Can Flight Simulators Help You Become a Better Pilot?
Public flight simulators aren’t certified training devices — but they can genuinely build real skills. Here’s what they can and can’t do for an aspiring or current pilot.
It’s a common question from anyone considering flight lessons or a career in aviation: does time in a public flight simulator actually help? The honest answer is yes, for some things — and not at all for others. Here’s the real breakdown.
Full-motion simulators like Dastyflysim in Bagnatica, Italy, replicate real aircraft systems and procedures closely enough that they’re genuinely useful for procedural familiarisation — even though they aren’t certified for official flight-hour logging.
Public simulators build genuine familiarity with cockpit layout, checklists and procedure — useful before starting real flight training. They are not a substitute for certified training and their time doesn’t count toward a pilot’s licence.
What Simulators Genuinely Help With
Cockpit familiarity
Learning where switches, instruments and checklists live builds real muscle memory before you ever sit in a real aircraft.
Procedure & checklists
Practising startup, taxi and approach sequences repeatedly builds confidence with the flow of a flight.
Reducing first-lesson nerves
Many first-time students find real lessons less overwhelming after time in a realistic simulator first.
Full-motion, professional-grade simulators like those covered in our Boeing 737 guide tend to offer the closest procedural realism.
What They Can’t Replace
Important limitations
- Public simulators are not certified training devices — time spent doesn’t count toward a pilot’s licence hours.
- They can’t replicate the physical sensation of real flight, g-forces, or genuine risk and consequence.
- They don’t replace a certified flight instructor’s guidance and assessment.
- Regulations and required training hours vary by country — always check with an accredited flight school for official training.
If you’re serious about becoming a licensed pilot, a public simulator experience is a great confidence-builder — but always speak to an accredited flight school about official training requirements in your country.
Venues Suited to Serious Practice
Key Takeaways
- Public simulators build genuine familiarity with cockpit layout and procedure.
- They are not certified training devices and don’t count toward a pilot’s licence hours.
- Full-motion, multi-aircraft venues offer the most realistic procedural practice.
Who Gets the Most Out of This
Aspiring pilots
Trying a simulator before committing to lessons is a low-stakes way to confirm you enjoy the controls and procedure before spending on formal training.
Current student pilots
Practising checklists and procedure between real lessons can help reinforce what you’ve learned, though it never replaces logged flight time with an instructor.
Career changers
If you’re considering aviation as a second career, a longer session at a professional-grade venue gives a realistic preview of cockpit workload.
Choosing a Simulator for Practice
Not every venue is set up the same way — if procedural practice is your goal, these are the questions worth asking before booking.
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is it full-motion or fixed-base? | Full-motion adds physical cues closer to real flight sensation |
| How long is the session? | Longer sessions allow more complete procedure practice |
| Is the instructor a real pilot? | Varies by venue — ask directly if this matters to you |
| Can I repeat visits? | Some venues offer repeat-visit rates for regular practice |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hours in a public flight simulator count toward a pilot’s licence?
No — public flight simulators are not certified training devices. Only accredited training organisations and certified simulators count toward official licence hours.
Should I try a simulator before starting real flight lessons?
Many students find it helps with confidence and cockpit familiarity, though it’s entirely optional and not a requirement.
Which type of simulator is most useful for practice?
Full-motion, professional-grade rigs like Dastyflysim generally offer the closest procedural realism to a real aircraft.
Can simulator practice replace real flight lessons entirely?
No — real flight training with a certified instructor is required to earn a pilot’s licence. Simulator time is a helpful supplement, not a substitute.
How often should I practise on a simulator to see a benefit?
This varies by individual, but repeat visits generally build more familiarity than a single session. Ask venues directly about repeat-visit rates.
Is simulator practice useful for pilots who already have a licence?
Yes — many licensed pilots use simulators to stay familiar with procedures between real flights, though official currency requirements still require real flight hours.
What should I look for in an instructor-led session?
Ask whether the instructor has real aviation experience, how much of the session is hands-on versus explanation, and whether the pace can be adjusted to your level.
Build Cockpit Confidence Before You Fly
Browse FlightSimFinder’s directory to find a realistic simulator experience near you.
Browse the directory → Explore Boeing 737 sims