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The Four Pillars
The Four Pillars
Our Four Pillars philosophy encapsulates the core elements that underpin effective flight simulator operations: Realism & Fidelity, Regulatory Compliance, Training Integration, and Reliability. Together, these pillars form the foundation for delivering successful and sustainable simulator operations.
Information provided here is aimed at Flight Training Device (FTD) users, but the insights and many of the considerations are equally applicable to lower fidelity Synthetic Trainers, AATD's and higher-level Full Flight Simulators (FFS).
Realism & Fidelity
Fidelity refers to the degree to which a simulation replicates real-world flight conditions across visual, motion, and control domains. High-resolution visual systems, accurate flight dynamics, and authentically modeled cockpit environments are essential to achieving immersive and transferable training outcomes. Realism enhances trainee engagement, supports muscle memory development, and fosters operational confidence.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance ensures simulators meet safety and quality standards set by aviation authorities. This ensures training is realistic and reliable, helping pilots learn to handle real aircraft and emergency situations safely. Following these rules also means that the training counts toward licenses and certifications, making it accepted nationally and internationally. It helps keep flight training safe, consistent, and effective.
Training Integration
For simulation to be effective, it must be seamlessly integrated into the broader training curriculum. Scenarios should be purposefully designed to align with specific learning outcomes, enabling targeted skill development and assessment. Equally critical is the availability of instructor tools such as instructor IOS, scenario control, and performance monitoring systems that allow for adaptive instruction and meaningful feedback.
Reliability & Uptime
Reliability is the backbone of effective simulation training. Simulators must operate consistently with minimal interruptions to meet demanding training schedules. High system uptime is achieved through regular maintenance, high-quality hardware, and resilient software platforms. Dependable performance ensures uninterrupted learning, optimises resource use, and builds trust in simulation as a training tool.
Flight Simulator Project Plan
For any simulator acquisition, it's worth preparing a Simulator Project Plan that is scaled to the complexity of the project. Even for small devices—such as Synthetic Trainers or AATDs—a basic project plan can be highly beneficial. It helps ensure that all necessary elements appropriate to that level of device are properly considered during preparation, acquisition, and approval.
A new simulator project plan can have a 3 to 18 month timeline depending on model and complexity. The Simulator Project Plan we start with includes 6 stages. We then scale it up or down to suit individual projects. Click below to expand the sample simulator acquisition project plan. Click here to download in pdf form.
Phase 1
Planning & Reqs Gathering(1-4 weeks)
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Define training goals (use case e.g. basic training, mcc training, type rating)
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Identify simulator type (desktop, Synthetic Trainer / AATD, FTD, or Full Flight Simulator)
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Determine budget (include purchase, shipping, import costs, facility works, installation, future maintenance)
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Assess facility readiness (evaluate space, power, HVAC, acoustics, floor loading, networking)
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Develop initial project timeline (outline key milestones)
Phase 1
Phase 2
Vendor Selection1-4 weeks
Research vendors (compare products, features, approvals, reputation)
Prepare a Request For Proposal RFP if warranted (send to shortlisted vendors)
Evaluate proposals (review pricing, capabilities, warranties, support)
Conduct demos or site visits (have senior instructors test and evaluate short listed device in person)
Select vendor and finalise contract (negotiate terms and place order)
Phase 3
Facility Preparation(1-12 weeks)
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Finalise facility plan (floor plan, power, HVAC, networking)
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Implement any required facility upgrades (electrical, flooring, acoustic, power, HVAC)
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Test readiness (verify power, temperature control, networking)
Phase 3
Phase 4
Manufacturing & Delivery (8-72 weeks)
Manufacturer builds and tests simulator followed by Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
Prepare Synthetic Trainer Operations Manual (STOM), Quality and Training manuals as applicable
Submit documentation (manuals) to regulator for review and approval
Coordinate delivery logistics (plan shipping, customs, facility access)
Prepare receiving area (space, forklift)
Phase 5
Install, Qualification & Approval(1-4 weeks)
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Install Simulator
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Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
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Train operators, instructors, maintenance staff
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Regulator evaluation
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Qualification & Approval
Phase 5
Phase 6
Into Service & Support(ongoing)
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Begin training operations
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Monitor performance
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Schedule ongoing maintenance
Important Considerations
There's a lot to think about when acuiring a flight simulator and it's easy to overlook certain important things.
