Briefing

The simulator assessment process usually starts with a briefing session, where the candidate is introduced to the simulator, the aircraft type, and the assessment criteria. The briefing may include an overview of the simulator's features, emergency procedures, and basic aircraft systems. The candidate will also be given information on the scenarios that will be flown, such as the departure and arrival airports, weather conditions, and the types of approaches that will be used.

Sortie

Once the briefing is complete, the candidate will be taken to the simulator for the flight portion of the assessment. The candidate will typically fly two or more scenarios, which may include takeoffs, climbs, descents, level flight, approaches, and landings. The scenarios will also include emergency situations, such as engine failures, system malfunctions, and weather-related events.

Assessment criteria

During the sortie, the candidate will be assessed against specific criteria, which may include:

• Technical proficiency: the ability to operate the aircraft systems, controls, and instruments effectively.

• Flight management: the ability to plan and execute a flight, including communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC).

• Situational awareness: the ability to maintain situational awareness and make appropriate decisions based on the available information.

• Crew resource management: the ability to work effectively as part of a team, including communication, decision-making, and workload management.

• Safety: the ability to identify and respond to safety-related issues.

Approaches

Approaches may include Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) approaches, depending on the airline's requirements. VFR approaches require the candidate to fly visually and navigate using external visual references, while IFR approaches require the use of navigation aids and instrument flying.

Teamwork

The assessment may include scenarios that require the candidate to work as part of a team, with one candidate flying as the Pilot Flying (PF) and the other as the Pilot Monitoring (PM). This allows the assessors to evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate, make decisions, and work together in a high-pressure environment.

Emergencies

The scenarios will also include emergency situations, which may include engine failures, system malfunctions, and weather-related events. The candidate's ability to respond to these emergencies and make appropriate decisions will be evaluated

Debrief

After the sortie is complete, the candidate will participate in a debriefing session with the assessors. The debriefing will provide feedback on the candidate's performance and identify areas for improvement. The candidate may also be given the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on the assessment process.