Simulator and controls familiarisation

Simulator and controls familiarisation

A first, aircraft-neutral practice session: get a calm session ready, find which control input moves the aircraft around each axis, and look around the cockpit before you try to fly. It teaches the setup and the controls only and contains no aircraft procedures.

Simulator practice. This exercise covers generic simulator skills and contains no aircraft procedures. It does not replace formal instruction or approved aircraft manuals.

Progress and notes are saved in this browser only. There is no account and nothing is uploaded, so clearing your browser data clears them.

1. Prepare your setup

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   • Prepare a calm, stationary sessionIf you have not set up the simulator before, work through the simulator session setup checklist on this site first: it covers updates, controllers, display and comfort. Then start a session on the ground in a safe, stationary situation, in the calmest conditions your simulator offers. If you cannot find a weather or starting-position choice, note that in your notes and continue with any safe, stationary start you have.Done when: The session begins on the ground in a safe, stationary situation, in calm conditions if your simulator offers a choice, with your chosen input device recognised.

2. Learn your controls

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   • Move each control input on its ownFind the pitch, roll and yaw inputs on your controller, joystick or keyboard, then move one input at a time in a safe, stationary session and note which axis it is intended for: pitch (nose up and down), roll (banking left and right) and yaw (nose left and right). The Academy theory linked on this page explains what each axis does. The aircraft does not need to respond for this task.Done when: For each of pitch, roll and yaw, you have moved the input you intend to use for that axis on its own, and you can say which axis each input controls.
   • Find the controls that change your viewView controls differ between keyboards, controllers and joysticks. Look for whatever your installation offers for looking around inside the cockpit and for returning to a forward view. If you cannot find a view control, note that in your notes and move on.Done when: You can look around the cockpit with a view control your setup provides, or you have noted that you could not find one.
   • Find how to pause and resumePause options differ between simulator versions and devices, so look for whatever your own installation offers rather than expecting a particular key or menu. If you cannot find a pause control, note that in your notes and carry on.Done when: You can pause and resume the session without leaving it, or you have noted that you could not find a pause control.

3. A first look around

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   • Switch between the cockpit and an outside viewYour installation may offer more than one way to change views. Find whichever cockpit and outside view controls it provides, and if either cannot be found, note that in your notes.Done when: You can move between a cockpit view and an outside view using the controls your setup provides, or you have noted that a view option was unavailable.
   • Locate the main flight informationFind where your chosen aircraft presents its attitude, airspeed and altitude. Attitude means the aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon; when an aircraft has an attitude indicator, that instrument displays it. Aircraft differ: some show these readings on traditional instruments and some on digital displays, and the view outside can also give you visual orientation cues. You are locating them only today; reading and interpreting those indications is the focus of a later practice exercise.Done when: You can point to where your aircraft presents attitude, airspeed and altitude, however that aircraft shows them.