Plain English Meaning

A safe pretend version of a real situation that lets students practice flying tasks and decisions as if they were really doing them.

Full Definition

An instructional method in which a realistic representation of a real-world situation, system, or environment is used to allow learners to practice procedures, decisions, and skills without the risks, costs, or consequences of doing so in actual operations.

Context Anchor

Seen in instructor training when discussing flight simulators, computer-based practice, role-playing, and other ways to rehearse flying tasks before or outside actual flight.

Derivation

From the Latin 'simulare' meaning 'to imitate' or 'to make something look real.' The aviation use keeps that core idea: imitating real flying closely enough that the practice transfers to the cockpit.