Staying current when your not flying around Los Angeles in your Cirrus, or spending time in CalAir's fully immersed flight simulator, is much easier than one might think. The funny part is we never really think about it's significance but it can certainly prove to be such.
We're talking here about an at home flight simulator on your computer. Spending time on one in between flights is more valuable than you think, and it cost pennies in comparison to the costs of your flight training.
I've actually had students show up for their first lesson, that of which "live" on their simulators, and I couldn't tell that they where logging their first hour in an actual aircraft. Seriously, I had no idea. At one point, with a particular student, I asked to have them demonstrate slow flight, figuring he'd already done it with another instructor and I was knocking out FAR requirements, and they looked at me confused...
"What's slow flight? I've never done that."
"You've never done slow flight? Don't you have previous time in this aircraft?"
"Well, at home on my sim."
"You mean you've never actually been up in a Cirrus before?"
"Nope"
I was flabbergasted.
Here this guy was, handed off from his demo from another pilot for me to get his training underway (my fault for not looking in his "logbook", of which he obviously didn't have), who could complete all checklists, maintain positive aircraft control, and talk to ATC. In his first dual flight hour non the less! I couldn't believe it.
End of the day, if you think simulator programs are useless, for at home "chair pilots", your wrong. Frankly, it's a great way to stay up to speed and current, although not FAA approved to log, especially when contending with the Los Angeles basin each flight.
For more cost effective recommendations, visit us at www.calaironline.com
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