Well argued points, but I think I still disagree. You can never substitute the smells, the difficulty reading that gauge down there because the reflection is bright, the interaction with line personnel, the buzz of radios and ICS in your ears, knowing that there isn't a "reset" button, the sense of responsibility to get it right because people are watching and listening. These things you don't get in a simulator. I'm not saying that simulators don't have value, of course they do. As you've stated, they are good procedural trainers - just that though, procedural trainers, not experience getters.
), with about 800 helo hours, 150 jet hours, and the rest of it single and multi turboprop time. I've got about 600 hours in the E-2C and TE-2C, the rest of the prop time is T-34 and T-44. Probably add about 150-200 E-2 time and that's where I'll probably end up when I leave AD. Lack of ME A time is what's probably going to kill me on the FW side of the house (I have 0 as of now. All AC time is in helos, or the T-34/45)
