What It’s Really Like to Train in a Simulator at PFC

At Pacific Flying Club, our simulator program is fully integrated, from Private Pilot (PPL) instrument training all the way through to complex Multi-Engine (ME) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) training. Here’s how it’s structured and why it works.

1. Your Sim Tools: ALX, AL250, and Redbird Full-Motion

PFC operates the following simulators, each serving specific training roles:

• AlSim ALX
  • Serves single/multi-engine pistons to medium turboprops and jets (e.g., B737/A320).
  • Configurable for steam-gauge or glass cockpit, dual WAAS GTN 650, dual FMS, autopilot/autothrottle.
  • Supports IFR, CPL, MCC, even jet orientation before airline selection.
• AlSim AL250
  • A smaller device covering basic to intermediate single/multi-engine training (piston to turboprop).
  • Ideal for CPL, ME, and IFR segments.
• Redbird Full-Motion Simulator
  • Wrap-around visuals with motion cues.
  • Supports single and multi-engine ops.
  • Certified by Transport Canada for IFR renewal flight tests.
  • Perfect for emergency drills, partial panel, and adverse weather training .

2. Where and Why Sim Time Counts

Simulator hours form essential components of your training:

• PPL: Early simulator sessions allow you to build a proper instrument scan before soloing serious maneuvers.
• CPL: Up to 20 hours of simulator time counts toward the 200-hour requirement.
• IFR & Multi‑Engine: much of the procedural training — including holds, IFR approaches, and engine‑out drills — is handled in sim.

The result: fewer surprises in the airplane, faster proficiency, and lower overall training costs.

3. What Happens Inside the ALX/AL250

Expect detailed realism:

• The cockpit layout simulates real flight decks, featuring either GA steam gauges or advanced glass panels.
• Dual GTN 650 navigators give you real‑world route planning, RNAV and ILS capabilities.
• Split FX scenarios allow you to practice emergencies such as electrical or engine failures, autopilot malfunctions, and even electrical system failures.
• You can simulate unusual attitudes, CFIT threats, or partial-panel recovery.

4. What Makes Redbird Special

Redbird’s full-motion base adds a kinesthetic element you won’t find elsewhere:

• Motion feedback during engine-out at V1 or turning in IFR conditions helps reinforce real flight cues.
• Disorientation recovery feels more authentic—motion helps retrain your inner ear.
• Combined with wrap-around visuals, it builds procedural discipline under pressure.

5. Core Session Examples by Program

ProgramAircraft/SimKey Training Focus

• PPL AL250 Basic instrument scan, steep turns, forced landings
• CPL ALX Complex diversions, autopilot management, re-routed IFR flights
• IFR Rating ALX + Redbird Holds, RNAV/ILS approaches, missed approach profiles
• Multi-Engine ALX + Redbird V1 engine failures, feathering drills, single‑engine IFR
• Jet/MCC Prep ALX Crew coordination, advanced FMC, autopilot/autothrottle interaction

6. What Students Say

“Working in the ALX before flying the Seminole made ME jumps so much smoother. Having practiced V1 cuts, my confidence was real.”

“Redbird forced me to develop muscle memory in unusual attitudes — when it hit me, I reacted without thinking twice.”

“Being able to pause halfway through an IFR approach and get immediate feedback saved me hours in the aircraft.”

7. How to Prep for Sim Sessions

To maximize every hour:

• Pre-brief: assign yourself tasks (e.g., “I need to hit V1 and fly one turn-off-engine approach.”)
• Checklists: simulate real-world start-up, transition, and emergency flows.
• Questions: plan one or two high-level queries (“How do I manage this partial panel cross‐check?”)
• Debrief logs: maintain a simple log—objectives, errors, and next‑session goals.

8. Logistics & Rates

• ALX: $260/hr dual (includes CPL, IFR/MCC prep) (pacificflying.com)
• AL250: $240/hr dual (PPL/CPL foundational work) (pacificflying.com)
• Redbird: $195/hr dual (IFR renewal, multi-engine, emergency practice) (pacificflying.com)

Booking plug-in: You’ll find SIM slots in the online system — ideal for pairing with ground reviews on IFR or multi-checklists.

9. How It All Fits Together

All programs at PFC reference sim in their syllabi. Your instructor will assign sim time as soon as you’ve covered the theory in ground school. As you accumulate sim hours, you’ll notice:

• smoother flight lessons
• fewer in-air emergency surprises
• faster checks, privates, or instructor reviews

And once you achieve your rating, the skills you build in the sim help onboard advanced training or airline interviews.

10. Want to See It Before You Enroll?

Call us at 604.946.0011 to book a SIM session. You’ll see the ALX and Redbird setups and discuss how your training plan incorporates simulation time.

Bottom line: PFC’s sim program is more than procedural reps — it’s a tailored, staged development of situational control, instrument discipline, and emergency readiness. If you’re targeting a career as a pilot, including CPL, IFR, ME, or aspiring toward an MCC or jets, early investment in ALX and Redbird pays dividends in proficiency — and safety.