I know how to do xwind landings. I've been flying being paid for 11 years and although I learn every day, I know I am (was) proficient in xwind landings up to and including 38kts, as was the limit on my last type.
However all that experience and skill has not helped me make 1 decent xwind landing in any sim, on any type, or any sim. After every type qualification I dreaded my first landing, fortunately until now unnecessary
The problem could be simulator fidelity. The reason why simulators should be checked by a qualified simulator test pilot during the scheduled 120 day check is to pick up any slipping from fidelity that inevitably occurs over time. And that means not just any company pilot who happens to be current on the type. The following comment is by a former Australia Regulator expert on simulator accreditation.
"For those who believe that a high grade simulator cannot correctly replicate the real aircraft I would suggest they consider how this can be and what might be a solution to fix it.
The standards set over two decades ago were clearly set out in legislation and developed into various computer programs. For a Level Five - now Level D simulator - the credits sought by the industry were to include "Zero Flight Time Training". To achieve this there were two main requirements in achieving real-world fidelity - they were: the program had to replicate data from "actual flight test" results; the other tests were subjective as to how it "felt" to an experienced and recent set of hands flying the test manoeuvres.
To achieve "sensitive hands" some Regulators required the simulator specialists to actually fly the aircraft over most, if not all, the manoeuvre parameters and in some cases, outside normally on-line limits. Examples were the low and high speed buffet margins in various configurations and different altitudes. Roll yaw couples were high on the objective and subjective test programs and especial had to pass to pass the subjective "feel good" hand flying.
In respect of the maintenance of fidelity as required by recurrent fidelity checks, it seems as time has passed the skill levels of simulator test pilots have eroded with the tasks often undertaken by current line pilots. This is not an accusation or slight on their ability .......but have they had the practice or recent experience required to ensure the subjective test actually replicate the aircraft?
I wonder how many simulator checkers have actually stalled and manoeuvred the actual aircraft to confirm the simulator replicates the aircraft. It was a surprise to me to feel and hear how a B747 - 200 300 400 performs, to mention one small corner of the envelope.
How about ground roll measurements with the various setting of Auto Brake and a check on the coaming cut off angle with all engines operating versus one inoperative with a different flap and body angle?
And have they actually done an alternate flap extension in the aircraft and how about an emergency gear extension?
Accreditation Test Guides, now sometimes called the Qualification Test Guide, should set out all the objective data sourced from actual flight test data. It is the computer geniuses and the recent and qualified simulator test pilots who need to address each and every test (over time) and then you might find that many actually enjoy their ability to fly the simulator ...just like the aircraft."