As food for thought we've provided information below on important considerations broken down into four key areas, Facility Requirements, Instructor Tools & Facilities, Cost of Ownership, and Exit Strategy.
Don't forget — we're here to help. One of the main reasons customers engage us is to ensure that all these aspects are properly addressed, and that their projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget — with no hidden surprises.
Facility Considerations
When purchasing a simulators, individuals and organisations often become primarily focused on the features, realism, and technological capabilities of the system, sometimes overlooking the critical facility requirements needed for proper installation and operation. This can lead to significant challenges, as flight simulators—particularly advanced devices—require specific spatial, electrical, and environmental conditions to function optimally.
Factors such as ceiling height, floor load capacity, HVAC needs, noise control, and network infrastructure are sometimes underestimated or ignored altogether. As a result, buyers can face unexpected delays, added costs for retrofitting spaces, or even performance issues post-installation.
A lack of early attention to facility requirements can ultimately diminish a simulator's effectiveness and lead to unexpected costs.
The Simulator Room
Think About These...
Building Miscalculations
- Space - You need space for the simulator itself, but also sufficient space around it. This is essential for maneuvering components during assembly and maintenance. Common mistakes include inaccurately measuring the room or assuming that a suspended ceiling can be lifted. For example, while a simulator might require a specific ceiling height, additional clearance may be necessary to install or service components like visual systems.
- Noise - Simulator rooms should be quiet and free from distractions. Overlooking acoustics can negatively impact the immersive training experience—yet this is a commonly neglected consideration.
- Fitout - Floor loads and structural limits must be carefully considered. Another common mistake is failing to black out windows or to ensure that walls, ceilings, and floors are appropriately dark. Reflected light from the visual system can significantly detract from the immersive experience.
- Building Modifications - Careful consideration is essential whenever building modifications may be required. These should be thoroughly investigated early in the project. For example, delaying a simple door-widening task until the last minute—only to discover the wall is load-bearing and requires major structural work—can lead to costly delays.
HVAC & Electrical
- HVAC - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) requirements need to be carefully considered. An existing split-system air conditioner may be adequate for the room's current use, but it might not be sufficient to handle the additional heat load introduced by a simulator. Similarly, an existing ducted air-conditioning system will have been balanced based for the room's original purpose. Rebalancing may be required, and in some cases, the ducted system may have zero surplus capacity. Identifying any additional air-conditioning costs early in the project is essential.
- Electrical Supply - The capacity and quality of the electrical supply are often not well understood. Failing to verify that the building's existing power supply and switchboard have sufficient capacity is a common oversight. Simulators may have specific electrical requirements, including particular circuit breakers capable of handling high inrush current, as well as the need for dedicated power outlets and sockets.
- Electrical Protection - A simulator is a significant investment, it should always be connected to an appropriately sized Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS protects the equipment from power quality issues and provides sufficient backup time to perform an immediate, controlled shutdown in the event of a power failure. Common mistakes include omitting a UPS from the project, under-specifying its capacity, and failing to ensure the required power circuits are available.
Networking & I/T
- Internet Access - Modern flight simulators—both small and large—typically require internet access at some point for support and maintenance. In general, a fully open and unrestricted connection is needed. While requirements vary between simulator manufacturers, at a minimum this may involve opening specific network ports. Although most simulators include built-in firewalls and security protections, the complex security policies of some companies or educational institutions can block the required access. This issue must be identified early in the project, and an alternative, suitable solution should be developed.
