Definition
Ground-based training devices that replicate a specific aircraft type with a fully enclosed cockpit, working flight controls and instruments, a visual display system showing the outside world, and a motion system that physically moves the cockpit to simulate the forces of flight. Full flight simulators are qualified by the FAA to specific levels (A through D), with higher levels providing greater fidelity and broader training credit toward pilot certificates and ratings.
Plain English
A high-end flight training machine that looks and feels like the real cockpit, complete with moving visuals out the windows and a platform that tilts and shakes to mimic real flight. It is realistic enough that the FAA allows certain pilot training and checking to be done in it instead of an actual airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen when comparing different sources of flight training, especially aircraft training, ground training, and approved simulator training.
Derivation
Simulator comes from the Latin word meaning “to copy” or “to make like.” That helps here because a full flight simulator is meant to copy the aircraft closely enough for real training value.
Why Pilots Care
They enable safe, repeatable practice of emergencies and complex procedures while satisfying FAA training and checking requirements at lower cost and risk than flying the real aircraft.
Intuition Check
“Full” does not mean any computer flight game or basic practice device. Here it means a highly realistic, approved simulator that represents a real aircraft closely enough for certain official training or testing credit.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the Boeing 737 on the line, the new first officer completed engine-failure and rejected-takeoff training in a full flight simulator.
Example Sentence 2
Airlines qualify pilots on new aircraft types using full flight simulators that match the exact cockpit layout and performance.