Simulators and Aviation Safety

Everything We Thought about Training Was Wrong | Flying Magazine:

"In addition to the benefits technology in the cockpit afford, there are two big trends affecting safety in a positive way. The first is the increased use of simulator technology in preparing students for flight and maintaining proficiency. "

Hanging Out With Someone Who Walked On The Moon | Hackaday:

"David [Scott, Apollo astronaut] told us that the simulations were remarkably accurate. His recollection was the only difference between the simulation and being on the moon was the fact that you were on the moon. Quite an endorsement of the Apollo simulators.

"David is a big fan of simulations. He told us that when traveling into space you want to simulate as much as possible while on the ground so that you get to know the systems and your fellow crew members. Apollo went so far as to simulate parts of the mission with the CM and LM inside of a huge vacuum chamber."

It probably doesn't need emphasis, but Dave Scott was talking about realistic simulations. Simulations need to be sufficiently realistic that, when training scenarios play out in real life, the pilot can recognize what's happening as something familiar.

Aside: I loved this bit from NOVA's "First Man on the Moon", around the 24:19 minute mark:

NARRATOR: Back in orbit, Armstrong kept his cool, figuring out his only remaining option: disengage all the maneuvering thrusters including the one that was stuck and use the re-entry thrusters to counteract the tumbling and regain control of the spacecraft.

SCOTT:
He had to reach up above his head and throw switches under this high-speed roll. That's amazing that he was able to do that and he knew exactly where the switches were, exactly which ones to throw.

SCOTT: I mean, the guy was brilliant.
He knew the system so well that he found the solution, he activated the solution under extreme circumstances, and I gotta say it was my lucky day to be flying with Mr.
Neil Armstrong.