I speak about MSFS with a couple of thousand hours instructing experience. It is not getting an unfair hammering. In later stages it *can* be useful to practice tasks that have already been taught how to be done correctly. Used to self teach generally leads to poor or incorrect technique.
I've seen a set up similar to yours and it would be great for navigation training. Even a couple of 'fake' navexs before the first ones in the aircraft to practice the skills needed in the air. Bear in mind that 'pre-flying' a navex isn't always beneficial though. One of the skills that you're trying learn is to be able to navigate in an unfamiliar area. After all, your licence lets you fly just about anywhere in the world and doesn't have the restriction "Not for navigational use unless route pre-flown" on it!
Alternate views that the sim provide *may* help a little in understanding what is happening however there is a danger of negative transfer. If your understanding of what is happening depends on these alternate views you will be at a disadvantage in the real aircraft where such views aren't possible.
But, used as an aid with appropriate instruction, MSFS and similar can be useful aids to learning. No substitute for the real aircraft though - at least, not yet.
blody tipos
Last edited by Tinstaafl; 7th August 2009 at 02:57.