The C-27J Spartan Next Generation simulator is one of the most advanced flight simulators in the world. Manufactured in Italy by Leonardo, it is fully electric and guarantees maximum flexibility and movement. The software managed by a flight instructor makes it possible to simulate every type of movement, impact and vibration, customising the flight sessions with all possible weather conditions or failures that could affect the different parts of the aircraft.
While in the real aircraft the many on-board cables and devices are connected to the engine, sensors or other components, in the simulator these are connected to a computer that monitors everything that happens. At the front there is what may appear to be a screen system. These are actually projectors that, by reflecting on a mirror, provide depth of field vision, reproducing the feeling of being on a real runway in an extremely realistic manner.
After witnessing a simulated flight demonstration, Jakidale put himself to the test with a short training session, which typically lasts about three hours. As the Italian Air Force flight instructor explained, the aim is to maintain the highest degree of realism compared to what real-life use might be. “On the simulator, we cannot think about doing something different from what might happen in the air or, on the other hand, do things that we have never trained for before during flight.”