FLIGHT SIMULATORS
How many types are there and what each one is used for.

Flight Simulators in Spain

A device for each training stage

There are specific flight simulators for each stage in pilot’s training. Then, the different certifications establish the standards for the different devices, guaranteeing the compliance of the requirements needed to successfully overcome every training phase.

In this article, we will analyse the different stages to become a commercial pilot, studying the characteristics of the simulators used in each of them.

But before getting started, we will have a look on the certifications for flight simulators established by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

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The largest flight simulator centre in a European ATO

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What are the existing flight simulators certifications?

The flight simulators types, or ‘Flight Simulation Training Device’ (FSTD) are defined in the ‘Certification Specifications’, or CS-FSTD (A) of EASA.

In this way, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) establishes three main FSTD certification levels:

FNPT (Flight Navigation and Procedures Trainer)
FTD (Flight Training Device)
FFS (Full Flight Simulator)

FNPT Simulators

They are fixed base flight simulators that can be used in all the training stages: from the initial flight phases until update courses, including basic emergency procedures, navigation, instruments or cabin cooperation. They are the most used during a commercial pilot training. They are versatile and very reliable.

Furthermore, if the FNPT simulator has a MCC certification, it means that it will be also used for a coordinated flight between pilot and copilot (MCC, Multi Crew Coordination).

So it is that until the moment to get the MCC, the pilot has only learnt to fly on the left side, as the sole captain. It is during this stage when they learn to coordinate actions and procedures during navigation; learning, that it is not possible to acquire in a FTD.

FTD Simulators

The FTD flight simulators are fixed base devices, although in this case, they simulate a specific type of aircraft. This characteristic then, makes that these devices are used for aircraft type rating formation.

The FTD flight simulators are used in the last training stages, focused on the preparation of the student for the airline selection processes. They are the perfect complement for the FNPT simulators; FNTP allows to simulate the navigation meanwhile the FTD are to practice particular procedures.

FFS Simulators

The FFS flight simulators, as well as the previous ones, reproduce a particular type of aircraft, with the distinctive feature that it incorporates a moving base that provides movement and vibration. It has a higher level of technical complexity and can be used for the same trainings as in a FTD flight simulator.

Other flight simulators

Although a priori they do not enter in this classification, there exist other types of flight simulators that are very useful to uplift the training at the initial stages, and get familiar with certain instruments or practice specific manoeuvres.

Below, we offer a good summary of the flight simulators that you will be able to pilot in our school.

ALSIM ALX FNPT II MCC Simulator

MEDIUM JET A320 – SEP COMPLEX – MEP COMPLEX

After more than 20 years designing and developing EASA and FAA certified flight simulators, Alsim has become one of the leading flight simulator manufacturers in the world. The ALSIM ALX FNPT II A320 is also used by airlines such as Nikki Air for pilot recruitment.

Here you can see the Alsim ALX flight simulator in a VR 360º video.
Click and drag to interact.

Certifications of Alsim ALX simulator

Our ALSIM ALX simulator can be used for most training courses thanks to its three certifications (SEP, MEP and MCC). New students with no experience receive training to reach the standard level of an ATPL Licence.

Our simulator’s avionics technology and flight instruments ensure easy immersion and familiarisation with digital cockpits. Simulators are an essential tool to learn decision-making in the most adverse conditions possible.

ALSIM ALX: The most versatile flight simulator

Alsim has introduced a new training concept, allowing different types of aircraft to be combined in a single simulator. This tool provides skills training for a wide range of aircraft: single engine, twin engine, turboprop and Medium Jet Airbus A320.

The Alsim ALX is the most versatile and fully-equipped flight simulator in the world: it offers Private Aircraft Pilot PPL(A) training, multi-engine instrument rating (IR+ME), PBN approaches using GPS, Multi-Crew Co-operation (MCC), Jet Orientation Course (JOC) and pilot training and selection for airline interviews.

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Avionics of our Alsim ALX

The Garmin GTN 650 GPS is a touch navigation system (GPS, COM and NAV) that can display the following elements: cartography, advanced navigation, flight planning, air traffic and weather. Both of our simulator’s GTN 650 systems are completely up to date and are SBAS and WAAS certified.

How does the GTN 650 work? It is quite simple. Thanks to the use of FastFind, we will be able to automatically determine the closest identifier as soon as we start typing. In this way, everything is ready to go from pre-flight to emergency situations.

Once the whole route has been edited in the map screen, we will be able to enter new waypoints and recently visited or nearest airports, as well as “Direct To” destinations, and even load and perform any kind of approach.

ALSIM AL42 FNPT II Simulator

Diamond DA42 Twin-Engine Replica

Being an identical replica of the twin-engine aircrafts that afterwards our students will pilot in the real flight stage, the Alsim AL42, is one of the most interesting flight simulators. In One Air, we use it in order to obtain the multi-engine rating (ME)

When the time to put yourself at the controls of the impressive Diamond DA42 comes, the pilot is thoroughly familiar with the procedures, doing more productive and enjoyable flight hours.

