Flight Simulator and Aircraft Spare Parts List

A flight simulator is a system that creates an artificial experience of a flight. The purpose of the flight simulator is to test how an aircraft engine performs under intense conditions. The flight simulator is a closed environment that intends to replicate true flight as much as possible.

The FAA has a series of checks that every airline must abide by. Checks A, B, C and D range from on the ground checks performed at the airport, to major overhauls performed at offsite locations.

Flight simulators are used in check D, which is the most comprehensive check. FAA requires that an aircraft complete a check D approximately every 4-5 years of aircraft flying time. During this check, an aircraft is cleaned, disassembled, interior checked, and reassembled using replacement parts when necessary. The aircraft engine is then put through a flight simulator. The engine is subject to pressure changes, turbulence and system failures.

Simulators can either be analog or digital. An analog simulator provides reading on dials and gauges that mechanics can interpret to gauge the engine’s performance. Digital simulators are more preferable as they interpret the data for the mechanics. This quickens the testing process, allowing a mechanic to efficiently address any malfunctioning elements.

If a part becomes loose or malfunctions, the aircraft is not airworthy. The part of the aircraft must be repaired or replaced before being approved by an FAA appointed, Designated Airworthiness Representative.