Read accident case studies and aviation stories to help you stay sharp.
By Dan Sobczak
March 2020
Editor's note: This content does not constitute flight instruction. Consult a certified flight instructor in your area for proper flight instruction.
In a previous blog post, I wrote about the benefits of scenario-based flight training using a simulator.
As a follow up to that post, this article -- eight VFR emergencies perfect for flying in a simulator -- from Redbird Flight Simulations provides some examples of scenario-based flight training, as used by Michael Phillips of Aviation Simulator Training in Camarillo, CA.
These kinds of real-world scenarios can help pilots of all experience levels improve their ability to stay ahead of the power curve. That's exactly what the military and NASA continue to do to ensure their pilots are prepared and have practiced what to do in any given situation.
Jim Lovell (portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 1995 movie Apollo 13) tells the Director of Flight Crew Operations Deke Slayton "Well, if I had a dollar for every time they've killed me in this thing, I wouldn't have to work for you, Deke. We have two days, we'll be ready." Photo credit: Universal City Studios, Inc. and Imagine Entertainment.
Flight simulators can provide realistic flight simulation to help you achieve your flight training goals, and keep your flying skills sharp even when weather keeps you grounded in the real world.
You don't have to be a military pilot or a NASA astronaut to get high-quality realistic simulator training.
As Phillips told the Redbird team: "You're limited only by your imagination of what could go wrong."
The only aviation accident app that helps you see and understand the accident chain from NTSB reports.
The following are some of the flight simulator tools that pilots of all experience levels have as another tool in their piloting toolbox:
If you need some tips on setting up your own home-based flight simulator, check out this article on home simulator flying & flight training, from StudentPilotNews.com.
Finally, if you want to work on your ATC communication skills in your home-based simulator environment, be sure to read this article to get Four Tips for Mastering ATC Communications.
Stay sharp!
The Flight Chain App team
Dan Sobczak is the founder of www.FlightChainApp.com, a mobile app that helps pilots learn from accident chains by making NTSB reports more convenient and easier to digest. Dan received his private pilot certificate in 2003.
Flight Chain App and its companion blog www.AheadOfThePowerCurve.com are committed to reducing general aviation accidents, helping improve aviation safety, and growing the pilot population.
The only aviation accident app that helps you see and understand the accident chain from NTSB reports.
Flight Chain App and its blog Ahead of the Power Curve are committed to reducing general aviation accidents, helping improve aviation safety, and growing the pilot population.