How Important Is Flight Simulator Time During Training?

[mosararty]

Many flight schools include simulator sessions as part of their curriculum. Did you find simulator training genuinely helpful when transitioning to the aircraft, or is actual flight time significantly more valuable? What skills improved the most through simulator practice?

 

[oliverjoshua]

Jumping in on this older post, I think simulator time is invaluable for practicing emergency procedures and honing situational awareness. Simulators let you experience scenarios that might be rare but critical to handle safely in real aircraft. They also offer a forgiving environment to make mistakes and learn from them without consequences. Curious to hear others' thoughts on how this practice compares to actual flight experiences!

 

[graceshen]

Flight simulators provide valuable practice for many essential skills, especially when paired with courses like ifr pilot training. For me, simulator time boosted my instrument flying skills, making transitioning to real flights smoother. It’s about creating a solid foundation, so both simulator and actual flight time play crucial roles. Simulators allow you to practice rare situations safely, honing your decision-making and control in a risk-free environment.