Proposal: Canadian AF pilots to spend 50% of air time in simulators

Just found this article:

http://www.barrheadleader.com/article/GB/20130203/CP02/302039937/-1/bar/future-canadian-fighter-jocks-to-split-simulator-and-real-world&template=barcpart

Current ratios are 80% real air time and 20% simulator time.

The proposal increases simulator time to 50%.

Is this safe? Does it result in same level combat capability?

Real flying obviously involves risks and elements that cannot be recreated by a simulator. A simulator is always a simulator and it’s probably a different psychological mindset to flying a real jet.

Then there’s recruitment and retention – people become pilots cause they want to fly. Indeed “real” pilots have been unhappy with being assigned to UAV duties.