Flight SIM

[Dream2Jet]

Hi all, I am doing my IRR then onto CPL/IR and have zero experience IR flying, I am told that some software programs are very good to use for doing approaches etc.

What would be the best packages and best joystick etc to use?

THanks.

[cavok_flyer]

I use X-Plane since the flight dynamics seem to be the best, and it works on all OSs. Also, I have a Saitek yoke, a throttle/prop/mixture controller, as well as rudder pedals. My experience is that it this set-up helps practice the correct procedures, but may not "teach" you how to fly them. Let the instructor/school show you first, then practice.

I also hang an action cam from the rear window inside pointing forward with audio capture to review after the flight at home. You really need audio for it to work well. There are so many "what-was-I-thinking-then" moments on "film", but at the same time I have found this to really accelerate my learning process. Check with your school/instructor if it is alright to record the flight for private review afterwards. I had to promise not to put any of it online. And you have to be careful not to be overly critical about your performance and weigh in the comments that your instructor makes after the flight what he/she thinks. (A bit OT I know, but just sharing my experience since I am doing my IR right now.)

[pominaus]

+1 to the Saitex Pro system. It's completely modular, so whilst a "full" set up is expensive, you can get the yoke and throttle for $170 and go from there - add rudder peddles, then the trim wheel, then add some instrument units, 1etc.

As for FSX Vs X-plane... that's almost a holy war even amongst non-pilots lol! Short answer: both are good, best one is the one that works for you. I've been 'playing' FSX for so long I'm biased towards it, but I do hear from most that try it that x-plane's physics are far batter (It is a far newer sim!).

If you're just looking for a simple joystick, I used the cheapo Logitech 3d pro for two years with FSX fine before upgrading to Saitek, so any of the $50 offerings from logictech/thrustmaster/etc would be fine I suspect. By the time you start getting to $100 joysticks, I personally think it's worth just jumping up to the full Yoke/throttle

[Dream2Jet]

Thanks for the help, I have a friend (non pilot) who loves the SIM stuff and he is setting me up with FSX and lending me his laptop with a good grahpics card, just ordered the Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System and pedals, cant find a trim wheel though.

Just started IRR in plane, very rusty as not flown much in last year but hoepfully get this then some good hour building with IRR and a few hours a week on flight SIM etc.

[paco]

It doesn't really matter what the flight dynamics are - you are just interested in which way the needles go, so FS 2004 is perfectly adequate and doesn't mess with Windoze so much. It's also very cheap

If you're looking at graphics cards, NVIDIA use a similar file structure for graphics files, so may be a tad faster.

As mentioned, use it for practice.

[pominaus]

I use FSX on my laptop, it should be fine out the box - my laptop's a 2013 ultrabook with integrated graphics and it can run FSX out the box on ultra. Just remember to go to realism and turn off all the aids lol.

I was just saying on another thread that I've been using VATSIM to give me a simulated ATC with real people on the other end - if you want to brush up on coms at the same time, it's a good tool

[Dream2Jet]

Thanks, I set it up but not sure on what is the best way to do it for the sensitivity of the controls?

What would you recommend is the best way to use it for learning how NDBs, VORs work etc?

[Reverserbucket]

Agree with TangoAlphad for NDB and VOR intercept, tracking, and holding exercises, RANTXL is excellent. Created by a team including a former highly experienced RAF QFI and UK CAA Staff FE, you can't go wrong, and it's far more focussed and educational than the other more 'recreational' FS products available.