These simulations are, for the most part, conducted in "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" ("IMC") whereby the visual displays are useless (blank). The type of the aircraft is almost irrelevant to the exercise, as the procedures practiced are largely identical between modern aircraft.-Tim Mellon
Tim, This is true to a certain extent. We still have to do the "air work", (aka: Stick and rudder) in VMC conditions using "visual pilotage" as per the FAR's and the aircraft manufacturers' limitations. This includes the full stall series both clean and in the landing configuration, steep turns, no flap and circling approaches ect. There are narrow vertical blind spots behind the windscreen pillars depending on the angle you were looking out at but it only became a factor (not really, you just had to be aware of it) in circle-to-land approaches. (or if you were looking for your house if you happened to be flying in that city!) This is because of the multiple screens used for the front and side windscreens. Not a real problem at all especially if it was an airport you were familiar with in the real world. All the landmarks, both natural and man made are represented in 3 dimensional scale form. I'll admit that the visuals as well the simulators in general of today are a world apart from the old "terrain board" sims we thought were so cool back in the 70's and 80's.
It is true some guys do get sick in the sim (barf bags are stowed accordingly). This usually happens when the sim is repositioned after a testing event such as a aborted take-off. To save time the sim instructor/check airman will reposition the aircraft to the approach end of the departure runway. If you look out the windscreen while this is occurring you will see what it looks like to go backwards 10,000 feet in about 2 seconds. You also get the pitching motion to a small extent, of accelerating and decelerating backwards even though the sim is "off motion" which can lead to vertigo. It effects some more than others. The trick is not to look out the wind screen during a reposition! and most don't.
LTM,
Dave