Definition
A ground-based training device that reproduces the cockpit, systems, flight characteristics, and operational environment of a specific aircraft with sufficient fidelity that procedures and maneuvers practiced in it transfer directly to the actual airplane. In FAA usage, a full flight simulator includes a faithful cockpit replica, working instruments and controls, a visual system, and motion that responds to pilot inputs.
Plain English
A machine on the ground that copies a real airplane closely enough that flying it teaches you how to fly the real one.
Context Anchor
In multiengine training, a simulator is often used to practice engine failures and other situations that may be risky or expensive to repeat in the airplane.
Derivation
From the Latin simulare, meaning 'to make like' or 'to copy.' A simulator is literally a device that imitates something else — in this case, the airplane and the conditions of flight.
Why Pilots Care
Lets pilots safely experience and correct mistakes during engine failures or instrument approaches that would be risky or expensive in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume simulator means any aviation video game or casual practice program. In pilot training, a simulator is a training device meant to imitate an aircraft for structured practice, and only approved devices count for FAA credit.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot practiced engine-out procedures in the simulator before attempting them in the airplane.
Example Sentence 2
Before the checkride, the pilot used the simulator to rehearse single-engine instrument approaches.