First, some devices (i.e. the Elite series Advanced ATD) allow the
instructor to switch the visuals between a left, forward, or right view at
the request of the pilot.

Second, an FTD with a moving map GPS, i.e. a Garmin 530, can display the
runway reasonably well enough to allow the pilot to maintain situational
awareness when not on final.

I think either of these techniques combined with night low IMC weather
conditions reasonably makes the point a pilot regarding the difficulty of
completing a low visibility circling approach.


I've never used an "official" sim, just Microsoft FS 2002 on my computer. That
said...'

Switching visuals that remain in front of me is no simulation of looking around
the cockpit. The visuals have to be in their proper places, and continuous.
And as for including a GPS, that doesn't do anything for simulating the
transition from IMC to visual. I don't understand your second point at all.

And the idea isn't to "make the point" about the difficulty of circling
approaches. It is to TEST the pilot and see how well he or she does.


Would it be reasonable to add daytime
pilotage to the ATP line check and thus
render the simulator incapable of
completing the task?


If daytime pilotage competence were a problem with airline transport pilots,
yes. Otherwise, if those skills can be reasonably inferred from the completion
of other tasks, no.


I suspect we will all be required to have Mode S transponders someday but I
am quite sure there would be an uproar if today it were announced that they
are required by October.


Apples and oranges. The sim thing has to do with currency checks only. Mode S
affects flying itself. You are just complaining that your profit center got
weaker.

Jose


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