Originally Posted by
Learning2Fly
I have few questions, but I'll start with the background first:
My understanding of a flight simulator is that it's an exact replica of it's
real-world counterpart in the sense that all instrumentation, seating,
layout, etc. are authentic.
Is it safe to say that the CDU's, altimeter gauges, and all other devices
are in fact those purchased from avionics companies as used in the real jets?
The next question gets tougher!
I'm not a simulator engineer; however, I've spent over 15 years instructing in Level C/D sims for a major carrier. During that time, I got to know a number of simulator technicians and can point you in their direction.
Every B-757/767 simulator at American in Dallas and United in Denver is configured
exactly like aircraft in the fleet. I've also used the flight simulators at Northwest in MSP and Delta in Atlanta and believe they all similar in that respect.
The instrumentation, to my knowledge, is interchangeable. To get the necessary FAA certification of each individual simulator and each flight simulator is certified by serial number, the sim has to be tested and perform to
very exact tolerances replicating the actual aircraft. This is one of the most expensive and time consuming parts of sim installation and the main reason that "moving" on to a new location is expensive. As to your second question, I'll defer to Cubdriver or Twin Wasp, who probably have the technical information you want.
G'Luck Mate
