A flight simulator is disclosed which includes active electronic display controls. A simulated cockpit area is provided which includes a visual display screen for depicting a simulated cockpit viewpoint. A simulated instrument panel is provided within the cockpit area by means of a cathode ray tube display device and an overlying bezel which defines the perimeter of at least one displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device. A rotary switch which includes a rotary encoder having an output indicative of a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation is then mounted within the bezel. Outputs from the rotary switch are then coupled to electronic circuitry which is utilized to selectively vary the displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device, providing a realistic representation of an actual flight instrument.

An apparatus for simulating in-flight problem situations is provided. The apparatus comprises a false instrument display surface which has a false instrument reading and is adapted to cover and obscure a true instrument reading in such manner that a pilot views the false instrument reading. A method of simulating in-flight problem situations during flight in a airplane having a pilot and an instructor is also provided and uses a display of a false instrument reading.

A flight simulator comprising a manually operable yoke secured to a spring centering shaft which is both axially movable and rotatable in response to corresponding movement of the yoke, the end of the shaft being operatively connected to a member pivotal in response to axial movement of the shaft, pivotal movement of the said member varying resistance biasing simulated instruments the essential components of which are either reversible motors or volt meters, rotational movement of the said shaft similarly varying resistance biasing such simulated instruments, a pair of rudder pedals secured to a member pivotal about a second shaft, the second shaft rotating in response to pivotal movement of the said member, such rotational movement varying resistance biasing some of such simulated instruments and means for generating the effect of air turbulence on the simulated materials by periodically altering the voltage biases on at least a simulated artificial horizon and a simulated altimeter, and a simulated instrument landing system head operatively connected and responsive to a signal from a simulated directional gyro compass, means for varying the sensitivity of the instrument landing system head with respect to time, and a simulated transponder having means for generating a warning signal responsive to fail to maintain altitude within predetermined limits, and having means to generate a warning signal responsive to the setting of an emergency transponder code where the transponder is set in the on or low mode.

An instructional model. The model, in a preferred form, includes an indicator member that represents the instantaneous flight path of an aircraft. The indicator member has indica thereon that represents a range of attack angles at which the aircraft could fly relative to the instantaneous flight path. The indicator member also has indicia thereon that represents the center of pressure acting on the aircraft when flying at a selected attack angle. A second member that represents an aircraft is pivotally attached to the indicator member such that it can be selectively pivoted relative to the indicator member to an attack angle such that the center of pressure indicia identifies a point on the second member which represents a corresponding point on the aircraft at which the center of pressure forces are applied thereto when flying at that selected attack angle.

Apparatus for sequence training including control switches for actuation by an operator, logic circuitry for programming the apparatus to undergo a particular sequence, indicators adjacent the control switches for manifesting the proper control switches to be actuated by the operator, error recognizing circuitry for recognizing improper actuation of the control switches, and a manifesting element responsive to the error recognizing circuitry for manifesting improper actuation of said control switches.