Understanding How Simulation Technology Aided the Aviation Industry

Simulation technology helps aid in the learning process for aviation students and experienced flyers. It can also aid other major players in the industry, including aerospace manufacturers. More Air Force pilots are learning via flight simulator-based training. 

Continue reading to learn how simulation technology improved how the aviation industry works.

Building the Aircrafts

Before an airplane ever takes off, it will go through a series of tests. This helps to ensure that it is safe for the passengers, the cabin crew, and the pilots. These tests include:

• Bending wings test
• Bird/water ingestion test
• Hot and cold temperature test
• Lightning strike test

One of the most important tests occurs before the aircraft is even created. The Iron Birds virtual plane simulation helps to check for any potential problems before it is even assembled. 

Aircraft technicians don’t have to get into an aircraft to be able to:

• Practice installations and removals
• Check the bird for faults
• Replicate emergency take-offs and landings

Simulation makes it safer in all aspects of aircraft. This includes providing a safer learning environment for cabin crews. It provides them with a safe space to practice procedures in a realistic simulation.

Teaching Aviation Students

When it comes to teaching future pilots about aircrafts, it can be dangerous if they are inside the aircraft. The simulation drastically lowers the chance of losing a pilot or a plane during a dangerous scenario. It gives aviation students the ability to correct mistakes before taking flight.

Flight simulation is more effective in training than actual flight in several ways. 

The flight simulation gives the pilot an accurate sense of familiarity and insight into what it will be like when they get into the cockpit. The simulation allows the trainee to achieve all of the required training objectives. This happens over a shorter timespan while allowing them to go at their own pace. 

The flight simulation is quieter and more comfortable than it would be in the actual aircraft. This makes it a little easier to retain the information they are learning during their training. The simulation gives the pilot the chance to get detailed feedback from their instructor every step of the way.

Other Benefits of Flight Simulation

Beyond the building and learning aspects, several benefits come from the inclusion of flight simulation. The flight simulation technology helps to set up numerical situations for:

• Altitude control systems
• Inertia navigation system (or INS system)

Airlines with 1,000 pilots are spending up to $60 million on training every year. Flight simulation is ten times less expensive than training in an aircraft and can save airlines millions of dollars annually. 

Fewer students are being taught to fly in actively moving airplanes. As a result, fewer carbon emissions are causing an issue for the environment. Flight simulators can also run longer and harder without causing wear and tear on the planes. 

Future of Aviation Via Simulation Technology

Thanks to simulation technology, we’re made huge strides in the aviation industry. The improvements in technology (from the simulations) transfer over into the aircraft making them safer, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

If you found this post to be helpful, be sure to check out our other technology-related content.