- Network Requirements - To access the internet either a wired or wireless connection is required. Planning for network cabling or failure to determine if wireless signal strength is adequate are common problems.
Delivery Logistics
- Delivery - Is access available for the type of truck that will be delivering the simulator? A flatbed truck and a semi-trailer have very different manoeuvring requirements. Will a forklift will often be required for unloading, does it have the necessary lifting capacity? Does the forklift have extended forks (such as extension slippers or tynes)? Most simulators require extended forks for safe unloading from trucks.
- Crates - Crates generally need to be opened in a weather-protected area. Do you have a fallback plan in case it’s raining on the day of delivery? Whose responsibility is it to dispose of the crates (this is normally the customer’s)? Has this been considered?
- Building Access - Are the heavier components—such as simulator cockpits and computer racks—on wheels? Is the pathway from the unloading zone into the building flat and accessible for moving these items? If not, what is your plan to address this? Are all doorways and corridors not only wide enough, but also spacious enough to manoeuvre larger items like cockpit enclosures around corners? Common oversights include: Needing to lift heavy items over gutters or obstructions; inadequate doorway height or width; insufficient space to wheel cockpit enclosures from corridors through doorways into rooms.
Do This...
Building Requirements:
- Space - Provide the manufacturer with exact room measurements. Consult with them to fully understand their specific facility requirements, and work through any potential issues in advance. Make sure to raise any questions early in the process.
- Noise - Measure the ambient noise level in the room. Consider the acoustics and assess whether soundproofing materials may be needed to reduce acoustic reflections. Don’t forget to evaluate the potential impact on adjacent rooms and spaces.
- Fitout - If necessary, identify equipment weights and confirm that the available floor load capacity is adequate. Develop a plan to blackout the room, using flat black paint and materials to minimize light reflections. Consider installing black carpet tiles - note: in the area of the cockpit shell and the access path to install it, carpet tiles should be placed "after" the simulator is installed as it's hard to manoeuvre cockpit shells on carpet tiles.
- Building Modifications - Carefully check that the room dimensions—particularly the ceiling height—meet the manufacturer’s requirements. Pay special attention to the access pathway from the delivery point into the building, ensuring that corridors and doorways are wide and high enough to accommodate the equipment.
- Fire & Safety - Don’t forget to check whether the installation of the simulator will impact existing building fire, safety, or evacuation requirements. Do any of these need to be modified? Is additional signage required? Is the existing fire protection adequate, or does it require modification (e.g., sprinkler systems, fire detection systems, etc.)? Have you planned for the correct number, size, and type of fire extinguishers to be available?
HVAC & Electrical
- HVAC - Determine the simulators heat load (often BTU or British Thermal Units is used) provided by the manufacturer. Consult with a suitably qualified air-conditioning technician to determine what changes may be required. Consult with the manufacturer about the position and suitability of air outlets.
- Electrical Supply - Check the manufacturers facility requirements then consult with a qualified electrician to determine what changes may be necessary. Important elements are the location and type of power outlet(s), the capacity of the power circuit(s), the correct type of circuit breaker. Check the proposed location for power outlet(s) is acceptable to the manufacturer. Check if the electrician needs to also supply a "plug" for connection to the manufacturers simulator power cable.
- Electrical Protection - Check if the manufacturer specifies a particular make and model of UPS. If ask the manufacturer for specific specifications for a suitable UPS. Check with your electrician to see if this needs to be hardwired.
Networking & I/T
- Internet Access - Confirm with the manufacturer exactly what type of internet access is required, including any specific ports that may need to be opened or software that needs to be used for remote access. Check with your I/T team to see if this can be provisioned. If hardware internet access is going to be problematic, identify a suitable wireless access method, if necessary using a cellular 5G wireless modem that meets the manufacturers requirements.
- Network Requirements - Determine where the network connection point(s) need to be. Incorporate network provisioning in your project plan.
