The flight training device does not give a student the feel of the airplane. Its great for procedures but not for learning how to properly transition to the sight picture and the feel of the side stick. Even after all of these years, I still think only 4 sim sessions isn't enough time. Speaking for myself, I would have benefited greatly with more simulator sessions. Of course I am no Chuck Yeager. I just think we are asking a lot with giving only 4 simulator rides then a check ride. Yes it can be done, but it is far from easy. My best Simulator session, as a new hire, was my check ride day. So yes the system worked but the stress level is through the roof.