IR - sim info - please help?!

[Haul By Cable]

Hi there,

I am trying to choose an FTO for my CPL/multi/IR.

So far I have visited a couple of schools from my shortlist but have come to a point where I need somebody both knowledgeable and independent to help me make a decision.

My biggest dilema has been trying to assess how relevant the sim 'set up' is when it comes to doing the IR. It looks likely that my IR will be done on a Seneca but one of the schools I am considering has a (quite new) sim with a King Air layout

Obviously the sim is programmed to behave like Seneca but the cockpit layout is quite different.

Only holding a PPL, I really can't decide if this is a significant sticking point or not.

I would really appreciate any opinions!
Thanks for reading my post. :ok:

Haul.

[witchdoctor]

It shouldn't really matter in theory, as the sim is for you to learn and to practice the principles behind instrument flying and nav - it's not to teach you aircraft handling.

However, it is such a brainache learning these things that any advantage you can get to make life easier is a bonus, and having a sim representative of the a/c you will fly is a big plus. If your going to fly the Seneca, try and use a sim with a seneca layout. It will just help to ease the pressure a little bit.

[Haul By Cable]

Thanks witchdoctor.

That was my gut feeling, I think (for me) the scales are tipping more toward type specific now, as opposed to generic twin sims. I really need these opinions as every school seems to have good arguments either way!

Cheers,

Haul.

[Big Pistons Forever]

I think the type of sim should be almost the last thing to think about. IMO the backgrounds and motivation of the instructor should be the most important criteria. Right now flight instruction is a buyers market, so you are in the drivers seat on who you train with. IMO there are 3 things you should think about.

1. Does the instructor have any real world ( ie non instruction )
IFR experience. It is a huge advantage to be tought by someone who can relate how the theory fits ( or doesn,t ) to the reality of line IFR operations.

2. Ask for names of previous students, If he/she is a good instructor he should be happy to provide references.

3. Do you like the guy/gal. Chemistry in the cockpit is important.
I have in the past occassionally recommended students try another instructor as I felt I was not the best person for them.

Finally I would like to note every school has a great sim. The airplane parked on the ramp at the end of the flying day. I strongly urged my sudents to sit in the parked airplane and recreate each flight. This was a great way to build muscle memory,review the fumbles, and get comfortable in the cockpit. And best of all it was FREE.
:ok:

[Delta Wun-Wun]

The sim is there to teach the procedural side of the IR. If it`s cockpit layout is the same as the actual aircraft then that is an advantage. However good the sim is it will never recreate the time spent actually in the aircraft. Remember 15hrs on the aircraft is the absolute minimum.
If your Instructor has real IFR time, all the better.
PM me if you want my thoughts on the school I attended.:ok:

[drizzle]

.


Have a look at

flightpass.co.uk

there is a brand new FNTP2 sim configured to match the company Senneca


.

[FMIRC]

Go for a school with a consistent approach to all your commercial training, ie one which does the CPL and IR on the Seneca (more multi time) and has a sim specifically Seneca configured.
Try the Flight Centre at www.hgfc.co.uk