Simulator Assessment for Airline Pilots: Raw Data Flying, ILS, Holding and Call-outs

What is raw data flying?

Raw data flying means flying with basic instruments only: no flight director, no autopilot and no autothrottle. You control the aeroplane manually using attitude, airspeed, altitude and heading information, and cross-check navigation with raw navigation signals such as a localiser and glideslope.

A typical assessment profile

Profiles differ by airline, but many include a departure and climb, level flight and turns, an ILS approach flown manually, a holding pattern, a go-around and sometimes an abnormal event. A common set of tasks:

• Departure, climb and level-off at assigned altitudes
• Heading and altitude changes with accurate trim
• Manual ILS: intercept the localiser, capture the glideslope, stabilise and continue to minima
• Holding pattern entry and a stable pattern
• Go-around with correct configuration changes and call-outs
• Standard call-outs and checklists throughout

Skills that make the difference

• Instrument scan: a steady, disciplined cross-check instead of staring at one instrument
• Trim: trim the aeroplane so it flies hands-off between corrections
• Power plus attitude equals performance: use known pitch and power settings for each phase
• Stay ahead of the aeroplane: brief the next phase before you reach it
• Communication: use standard call-outs, say what you are doing and why
• Recovery: if you make an error, correct it calmly and continue

A practice routine

Practise the same profile several times a week on a desktop simulator or a fixed-base trainer, in short sessions of 30 to 45 minutes. Record the attempt if possible and review altitude, heading and speed deviations. Add a session with an instructor to receive feedback on your technique. Selection steps, tests and requirements differ by airline and change over time. Always follow the official instructions of the airline or authority concerned.

Practising in Istanbul

Sky Academy offers assessment preparation sessions on Boeing B737NG and Airbus A320-200 simulators with TRI/SFI instructors in Istanbul. See the Sky Aviation simulator page for programmes and booking.

Do I need to be a perfect pilot to pass the simulator assessment?

No. Assessors usually look at consistency, workload management, procedure discipline and communication. Staying calm and recovering well from errors counts in your favour.

Which simulator type is used in assessments?

It depends on the airline. Some use fixed-base trainers, others full-flight simulators of the airline's fleet type. Check the instructions you receive from the airline.

Should I fly with autopilot or manually?

Follow the instructions you are given. Many assessments require manual raw-data flying for parts of the profile.