Gliding PTT simulator

[Georgej]

Hi everyone,

Can you get your blue gliding badge by solely using the gliding PTT?

Thanks in advance.

[GrandMaster_Flush]

No, the PTT (or synthetic lesson delivered on squadron if you have the tools) is part of the blue badge, but only part. You need to have a flight AND the PTT to qualify.

[Squadgy]

No requirement for PTT anymore.

Synth can be delivered on the PTT or a standard sim at your squadron if there’s someone qualified to deliver.

[Georgej]

Ok, thank you.

[mprentice1]

So whats the difference between a “PTT” and a “standard sim”?

[GrandMaster_Flush]

A standard sim is Microsoft Flight simulator run through a computer.
A PTT requires flying suits on the part of the instructors for some unfathomable reason.

[mprentice1]

@GrandMaster_Flush

A standard sim is

whatever the squadron is willing to pay for

[tmmorris]

True though there are guidelines to follow (e.g. must have a stick, not controlled with the mouse or keyboard). But some Sqns have distinctly Gucci kit. Personally I’m a fan of VR…

[mprentice1]

Do you know where those "guidelines"are published in policy documents?

[tmmorris]

That’s a really good question. No, I don’t. Ask your WAvnO. We definitely agreed on a set of guidelines but whether they were actually published is an interesting one.

Basically you need a stick, and a means of controlling the rudder (but a twisty stick is fine); some way to operate the throttle (probably built into the stick); a PC that can display a decent frame rate; and a fairly decent sim (MS FSX, new MS FS, P3D version 4/5, XPlane 10 or 11). But don’t quote me on any of that; that’s just my personal recollection of the discussion! Essentially, your authorised instructor (make sure they are authorised) will tell you if your setup isn’t up to it as they will know if the lesson can’t be successfully delivered. But it’s not rocket science.*

*that’s Space, obvs.

[mprentice1]

Thats the thing, other than some detail in an IBN, I can’t see more than the briefest of mentions in ACTO 31 (AEF) and slightly more detail in ACTO 32 (Gliding).

@ACTO 31 para 7

Blue cadet Aviation Training Package (ATP) awards consist of the Flying Operations element of First Class Cadet training syllabus, Synthetic Training and AEF flight modules. Whilst the preferred sequence is Flying Operations – Synthetic Training - Air Sortie.

@ACTO 32 para 6

6. Blue Wings Aviation Training Package (Blue ATP). The revised Blue Wings ATP comprises of the following three elements:

a. Flying Operations Element of Cadet First Class Training Syllabus. Aimed primarily for ab-initio (guessing a typo?) cadets, the Flying Operations element of the Cadet First Class Training Syllabus provides an introduction to basic principles of flight, aircraft instrumentation and airfield layout. Although there is no flying element to the Flying Operations theoretical training, it is included here for completeness.

b. Synthetic Training. Synthetic training elements, previously restricted to 2 FTS Part Task Trainers (PTTs), can now also be delivered by a cadre of trained volunteers across RAFAC, overseen by the Regional Aviation Officers (RAvOs) and CCF(RAF) equivalents, using approved alternative synthetic training equipment. Synthetic training will continue to be delivered at Astra Ground Schools (AGS) by 2 FTS accredited instructors utilising PTTs.