ZFT wrote:
A very nice analysis of the limitations of FFSs.
One point – There seems to be a popular misconception the Level ‘D’ sims have better handling characteristics than Level ‘C’ sims.
In reality (dependant upon the certifying authority) the only real difference in handling between the two will be will objectively matched motion buffets and some specific aero effects, but nothing to the basic handling qualities.
I agree with you 100%, sir. In addition to the objectively matched buffets and some specific aero effects, there are also objectively measured sounds (the specificity of which is about to be set out and be a bit more germane to the flight tasks at hand) and I feel relatively confident of more highly favorable “Cooper-Harper” ratings with the wider field-of-view visual systems that are going to be required of Level D. We’ve come a very long way – but a simulator is still not the airplane.
I am really impressed with the breadth and depth of the comments here. Hopefully some of this will make its way into the halls of the training gurus around the world – and anointed by the relevant regulators – of course they’re never irrelevant, right?
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AirRabbit