Definition
Ground-based training devices that reproduce the cockpit environment, flight controls, instrument indications, and aircraft responses of a specific aircraft or aircraft type, allowing pilots to practice procedures, maneuvers, and emergencies without leaving the ground. Modern flight simulators range from basic desktop training devices to full-motion units approved by the FAA for logging flight time toward certificates and ratings.
Plain English
Machines on the ground that act like a real aircraft so pilots can practice flying safely without taking off.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight training, instructor discussions, and electronic learning material where practice can happen before or between real flights.
Derivation
From Latin simulare, meaning 'to make like' or 'to imitate.' A simulator imitates the experience of flight closely enough that the practice transfers to the real aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
They provide safe, repeatable practice of normal and emergency procedures that would be expensive or hazardous in actual aircraft.
Intuition Check
A flight simulator is not just a video game. In aviation training, it is used to practice real flying tasks, and only certain approved simulators may count toward required training time.
Example Sentence 1
The student practiced engine-out procedures in the flight simulator before attempting them with her instructor in the aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
Modern flight simulators can duplicate specific aircraft models and weather so pilots can complete recurrent training without leaving the ground.