Flight simulation systems are used to artificially recreate aircraft flight and the operational flight environment to support training, design, and safety evaluation. In aviation, flight simulation enables pilot training, aircraft design and development, and the assessment of aircraft performance, characteristics, and handling qualities without the risks associated with live flight testing. These systems integrate a range of technologies, including aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics and controls, avionics, visual and motion systems, real-time computing, verification and validation, navigation, ground and atmospheric modeling, and air traffic control representation.

Discipline leadership supports the technical evaluation and oversight of flight simulators to ensure they accurately represent aircraft behavior and are used appropriately and in accordance with federal regulations and guidance. This includes international collaboration with industry, other government agencies, standards development organizations, and academia, as well as the review of analytical and flight test data used in simulator development. This work informs FAA policy, guidance, and training related to the qualification and operational use of flight simulation systems in support of aviation safety.

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Dr. Jeffery Schroeder, Chief Scientist and Technical Advisor
jeffery.schroeder@faa.gov
NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035