Frequently Asked Questions / Glossary of Terms
Q: Can I practice V1 cuts and engine out ILS approaches?
A: Yes. The simulator has an extremely accurate flight model, this is a typical flight detail
Q: Can I set variable visibility and weather?
A: Yes. The simualtor has full environment control.
Q: How many people are allowed per booking?
A: Normally two but more by prior arrangement (if required). The 737 capacity is, two pilots, one observer seat and one operator/instructor seat. The airbus is two pilots, one instructor/operator. The GA trainer is one pilot and one operator (optional).
Q: Does the simulator have a visual / outside view?
A: Yes. All our simulators have visuals. The 737 has a collimated display, the Airbus has a projected 160 degree visual display. Both types offer exceptional realism.
Q: Can I operate the simulator on my own?
A: Yes and no! The 737 and Airbus are multi-crew aircraft, normally two pilots are required and an instructor/operator. If you are an existing customer having flown the simulator a few times it may be possible to operate it alone by prior agreement. Visiting instructors can be trained to operate the simulator. The General Aviation Trainer can be operated by a single pilot.
Q: Do you give a pre-flight briefing?
A: Yes. We consider the briefing requirements prior to any simulator flight detail and discuss this with you prior to booking re the time requirements. Briefing can be a few minutes to more in-depth briefings of 1hr+
Q: How much time should I book?
A: Nothing can be achieved in less than one hour. Which is why this is the min booking period. In the simulator the time goes very fast. Again, we would discuss what you are trying to achieve from the session prior to booking and can advise. If it is an introductory flight, then a 1hr session would be enough. If it is a training flight anything from 1hr to several. It is possible with longer booking to build in breaks without penalty of losing time in the devices.
Q: Do you supply charts or should we bring our own?
A: For operational reasons we tend to lock nav data and charts to specific time intervals. As such we have on file charts that match data in the real world cycles. You can also use your own charts, which should match the real world data as long as they are not too far out of date.
Q: Are the flight instruments exactly like the real aircraft displays?
A: They are 'almost' identical, with minor differences.
Q: Are any of the simulators certified?
A: Our software that is powering the simulators has reached both FNTP Generic Twin Jet and Type 737 JAR STD II 2a // FAA Level 6. But you can not log time against your license using these simulators, they are hired out as pure freeplay trainers. To log time the simulators would have to be part of a full flight training course.
Q: What if I have no flying experience?
A: This is no problem. We offer introductory flights. Full briefings are required and we will start you off with the basics!
Q: Can I fly circuit patterns?
A: Yes. The simulator has chronometers and it is possible to make visual circuits with the aid of the flight instruments and visual references.
Q: Can I fly from one airport to another?
A: Yes, certainly. The simulator has a worldwide nav data base. Some more commonly used airports are more detailed than others. We have a selected number of high detail airports. The rest are generic but runways and taxiways are in the correct locations.
Q: What would a typical flight consist of?
A: It depends on the experience level or if you have specific requirements, we can discuss this with you prior to booking and we generally advise this especially for first time customers.
Q: Can you list typical types of flights conducted in the simulators?
A: Yes. Circuit training, touch and go. Bad weather circuits, instrument flight automatic and manual with FD and raw data, bad weather approaches, flying a typical route from the departure gate to the arrival gate, engine out / v1 cuts. Engine out cruise, engine out ILS approach, in flight emergency, air work general, holding / busy arrival, go-arounds.
Q: How do I make a booking?
A: Please go to the Bookings section of the website.
Q: How do I cancel a booking?
A: This is only possible 48hrs in advanced. Please see the terms and conditions of bookings for further details.
Q: Where are you located?
A: pmFlight is located at Redhill Airport. 15 minutes drive from Gatwick Airport. Please see the 'About Us / Location' page for maps / details. Our specific address will be given to you via e-mail.
Glossary of Terms
FTD Flight Training Device (Simulator)PFD Primary Flight Display
ND Navigation Display
FMC Flight Management Computer
MCP Mode Control Panel
AFDS Automatic Flight Director System
CDU Central Display Unit
FCU Flight Control Unit