"The international organization that sets the world's aviation regulations has adopted a new standard that could alter the nature of pilot training. In essence, prospective co-pilots will be able to earn most of their experience in ground-based simulators.
The move is designed to allow foreign airlines, especially those in Asia and the Middle East that face shortages of pilots, to more quickly train and hire flight crews. The United States isn't expected to adopt the new rules anytime soon, but international pilots trained under the new standards will be allowed to fly into and out of the country."
I understand the cost saving/aircraft/life saving benefits of simulator training (especially for unusual attitude/stall training), but there is something to be said about flying in the real world in the beginning under the tutelage of a more experienced pilot. And this may be a question directed to those that have flown aircraft commercially, but have they developed a sim that flies exactly like the airplane? The C-130 sims have gotten closer in years but there are still "quirks" that you have to figure out (taxiing, wiping off power earlier) if you are going to look like ace of the base at the annual training.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/12/AR2006121201384.html
The move is designed to allow foreign airlines, especially those in Asia and the Middle East that face shortages of pilots, to more quickly train and hire flight crews. The United States isn't expected to adopt the new rules anytime soon, but international pilots trained under the new standards will be allowed to fly into and out of the country."
I understand the cost saving/aircraft/life saving benefits of simulator training (especially for unusual attitude/stall training), but there is something to be said about flying in the real world in the beginning under the tutelage of a more experienced pilot. And this may be a question directed to those that have flown aircraft commercially, but have they developed a sim that flies exactly like the airplane? The C-130 sims have gotten closer in years but there are still "quirks" that you have to figure out (taxiing, wiping off power earlier) if you are going to look like ace of the base at the annual training.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/12/AR2006121201384.html