I have used MSFS as a supplement and not a primary flight training tool and thanks to it I've always passed every test first time with huge compliments too. Why are we getting into this snobbery about MSFS, what's really at issue here? I believe that inviuting MSFS into the domain of flight training simultaneously gives access to the great unwashed who the FTO don't want thinking that "anyone can do it", flying that is. This would also dispel the myth that serious flight training has to always cost an arm and leg, why should it?
When learning anything there's great benefit to be had from all manner of sources and flying is no exception. MSFS is relatively cheap and has numerous add-on packs that would 'assist' a new PPL student get a feel for their X-country which no doubt appears frightening or the ATPL chap transitioning onto the 767 wanting to also get a feel for the forthcoming type rating.
We should be debating not whether MSFS has a place or not within flight training but assessing where and to what extent it can be employed/combined with traditional training methods. Remember abotu 10 years ago Microsoft had Flight Safety involved with the design who subsequently used it as part of of their training syllabus (minimal but still some degree of usage). This gesture from a company that knows a thing or two about professional simulator training and type ratings.
Any-hooo, keep smiling folks and have a nice day.