Delivery Logistics
- Shipment - Determine the form of shipment—whether it will arrive in a container, crates, or boxes—and confirm the dimensions and weights of all items.
- Delivery - Identify a suitable delivery location, preferably undercover. If that’s not possible, plan for tarpaulins or other protection in case of rain on delivery day. Identify the likely type of delivery truck and whether access to your chosen delivery point is suitable. Check whether a forklift will be required, including whether extended forks or tynes are needed. Alternatively, the truck may be equipped with a hydraulic tail-lift, in which case a pallet trolley may be required. Don't forget about crate disposal. It's generally the customers responsibility to take care of this, often a skip will be required.
- Manpower - Don't forget planning for manpower on delivery day to unpack crates and move equipment into place. Simulator delivery, de-crating, and relocation to the final room typically takes a full day. Most tasks can be handled by two people, but certain items—such as racks or cockpit shells—may require a larger team for short periods.
Instructor Tools Considerations
Instructor Tools and facilities warrant careful consideration too.
Things like positioning of instructor seating in relation the pilot(s), Instructor Operating Station (IOS) desk layout and lighting, instructor student intercom, and other elements all contribute to the training experience.
Thorough review and analysis of the IOS features and functionality in relation to your training program is vital. Does the IOS have the capability you require? Can the IOS control all the failures and scenarios your training syllabus requires?
Instructor Tools & Facilities
Things to Check:
Operator & Instructor Space
- Is the instructor operating station (IOS) desk adequate?
- Can instructors position themselves appropriately to observe the student?
- Are emergency shutdown controls available and suitably positioned?
- Is a pilot/instructor intercom system available and does it work well enough?
- Is IOS desk and background lighting controllable and suitable for night flying sessions?
Scenario Control Tools
- Does the IOS have flexible scenario functionality?
- Can you adequately reposition aircraft to airports and ground positions your syllabus requires?
- Can you program session scenarios for repeated use to save valuable session setup time?
Environmental & Situation Management
- Are the weather controls in the simulator adequate?
- Can you generate conditions to meet syllabus requirements such as reduced RVR and low visibility ops?
- Are you able to adequately reposition the aircraft in flight?
- When you reposition in flight do autopilot controls remain engaged or disconnect?
- Can you adequately reposition to required points of STARs, SIDs, and approaches?
- Can you preprogram weather scenarios to save valuable setup time?
System & Failure Simulation
- Does the IOS have the necessary failure functionality?
- Are there limitations on failures or multiple failures?
- How easy is it to reset failures?
- Can circuit breakers be tripped and if not how are you going to manage training for electrical failures?
- Do failures triggered from the IOS generate the correct effect in the simulator?
Monitoring & Observation Tools
- Can the instructor monitor necessary aircraft performance in the IOS?
- Are you able to easily capture and print the flight path when necessary?
- Are record and replay facilities available for post-session debriefing?
- Is camera available to record student behaviour for post flight debriefing?
Prepare By...:
Operator & Instructor Space
- Think about your needs and make a list to cross check.
- Decide what manuals and documentation need to be readily available.
- Where will you store manuals and documentation.
- What lighting will you need on the IOS.
Scenario Control Tools
- Carefully review your training syllabus and decide what scenario features and functionality you need.
- Make a list of must haves and nice to haves. Some compromise may be required.
Environmental & Situation Management
- Think about the full range of weather scenarios you'll need.
- Make a list of weather setups to check suitability.
System & Failure Simulation
- Think carefully about failures you need to simulate.
- Prepare a list of failures to check to ensure syllabus training outcomes can be achieved.
Monitoring & Observation Tools
- What do you need here?
- Are printouts required or will electronic records be adequate?
- How do you save captured data and what formats are available?
- How and where is the information saved?
Simulator Operating Costs
What does it really cost to own and operate a simulator
Total Cost of Ownership
The Challenge:
Defining Costs
- What should be included?
