Not all flight schools will be equipped with the same quality or type of flight simulation facilities. Simulators are generally divided into two categories: full flight simulators and flight training devices. Full flight simulators allow pilots in training to sit at a full functioning control panel and engage in true to life simulations, often complete with a cockpit on a movable platform that will react to decisions made by the pilot. Flight training devices are usually less complex computer-based simulations. The level of simulation complexity varies from school-to-school.
The University of North Dakota's Aerospace school is located in Spokane, Washington. The school is known as the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. A highly renowned institution, UND Aerospace refers to itself as the Harvard at 35,000 feet. UND Aerospace operates a total of 12 flight simulators including a CRJ FTD, a Seminole FTD and a Warrior FTD. The CRJ is the most advanced flight simulator at UND Aerospace. It is a full flight training device that qualifies students for FAA FTD Level 6 accreditation.
Embry-Riddle operates two campuses in the U.S., one in Daytona Beach, Florida, and one in Prescott, Arizona. The Daytona Beach campus alone is home to some 5,000 students from upward of 85 different countries around the world. Embry-Riddle's flight simulation devices offer certification up to FAA FTD Level 6, the highest level in the United States. The school has both single-engine and multi-engine training simulators housed in 220-degree panoramic visual theaters. Embry-Riddle also has aircraft control tower simulators as well as a motion-based disorientation training facility.
SimCom Training Centers operates five flight simulation training facilities in the U.S. and one in England. The schools offer personalized training programs for both turboprop and piston aircraft. Their state-of-the-art simulators are built around portions of the genuine fuselage of the aircraft pilots are learning to fly. Each simulator is based around wide-screen visual simulation technology which aims to covey to pilots a sensation of motion identical to the real world.