Flight simulators can be used for entertainment or pilot training, ranging from basic joystick systems to full-size aircraft flight decks. They are commonly used in civilian training and as a hobby. Some simulators offer a full dimensional experience with movement, and are useful for emergency training. Flight simulation is crucial for spacecraft training.
A flight simulator is a realistic recreation of the operation of an aircraft in flight. Simulators can be for entertainment purposes, pilot training, or a combination of both. They can be as simple as a basic joystick connected to a computer system loaded with special software, or as complicated as a full-size aircraft flight deck, mounted on hydraulic elevators to produce the sensation of movement for those inside. Flight simulators were originally used for military training applications, but are now commonly used in civilian training, and even as an entertaining hobby for gaming enthusiasts.
A basic simulator can be found for almost every computer or video game system on the market. Most systems have a specialized flight simulator controller that resembles the control sticks and yokes found on many airplanes. Pedals are also available to simulate rudder control. Joysticks come with a number of features, such as buttons to control specific aircraft functions or sticks to control multi-engine craft. There are several types available, and many flight simulator enthusiasts choose to have several types of controllers for use with different types of aircraft.
Any good flight simulator game will display accurate instruments for the chosen aircraft, and will depict the flight process as realistically as possible. Most games have multiple planes to choose from, mimicking the entire process from takeoff to landing. Many student pilots use quality flight simulation games as part of their practice training to become familiar with the controls and instrumentation. The use of a flight simulator does not contribute to the hours required for the license, but it can be an invaluable training tool.
Some flight training facilities offer a full dimensional experience with a full motion, enclosed flight simulator. These devices simulate not only flight controls, but also movement. Users sit inside a realistic cockpit that has computer screens instead of windows, on which computerized animated images of the outside world appear. This cabin is mounted on a hydraulic device that moves the box along with the movements of the controls. These simulators are particularly useful in training for emergency situations as they can realistically reproduce sensations and stresses for situations that could not be reproduced safely in the air.
Spacecraft training runs almost entirely through flight simulation. Real life aircraft training is absolutely necessary to become an astronaut, but it cannot fully demonstrate the spaceship flight process. The closest trainee astronauts can get to flying in space before launching the shuttle is with high-tech 3D flight simulation combined with actual aircraft training.
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