Sim Eval Practice

[Porterboy]

Are there any decent widebody sims available in Canada to prepare for a sim eval? I've never flown a jet before so I think it would be helpful to get a taste of it first. I recall reading that there was a 747 classic sim in Vancouver, but I can't seem to find it. The uFLy 777 sim in Toronto looks good, but judging from the pictures it appears that it's just running on good old MS FSX, so I don't know if that would provide a realistic environment. I'd appreciate any help!

[Banana Joe]

The Level-D sims I trained on during my type rating course had worse graphics than FSX. What matters is the flight model.

[+TSRA]

I was told during my first sim eval that the instructor would have all the time in the world to teach me the airplane if I was willing to learn, but that he would have zero time for me if he had to teach me something I should already have known because of the licenses and ratings I held. I carried this mentality into the sim evals I would later conduct on other pilots.

I was never concerned (too much) with how the pilot handled the simulator, and I gave A LOT of leeways if the pilot said they had not flown the type before. What I would look for was the ability to quickly adapt to the new situation and a semblance of adherence to the basic IFR rules. That is if I told you on the first approach to lower the flaps at 200 knots, did I have to remind you for the same thing on the second approach? Or, throughout the evaluation, did you at least attempt to follow the basic rules? For example, you identified you would exceed the 200 knots within 10 miles of a control zone or 250 knots below 10,000,' and you actively tried to correct for it. Even if a pilot demonstrated what would be a failable performance on a ride, they might still pass the evaluation given all the other considerations.

A failed sim eval happened when the pilot had to be consistently reminded of the information that was provided and demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of even the most basic knowledge requirements for the license they held.

The evaluator will know that you've never flown a jet before so that they will be looking for progress throughout the evaluation. We don't look for perfect performance so don't waste your money. You're better off putting your money into buying and reading Handling the Big Jets or Mechanics of Flight, or some other advanced text.

I might not see an issue with your handling or will know that I can teach you in 12 sim sessions how to handle the airplane. I will see a problem if you don't know what I mean when I ask you about the effect of compressibility at higher airspeeds, or what you have to consider when entering turbulence when operating in the coffin corner - things like that. It's not necessarily information you will need day-to-day, but it is the necessary information I need to know you have before I teach you, say the stall recovery at altitude.

[J.O.]

I recall reading that there was a 747 classic sim in Vancouver, but I can't seem to find it.

There’s some sound advice here already, but if you’re serious about that 747 simulator, it is in Abbotsford, about an hour outside of Vancouver. Some info can be found here but the website they list doesn’t work.

https://www.pilotcareercentre.com/Pilot-Training-Flight-School/Canada/British-Columbia/222/CP-Advanced-Flight-Inc.

[Porterboy]

What matters is the flight model.
That is precisely why I wouldn't want to use it if it runs on FSX. As an avid PC simmer myself, I know it's got it's limitations in terms of flight dynamics and I wouldn't trust it to replicate real world handling qualities.

The evaluator will know that you've never flown a jet before so that they will be looking for progress throughout the evaluation. We don't look for perfect performance so don't waste your money. You're better off putting your money into buying and reading Handling the Big Jets or Mechanics of Flight, or some other advanced text.
Thank you I appreciate the insight. Makes me feel a little less nervous. I bought the Handling the Big Jets book and I'm super happy with it. Great book! :)




There’s some sound advice here already, but if you’re serious about that 747 simulator, it is in Abbotsford, about an hour outside of Vancouver. Some info can be found here but the website they list doesn’t work.

https://www.pilotcareercentre.com/Pilot-Training-Flight-School/Canada/British-Columbia/222/CP-Advanced-Flight-Inc.

That's the one! I wonder if they've gone out of business. No website and their facebook hasn't been updated since 2010. Either way, I will take TSRA's great advice and save my money.