Now you "real" pilots don't really want to come across as a bunch of totally arrogant, elitist, prejudiced, patronising snobs do you?
Well most of you certainly seem that way. The fact is there are simulators which are a travesty of what it "feels" like and other sims which go to great lengths to get reasonably close, given that you have a tiny joystick and a 15 inch monitor.
I have worked for over a year (with working pro pilots) to get fly version 1 to emulate the feel of GA and corporate aircraft as near as we can get given the limitations, and yes, real world pilots have actually complimented us on our efforts.
Of course it's easy to dismiss this endeavour as the work of sad anoracks - all very well for those lucky enough to fly for a living. But for the rest of us, for whom flying has become a nightmare of form filling, ludicrous medicals, insane expense, and an activity now only open to the privileged, simulators are a good way of at least absorbing the flavour of something "real" pilots take for granted.
Just be bloody grateful you actually get paid to do it. Some of us have two options: Go gliding or fly simulators. We don't need your patronising tone, thank you!!
Rob Young