Simulator Flying - is it enough?
With the increasing complexity of helicopters do you spend enough time in the 'box' ?
Putting it 'out there' as I visit the 'box' twice a year, usually 4 x 2-hr slots each time, but still feel that is not enough.
After the examiner has tried to complete the various mandatory exercises and you've been bounced around various scenarios within the allotted time frame - I'm often left with the feeling of having been 'run thru the mill' and struggle to appreciate the training value.
It is usually the case that after you've re-learnt how to fly the 'box' - its time to go back to work.
Box time is relatively expensive and a balance must be met - especially for the smaller companies. Maybe the new wave of VR training aids will improve access/competition as I still struggle to see why traditional simulators are so expensive to procure - when you consider that MS FlightSim graphics are far superior than any Level-D 'box' I have sat in!