A virtual reality flight simulator includes recording flight simulation data to produce a simulated flight demonstration. The flight simulation data including flight visual re-creation data for recreating flight visuals, physical control element states, instructor user body states, trainee user body states, and/or auditory data. The simulated flight demonstration is validated for correctness. The validated simulated flight demonstration is played to at least one trainee user in a virtual environment of a flight simulation training device (FSTD). The virtual environment is viewable by the trainee user on at least one visual interface. The validated simulated flight demonstration includes time-synchronized playback of the recorded flight simulation data.

A flight simulation system and method include a physical simulation environment providing flight simulation to a trainee. At least one mock avionics device is positioned within the physical simulation environment. A virtual environment is viewable by the trainee on at least one visual interface, wherein the at least one visual interface displays to the trainee a virtualized cockpit having a virtualized avionics device display.