This paper considers the conversion training of qualified engineers employed in flight simulation from the background of experience in British Airways. The title is taken to mean the conversion of engineers qualified to appropriate standards, with experience in their chosen area which is demonstrated to be generally some form of electronics, to full skill level in flight simulation.

The rate of change in flight simulation is very fast. Training should keep up with these changes, but it is often hard-pressed to do so for reasons explained subsequently.

I would like first of all to explain the philosophy of our operation with an eye to the future for we are in a transitional stage at present. Our primary effort is a maintenance task where the 17 flight simulators will be divided into three groups. These groups will contain six analogue simulators and eight digital simulators currently in house, with three further simulators on order or about to be (Fig. 1). Not shown in Fig. 1 is a support group providing specialist service as required.