In early January, desktop simulation company HotStart released what is likely the most comprehensive and accurate business jet simulator—the Challenger 650—for the X-Plane 11 platform. The simulator took three years to develop and faithfully replicates not only the airplane’s complex systems and avionics but also real operational factors such as dealing with the FBO for fuel purchases, flight planning and FMS usage, sound such as the door closing, hydraulic pumps actuating, and other typical noises, and detailed failure modes.
“We finally have a desktop trainer of the fidelity where every button works,” said Keith Smith, founder of PilotEdge, a real-time air traffic controller service for desktop simulation. After having spent weeks learning the Challenger 650 simulator and practicing flying with it, he envisions its use for pre-type rating training or as a way to introduce non-jet pilots to business jet operations. A candidate planning to obtain a Bombardier Challenger 650 type rating, he suggested, could study the desktop simulation before going to the training event and have a much more comprehensive training experience.
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