Conversation with Marcel Gimenez about the ALSim ALX simulator

Watch a full simulator session with a BCIT student Alexander Chizikov.

What types of airplanes does this simulator emulates?

The ALSim ALX is a simulator that emulates different types of airplanes, starting with single-engine like a Cessna 172 to multi-engine like a Seneca and then more advanced high-performance aeroplanes like turbo-prop, like an ATR and then jet engine aircraft like Airbus. That will be the most advanced of our courses here at PF. You can start from a private pilot license to a multi-crew jet engine like a turbo-prop. It’s going to be your first job in aviation.

What is a simulator session with a student like?

You can simulate normal operations like starting the engines, taxi and take-off, clime and cruse, the standard approach and landing. Also, abnormal or emergency procedures like engine failures, smoke in the cockpit and severe icing. And avionics failures like GPS loss of integrity and autopilot failures are one of the most advanced types of failures that are more realistic of the avionics.

At what stage of the course is the simulator used?

We start with simulators at an early stage of the training because they’re amazing machines to get you ready before you go in an airplane so that you are familiar with the cockpit and a little bit of all the procedures.

You start at a low level studying how to fly a single-engine airplane to flying a jet aircraft. You don’t have to move elsewhere to find this kind of simulator. Moreover, this simulator can emulate all the stuff with an airplane that will go according to the progress of your training.

This ALSim ALX is two years old. It’s certified not just for training but also for instrument proficiency checks, what we call IPCs. And so that’s good because once you have your IFR, you can come here every two years and do an IPC, a flight test in the simulator to keep your instrument rating current.

Is ALSim ALX used by certified pilots?

Once you have an instrument rating every two years, you must do an instrument proficiency check, also known as IPC. And you can do that in the aeroplane, or you can do it in the simulator. A simulator is a good option. It’s cost-effective, and there are no cancellations due to weather or maintenance of the airplanes. So it makes that process more efficient. And it’s good training to keep you up to standards with your instrument rating. I am a certified pilot examiner for multi-engine and instrument ratings, and I can do IPCs in the simulator and then get good you certify so that you are current and you are legal to fly IFR.

A simulator is an excellent first experience so the student can get familiar with what flying feels like. And then definitely, you’ll be more prepared once you go up there in the actual airplane.

Who can use the ALSim ALX simulator?

It is open to the public but must always be with an instructor. But for anybody that wants to see what it feels like to fly an airplane, or somebody that is going for a similar situation with an airline and has never worked in a crew environment, this is an excellent opportunity to get that experience.

So, if you are curious about flying, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@pacificflying.com or 604-946-0011.