Hi all,

Could anybody give me an honest review of the PS1 simulator that is mentioned in a below thread. Is it as good as it looks?

Thanks,

Blue

I have both the original 1.2 and the current 1.3c versions. They were purchased by my (as in the one who employs me! :) ) company, at my suggestion, for use in training 400 crews in our groundschool. I have used them much less than I would have expected, since there are technical inaccuracies in some of the system operations which are not acceptable for crews new to the aircraft.
However the programmes are very impressive in providing a 400-like operating environment and an introduction (albeit with instructor overview) to the technical systems. The 1.3 version has a very good FMS sytem incorporated and the included videos provide a useful generic introduction to the type.
If the above sounds like 'damning with faint praise', it's possibly worth pointing out that I bought (as in shelling out personal beer tokens) my own copy and, in some areas, the comprehensive handbook is an improvement on the Boeing version!!
So, as an introduction to the 744, it is good value, but it is not sufficiently accurate to be used as a standalone training programme for the real aircraft.

[This message has been edited by Cornish Jack (edited 03 July 2001).]

I thought PS1 was OK although the FMC could not perform any of the more advanced functions you may wish to tinker with. The Wilco 767 is very good and I believe they now have a 744 version which, I am told, is better than PS1.

euphemism:

Could you let me know a web page where I can check out Wilco 744 program. I'm currently using PS1 & am very satisfied.
Thanks

The web site is www.wilcopub.com (http://www.wilcopub.com) but it does not mention the 744 version which I am guessing must be a beta release.

I'm starting a 744 course soon and PS1 was recommended for good pre course study. The Mode Control Panel is very accurate, as is the EFIS symbology. The FMC functions I gather are a bit watered down and don't have the latest updates. The manual is excellent, some of the systems descriptions are v.good and they are accurately depicted on the overhead panel and lower EICAS synoptic.

Generally, at this stage it is excellent, but I suspect it's usefulness will wear out as the course continues. However, on the PS1 website, a Virgin captain says he uses it to revise for Sim sessions.

Dan
As I mentioned previously, PS1 is certainly a good general introduction programme for the 44 and FMS and 'glass' BUT the tech systems have one or two deficiencies so don't use it as the 'tablets of stone' source. The handbook is now a more comprehensive reference than Boeing's Vol 2 but recent amendments have left the PS1 version of the QRH inaccurate in places.

Are you joining us at Crawley or going to our big neighbours up the road? If the former, welcome, in advance; if the latter, enjoy !! :)