Quote:
Originally Posted by noel
I didn't want to derail the thread myself with a discussion on test pilot stuff but I think it's interesting that you doubt they do simulator training before these live flights.
They must have the means to obtain the information they need to create a fully functioning simulator before a live test flight is made. It's in everyone's best interest that the pilots are prepared fully, and I bet that means countless hours in the simulator. Single engine landings...emergency procedure..etc
I don't know though, that's me speculating and I'm just a measley aviation enthusiast with a PPL !
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I dont doubt they do some form of simulator training, but its nothing like the 737 simulators Westjet has. There is no way it can be. That aircraft yesterday would have been filled with water barrels and a boat load of computers to test wing stress, engine performance, hull performance etc.
No other commercial aicraft is built using carbon fibre composite molds and as such they will never know for sure how it handles. If you really think that any pilot could use the current 787 "simulator" and fly the plane - well then I guess we will have to agree to disagree.