Alsim AL42 visual description

ALSIM HDVS System (High Definition Visual System)
49 ° vertical field of view
200 ° horizontal field of view
Resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (reach 5760 x 1200 with 3 projectors)
32-bit color definition
60 Hz frame rate
Modeling of textures worldwide.
Global help database
Coasts
Detailed airports in 3D

Alsim AL42 cab components

Two-seat cabin with air conditioning
Real Garmin G1000® NXi (GDU and GMA 1347 screens)
2 headphones
5 speakers for surround sound
Analog display of backup instruments
Navigation database
Semi-closed instructor station.
With 21” touch interface, color printer, headset, seat and commissioning panel.

Alsim AL42 training improvements

It is a replica, in shape and design and with original parts, of the Diamond aircraft.
The AL42 simulates the Austro DA42 engine (A / P GFC 700 G1000® NXi).
Garmin G1000® NXi EFIS Configuration (PFD and MFD).
GFC 700 autopilot / flight director.
Flight controls with electric load control on the tilt, roll and turn axes.
Active switches
A Panoramic screen of the visual system.
Deicing system panel.

Airbus A320 FTD Compliant Flight Simulator

The Airbus A320 EASA FTD flight simulator integrates the specific training software with professional license with the same updates used by an Airbus. Furthermore, its high level of realism and reliability permits the approval of this flight simulator as EASA FTD.

In our FTD Compliant simulator, we have developed an ample catalogue of courses in A320, that ennoble the training experience of our students, as well as of active pilots that look for obtaining type rating, or during the refresher seminars.

Technical Features

220-degree cylindrical display system with triple projection and photorealistic scenarios.
Force Feedback control for pilot and copilot.
Fully immersive cabin with 100% real hardware.
CANBUS electronic control systems
Worldwide database.
Adaptable meteorology.
Hidden instructor position behind the cockpit.
All types of current approaches overview.
Breakers for QRH procedures.
Automation of alpha floor protections.

Boeing 737-800 FTD Compliant Flight Simulator

As the A320, the Boeing 737-800 EASA FTD Compliant flight simulator integrates the specific training software with the same professional license and the same updates used by a Boeing. Likewise, its high level of reliability with the real aircraft permits its approval as EASA FTD. You can see here our course catalogue for B737-800.

Technical Features

220-degree cylindrical display, triple projection and photorealistic scenarios.
Fully immersive cabin with 100% real hardware.
CANBUS electronic control systems
Worldwide database with updated airports and approaches.
Adaptable meteorology.
Hidden instructor position behind the cockpit.
Real Boeing stick-shaker and controller.
Breakers for QRH procedures.
Seats with 5-point belts.

Garmin 1000
Flight Simulator

The GARMIN 1000 avionics of our simulator perfectly exhibits the newest aeronautical technologies present in our aircrafts.

The G1000 trainer is one of the most essential simulators at the very early stages of training because it means to get perfectly familiar with the aircraft instruments that later will be used when flying.

Furthermore, all facilitated by our proximity to Malaga International Airport, the Garmin 1000 flight simulator is used in our school to practice real communications between the aircraft and the control tower.

Garmin 1000 Components

Glass Cockpit
Two screens together.
A primary screen (PFD) and a multifunction screen (MFD).
Garmin 1000 system.
With 2 flight controls, 3 interchangeable gas sections (CESSNA CITATION MUSTANG / MEP COMPLEX / SEP COMPLEX).

Garmin 1000 Features

PFD / MFD Reversible Mode
Integrated S mode with Traffic Info System (TIS)
Topographical maps displaying the orography
Meteo.
The FIS system provides XM’s data.
Digital Audio Display.
AHRS.
Observation system of heading and altitude.
Three-pivot magnetometer.
Instrumental Safety Systems: altimeter, anemometer and altitude indicator.
EIS Visual and voice alerts for fuel level, emptiness pressure and all electrical information.
ADC.
With CAS, TAT, TAS, VSI, wind direction and speed data.

Full Motion Redbird Xwind Simulator

Specific for crosswind training

The American manufacturer of advanced simulators Redbird has been providing innovative solutions for pilot training since 2006.

With the acquisition of this new Full Motion XWind Simulator for Crosswind of Redbird, unique in Europe, we want to complement the general training, with the specific skills that the Xwind provides, to expand the knowledge and skills of our cadets, in crosswind landings and turbulence.

Xwind Components

Aluminium exterior cockpit
Full Motion platform on electric rails, capable of simulating movements of roll, yaw and drift
Motion Control System: Security software to improve simulation with physical signals
Single yoke
Rudder pedals with differential brakes
Hobbs meter
Full control panel with an accelerator, control of the propeller, and mixing
3x LCD screens, for exterior images

Technical Features

Training with variable wind up to 30 knots
Wind gusts up to 15 knots
Wind at low altitude and turbulence
Laser markers for drift and yaw
Up to 30 landing simulations per hour
Several flight modes available, depending on the aircraft

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS

Advanced courses are taught by commercial pilot instructors that currently work for the leading airlines.

SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE UPDATES

All simulator maintenance is carried out exclusively by the manufacturer, ensuring simulator airworthiness.

STUDENT SATISFACTION

All our students can vouch for the importance of using a precise, top-of-the-range simulator. Many of our students already work in the world’s major airlines.

Flight Simulators in Spain