Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD’s) have inherent limitations. Firstly, you’re aware of the impending “problem” when you do a sim session, so you’re geared up procedurally and psychologically for the startle and surprise. There’s the knowledge in the back of your mind that no matter if you get it wrong, the sim is still just a “moving box”. Lastly, no matter the fidelity of the sim, you don’t get exposed the G’s that happen in the event of an upset and recovery. One of our Directors, and instructors, Shane, is a current TRI and check pilot on the 787 Dreamliner and teaches UPRT in sim and on our aircraft. Here’s what he has to say:
“The sim provides a valuable tool in teaching aircraft-specific recoveries of your aircraft. But nothing can equal the experience of knowing what it feels like to be 45degrees nose down inverted in a real aircraft, not pulling that rolling-G, and knowing where your aircraft G limit is by feel. On-aircraft UPRT is the perfect complimentary course to your ongoing CTPP UPRT training.”