Flight simulation is one of the brightest and the best technological innovations of the twenty first century and can be defined as the virtual version of a real flight experience. Unlike flight games, this is slightly different as flight simulators are mainly used to teach flight students and anyone interested in learning how to fly. A complete flight simulator represents all the various aspects of the real aircraft and its components especially in the cockpit; from its systems to the flight environment and even those sky bumps and breaks to give a real sense of flying. Other types of flight simulators in use are highly expensive and sophisticated ones which are often employed in pilot training schools, military and warfare training. There are also similar flight simulators used to train commercial student pilots in the art of flying aircrafts. Fields like aeronautical and aerospace research use flight simulation in the same way, especially to study the dynamics of flights.

To give a broader meaning, simulation basically refers to the imitation or a representation of a real environment where everything works just as one would have it done in reality. This concept of flight simulation is just an off-shoot of other simulated applications of a real world situation. Using an artificially created scenario, the real life situation and all its events can be turned into virtual formats with little or no changes. It is also given the same names, terminologies and references just as you would normally encounter the real one. The world behind a virtual experience is the software. Simulation software is the interface or platform between the machine and the user. It is the tool used to design or manage the imitated system.

Simulation software is used in flight simulations and games. Other types are designed to replicate even the smallest of details to provide a realistic feel to the whole thing. Simulation software has a varied range of applications and uses. It is use for flight lessons through virtual flight sessions. Military uses vary from training, confrontational tactics, warfare and exercise planning. The main characteristics of simulation software are usability, adaptability and availability. Based on these, simulation software has carved a niche for itself in many real world applications.

Using flight simulators, almost everything that can be taught in real flight situations can also be done here. Talking about hazardous weather conditions, unfriendly landing terrain and other emergency situations, these scenarios are simulated to acquaint the student pilot with different types of emergency situations, operations and reactions without putting them through real risks as when airborne. Even the costs associated with the real life situations are reduced to the barest minimum while getting away with maximum results and achievements. Even as a flight simulator trains users on how to fly an aircraft and other similar tasks, the main duty of a system trainer is to teach potential pilots to properly operate various aircraft controls and systems.

For commercial flight trainees, a variety of terrains, runways and weather conditions are also simulated. Military pilot training on its part has a range of enemy aircrafts and simulated landscapes which may also be encountered in flight sessions. The military flight students learn basic maneuvering, attack and defense tactics, cockpit controls and panels, and navigation while still grounded. It has a vital role to play in the military as well as in commercial flying, wherein landscapes and plane controls are simulated so that pilots are able to practice operating an airplane in flight before coming onboard.

These days, people experience simulation not only in flights, but in various forms and in different areas of life; from computer games to general medical or industrial equipment training, or even the media. They now learn to feed in, analyze and retrieve information from a variety of sources using simple simulation. This method provides a high measure of flexibility, efficiency and allows for greater accuracy in usage. Thus, flight and general simulation techniques are now being regarded as an analyses tools, especially for decision makers, giving credibility and reliability to the project. But as far as flight simulation goes, using a flight simulator is a marvelous way of learning how to fly and is not only cost-saving, but also a way into future flight trainings and acquaintance.