Overlooked Costs
Making sure you include often overlooked costs.
Unexpected Costs
- How do you plan and budget for these?
Contingency Planning
- Unexpected outages do occur, what do these cost and how to budget for them?
Putting It All Together:
The Starting Point
- Get professional advice on simulator selection, evaulation & operation.
- Budget for visits to manufacturer's to evauate short listed devices.
- Budget for a senior instructor to check proposed simulators against requirements.
- Make sure your selected simulator is fit for purpose.
- Always consider a Spares Package to reduce downtime costs.
Prepare An Annual Budget
- Identify fixed and variable costs.
- Include allowances for shipping of parts.
- Include downtime costs such as cross hiring a simulator.
- Consider program costs from unexpected outages.
- Include simulator technician support costs.
Staff Costs:
- Include the cost to train/endorse simulator instructors.
- Include an alowance for adminsitration related to the simulator.
Exit Strategy Costs
- Understand the expected lifespan of your simulator.
- Have an idea of the optimum time to replace it.
- Think about how you will sell or dispose of it.
- Include an allowance for exit costs in Total Cost of Ownership calculations.
Exit Strategy
Owning a flight simulator can be a rewarding long-term investment, whether for personal enjoyment, professional training or a shared aviation community. However, an often-overlooked aspect of ownership is planning for the day when the simulator is no longer required, practical to maintain or financially viable to operate.
An exit strategy is not necessarily about giving up a simulator. It is about making informed decisions that protect your investment, preserve its value and provide a clear path forward when circumstances change.
Planning for the future
What Is It:
Why Have An Exit Strategy
- Protect your investment: Understand the potential resale value of the simulator, its components and associated equipment.
- Avoid unexpected costs: Account for ongoing maintenance, software licences, upgrades, storage and eventual decommissioning.
- Prepare for changing circumstances: Allow for changes in personal interests, finances, business priorities or available space.
- Preserve future options: Consider whether the simulator could be sold, upgraded, relocated, donated or transferred to another owner.
- Reduce disruption: Minimise the time, effort and financial pressure involved in an unplanned exit.
When Should You Consider An Exit Strategy
- Before purchasing: Consider the likely lifespan, resale prospects and long-term ownership costs before committing to a simulator.
- During ownership: Review your plans periodically as technology, requirements and market conditions evolve.
- When circumstances change: Reassess ownership when maintenance becomes burdensome, utilisation declines or financial priorities shift.
- Before major upgrades: Evaluate whether further investment will improve the simulator's usefulness or simply increase the cost of eventual disposal.
- When demand or value is favourable: Monitor the second-hand market and identify opportunities to sell or transition while the equipment remains attractive to prospective buyers.
How Should You Prepare An Exit Strategy
- Establish a realistic valuation: Research comparable simulators and the resale value of individual components, recognising that a custom-built system may be worth less than the sum of its parts.
- Maintain good records: Keep purchase receipts, equipment specifications, maintenance history, software licence details and build documentation.
- Understand dependencies: Identify which hardware, software, licences and third-party services can legally and practically be transferred to a new owner.
- Identify potential exit pathways: Consider a complete sale, component-by-component sale, upgrade, relocation, donation or transfer to another operator.
- Plan the logistics: Account for dismantling, transport, packaging, reinstallation, testing and any specialist assistance required.
- Set a financial and practical trigger: Decide in advance what circumstances would prompt a sale, retirement or change of ownership.
- Allow sufficient time: Avoid being forced into a rushed sale by planning for advertising, buyer enquiries, negotiations and removal.
Closing Thought
A well-planned exit strategy is an essential part of responsible flight simulator ownership. By considering the why, when and how from the outset, owners can make better investment decisions, avoid unnecessary costs and retain greater control over the simulator's future. The best time to plan an exit is when you still have the freedom to choose how and when it happens.