Volga-Dnepr Airlines spoke about the operation of Russia's unique An-124-100 simulator complex, where crews practice flights on the heavy transport aircraft without leaving the ground. Its electronic database includes almost 800 airports, and the visualization system provides a view of more than 180 degrees.
The simulator allows modeling flights on different routes, practicing approaches, and controlling the aircraft in various weather conditions. The motion system reproduces sensations during takeoff, landing, and maneuvering, while the computing complex simulates the operation of onboard equipment.
The simulator cockpit fully corresponds to the An-124-100 cockpit. The complex was created in 2008 by specialists from NPF "Sistemy kompleksnykh trenazherov". Under the guidance of instructors, pilots practice navigation, crew interaction, and actions in complex situations.
According to Volga-Dnepr, the airline remains the only Russian carrier with such a complex for training Ruslan crews. Training allows pilots to improve their skills without using a real aircraft and consuming aviation fuel.
Currently, the airline plans to modernize the equipment: the indicator of the onboard automated control system (BASK) will be replaced with a liquid crystal display. Similar monitors are already installed on all of the carrier's An-124-100s.