The role of flight simulators in pilot training and pilots career development : A systematic literature review and cost perspective

In aviation, we encounter far more variables than those faced on the surface of the Earth. Moreover, abnormal situations that could be overcome without damage or with minor damage in ground transportation may lead to serious tragedies in aviation. Since the Wright Brothers' first flight attempts, various studies have been conducted in order to cope with these variables. Due to the nature of the aviation industry, it is a high-cost sector, and it is manda-tory for personnel—especially pilots—who will work in the industry to undergo a meti-culous, efficient, and cost-effective training process. In addition, factors such as the rapid advancement of technology, the global growth of the industry, and the increasing demand for pilots worldwide have necessitated that pilot training be conducted in sta-ges and that this training be completed effectively within a reasonable timeframe. In this context, flight simulators began to be used around the early stages of aviation experi-mentation and have today gained a critical role in pilot training. The aim of this study is to compile existing research conducted in the field of flight training devices, which are an integral part of pilot training, through a systematic literature review; to present the general state of the field; to identify existing deficien-cies; to define research gaps; and to determine future research directions.