If a simulator really is 'harder to fly than the a/c', then it clearly must lack the fidelity required for ZFT qualificiation.
Practise in the sim by all means. But when fleets no longer conduct 'route checks', assessment of the capability of inexperienced pilots to cope in a busy ATC environment has to be made in a meaningful way. Following a script from Hannover to Dusseldorf with 1-to-1 RT is hardly realistic....
Approaches to minima in poor weather can be a Basic Training Requirement; they do not need to be part of an IRT. In the days when the RAF could afford to do things properly, the VC10 IRT was:
Outboard engine failure on t/o at V1. Asymm initial climb and flap retraction. Restore engine. Join airways, follow route to carry out a fully procedural entry into the hold at a UK regional airport. Fly precision or no-precision approach, go-around, rejoin airways, fly to Germany, radar directed asymmetric approach (precision if non-precision flown at UK aerodrome), asymmetric go-around and further 'dealers choice' of approach to land.
So we'd do Leeds/Bradford and Wildenrath, Wildenrath and Lulsgate, Birmingham and Bruggen etc etc.
Took 6 hours - one 2 hour IRT trip to Germany, 2 hours on the ground, another 2 hour IRT home. Plus we also took about 12 stn pax to do a bit of DF shopping - typically, people who'd helped the sqn in some way or other. MTDs, firemen, ATCOs, stackers - everyone except those who regularly flew... It was an ideal opportunity to give those who deserved it some air experience and had huge 'added value' and goodwill value for stn personnel.
All gone now - thanks to the $odding beancounters and fun detectors. Yes, I know that RAFG has popped its clogs, but there are plenty of other mil aerodromes in Europe which could be used.
Last edited by BEagle; 14th Jan 2005 at 07:13.