53+ Hours of Structured Simulation Training
The most effective way to accelerate flight training is to learn on the ground before you fly in the air. This simulation curriculum is designed to maximize every hour you spend in the practice area.
The AGAST System
The Advanced General Aviation Systems Trainer replicates a Cessna 172SP with Garmin G1000 glass cockpit:
- 3x 55″ monitors — 240-degree wrap-around visual field
- Force-feedback yoke — feels like the real aircraft
- Full G1000 replication — the same avionics you’ll use in the airplane
- Photo-realistic scenery — San Diego training areas reproduced in detail
- Live ATC — PilotEdge integration for real air traffic control communication
[See the Digital Twin Flight Simulator project for full details →]
The Curriculum
Phase 1: Orientation (8 hours)
Get comfortable in the cockpit. Learn the G1000 interface. Master taxi, takeoff, and traffic patterns.
Phase 2: CAT Rating Program (26 hours)
The core training — 11 structured flights covering every Private Pilot maneuver:
– Slow flight and stall recognition
– Steep turns and ground reference maneuvers
– Normal, short-field, and soft-field takeoffs and landings
– Written exams after each block
Phase 3: Cross-Country Navigation (14 hours)
Plan and fly cross-country routes using VOR and GPS navigation. Learn fuel planning, weather assessment, and diversion procedures.
Phase 4: Emergency & Instruments (5 hours)
Engine failure procedures, partial panel flying, and basic instrument approaches.
The Results
Students who complete this curriculum typically:
– Save 20+ hours of actual flight time ($2,400+ at $120/hour)
– Complete Private Pilot checkride in ~40 hours (vs. 60+ national average)
– Enter flight training with confidence instead of anxiety
– Handle emergencies with practiced responses instead of panic
Why Simulation Works
The FAA’s Laws of Learning explain why:
| Law | In the Simulator |
|---|---|
| Primacy | First exposure happens in a safe, repeatable environment |
| Exercise | Unlimited practice — no weather, scheduling, or fuel constraints |
| Effect | Mistakes have no consequences — try again immediately |
| Intensity | Realistic scenarios create genuine engagement |
| Readiness | Students arrive for flight lessons prepared and confident |
Interested in simulation training? [Contact Ron →]