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.
Well, the big deal regarding computer flight simulation relates to the ergonomic relationship between the computer virtual controls and real world aircraft control. The computer based controls must be recognizable and identical to those found in real aircraft. For example, they must give clear indication as to how they can be manipulated by the pilot; and the computer keyboard has to be eliminated from flight operations since there are no keyboards in real aircraft.
Also, physical controls such as rudder pedals, joysticks and flight yokes must be interchangeable with virtual controls saving the location setting, wind parameters, configuration for air craft and stopping, pausing or simply starting the actual simulator software.
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, 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.
All these features are important factors to be considered in any flight simulator, but in the end it's no good having great features if the monitor you are using lets you down, so you're going to want to get the best monitor you can afford. The latest technology LED backlit LCD displays have lightning fast response times, excellent contrast ratios, and massive numbers of pixels, to give you the best viewing experience for your VirtualPilot 3D simulation experience. Oh, and don't forget to ensure that your simulator controls - flight yoke, throttle and pedals conform to FAA standards, and provide a smooth realistic experience.
Well, the big deal regarding computer flight simulation relates to the ergonomic relationship between the computer virtual controls and real world aircraft control. The computer based controls must be recognizable and identical to those found in real aircraft. For example, they must give clear indication as to how they can be manipulated by the pilot; and the computer keyboard has to be eliminated from flight operations since there are no keyboards in real aircraft.
Also, physical controls such as rudder pedals, joysticks and flight yokes must be interchangeable with virtual controls saving the location setting, wind parameters, configuration for air craft and stopping, pausing or simply starting the actual simulator software.
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, 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.
All these features are important factors to be considered in any flight simulator, but in the end it's no good having great features if the monitor you are using lets you down, so you're going to want to get the best monitor you can afford. The latest technology LED backlit LCD displays have lightning fast response times, excellent contrast ratios, and massive numbers of pixels, to give you the best viewing experience for your VirtualPilot 3D simulation experience. Oh, and don't forget to ensure that your simulator controls - flight yoke, throttle and pedals conform to FAA standards, and provide a smooth realistic experience.
About the Author:
People always think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. An FAA qualified flight sim is on one side and a fun-to-fly flight simulator game is on the other. Try VirtualPilot 3D for 60 days and live on both sides of the fence where the grass is ALWAYS GREEN!.
