Simulators have been around for a long time. Flight simulation is an artificial re-creation of aircraft flight and the surrounding environment. This includes formulas that govern how aircraft fly, how they react to the manipulation of their controls and their systems, and how they react to their external environment including but not limited to air density, turbulence, cloud cover and precipitation.
Simulation of flight is used for many reasons, especially for the training of pilots. Design and development of the aircraft, research into aircraft characteristics and control and handling qualities are also important elements of the flight simulator.
Simulators have varying degrees of hardware and software, modeling detail and realism that depend on their purpose. Simulators today can range from PC and laptop based models of aircraft systems, to simple replica cockpits, or more complex cockpit simulations with some working controls and systems, to highly detailed cockpit replications.
Home based computer flight simulators have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Today home simulators users can enjoy a realism that was just a dream ten or so years ago. And, as an added bonus, the prices have come down significantly to make them affordable to just about anyone. Today, simulators most often include airplane and helicopter software in each package.
Easy to load into your computer, you could be "flying" in a very short while! Studies have shown that people, beginners or pros, who use flight simulators fly better in the field. Beginners especially benefit from simulation. When taken to the field even after a few hours of flight simulation, they fly better and more confidently than their counterparts who did not have the benefit of the simulator practice.
Flight simulators have the added benefit of being available at any time. They are not restricted because of bad weather or darkness. They also allow you to try different aircraft of different skill levels. Thus expanding your understand of the flight characteristics of many different planes and helicopters!
As you can see, flight simulators give the beginner a tremendous advantage before they actually achieve their first field flight. And anytime you can fly safer and under control the better pilot you will eventually become.
So there it is. Flight simulators cam boost your flying skills from the comfort of your home! A tremendous advantage especially if you are a beginner. Even a seasoned pro can hone their skills with a flight simulator. The verdict is in simulators are a dream for the beginner!