address the aspects of flight simulation that can impact a pilot's human factors skills.
2. To evaluate the importance of constant research in the field of flight simulation to enhance pilots' human factors abilities.