The use of PC-based flight simulators in the entertainment and aviation industries continues to grow strongly. PC-based sims are being used more and more to support aspects of flight training. But is this a good thing? What are the issues, advantages and pitfalls of using $90 software to learn how to fly real aircraft?
A paper released by Nic D'Alessandro reviews research on this topic and examines these questions in detail. The paper also discusses how PC-based sims can be used more effectively to improve aspects of aviation training. This will be of interest to desktop simmers who dream of flying for real one day, right through to flight instructors and commercial/IFR pilots who use simulators to support their work.
Nic D'Alessandro is an elearning / educational design professional, has a Private Pilots License, and has been using desktop simulators for over 20 years. He has recently completed construction of a full-size fixed-base Boeing737NG simulator and is an active member of cockpit building and VATSIM online communities.
TITLE: Transference of PC-based simulation to aviation training - issues in learning
