For pilots, virtual reality a huge part of learning to fly

Question: What do you think about flight training that is augmented by virtual reality? Do you anticipate that this will replace full-motion simulators in the near future?

— submitted via email

Answer: Flight training technology is expanding constantly. Simulators today are very realistic and are a form of virtual reality already. This trend is likely to continue.

There is a longstanding debate regarding the need for motion in simulators. I have flown both full-motion and chair-movement simulators. So far, I prefer the full-motion simulators due to the greater fidelity. I would not expect full-motion simulators to be replaced in the near future.

Q: When do pilots ever practice “smoke in the cockpit” emergencies?

— Clarence Abell, no location given

A: Many flight simulators are capable of creating smoke (i.e. non-toxic theater smoke), allowing pilots to practice this type of emergency.

Q: Can one simulator be used for training on different aircraft types? For examaple, can an A330 simulator be used to train A340 pilots? — A. V. Bal, India

A: Yes. Many of the new simulators can be quickly converted between types. The flight deck is arranged for the proper type of airplane by the maintenance technicians. In some cases, it takes only a few minutes to transition to another model.