For the T-6, it's a full-up cockpit trainer. It's hooked to a computer, so basically it's a fully functioning sim, just w/o a screen (so works well for practicing instruments when you get to that part of Phase 2). All the switches/buttons function as the do in the real aircraft, screens display what they would in the real a/c, etc. During Phase 1, it's worth it's weight in gold for you to practice starting the plane, flipping the right switches in the right order, looking at the screens for the engine displays, etc. There's a sim specifically designed in phase 1 w/ a sim instructor to show you how to work it.