Worth buying a PC for IR training?
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Back in Blighty!
Worth buying a PC for IR training?
Im wondering if its worth investing say £1200 on a top notch Computer to drive a good flight simulator as a way of practising Instrument Flight Rules, without having to pay big £££'s for the flight sim or aircraft hire? Or would it be a waste altogether?
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Cranfield UK
PC Sims
Depends on whether you can really afford it but there are some cheap and even free software programs that run in Windoes or DOS e.g. Pro-Flight that are adequate for learning what the needles show and what they mean. You can buy lots of gear but until you understand what is required on a particular procedure "flying" a PC sim may not be the help you would expect. Flight sim does help but it depends on your level of knowledge and ability to learn good habits when not supervised. Bad habits can be/are expensive to change once learned. Hope you get some more feedback of a positive nature.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 229
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From: London
You don't need to spend £1200 on a computer to get a "top notch" one for flight simulator - I got an HP HD connect laptop for around £700 - and is very good for flight simulator - can be conencted to HD TV if you need larger screen.
Had high specs and very good with flight simulator software.
If it helps? For IR training - I would think a little - it's about instrument scan practise - however the controls in the sims are the biggest problem!
Had high specs and very good with flight simulator software.
If it helps? For IR training - I would think a little - it's about instrument scan practise - however the controls in the sims are the biggest problem!
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 451
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From: London
Flight sim - yes. £1200 computer - no!
I have an old version of MS Flight Sim and an even older computer. I used it to practice flying the routes for the IR and I still use it before getting back in the Sim. It mainly helps on your scanning, but can also help in understanding what the needles are doing.
If you can, get a copy of RANT (Radio Nav Aid Trainer I think) as well as a flight sim.
£1200 - thats 2-3 hours in a twin or about 15% of your total IR - spend it on that instead.
I have an old version of MS Flight Sim and an even older computer. I used it to practice flying the routes for the IR and I still use it before getting back in the Sim. It mainly helps on your scanning, but can also help in understanding what the needles are doing.
If you can, get a copy of RANT (Radio Nav Aid Trainer I think) as well as a flight sim.
£1200 - thats 2-3 hours in a twin or about 15% of your total IR - spend it on that instead.
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Telford
I found something like Rant XL + a cheapy laptop were enough for me to practice instrument flying. I think that a full blown FS has too many other distractions built into it to be truly useful and has been pointed out controlling the damn things can be a pain.
C15
C15
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 85
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From: UK
Be careful with software too, it can get extremely expensive - on the advice of my instructor I shelled out a fortune on the 'Elite' trainer when I was doing my IR, it was a fairly useful program but, in my opinion, not worth the money and to be honest I really regretted paying what I did for it.
Microsoft Flight Sim (plus add-ons for your specific type, plus a joystick...) is probably sufficient for practicing approaches/holds, RANT is good as well and doesn't require a particularly high spec PC as far as I know. Wouldn't particularly recommend Elite.
Microsoft Flight Sim (plus add-ons for your specific type, plus a joystick...) is probably sufficient for practicing approaches/holds, RANT is good as well and doesn't require a particularly high spec PC as far as I know. Wouldn't particularly recommend Elite.
Upto The Buffers
Joined: Apr 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Leeds/Bradford
As mentioned, RANT is all you need for instrument practice. You don't need the "flying the plane" controls, plus if you start simming you'll have the added expense of buying an anorak. Any old PC will run RANT, and it's perfect for getting your head round wind correction, holds, radial interceptions, DME arcs etc...
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 116
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From: Back in Blighty!
Oh right this helps a lot thanks, just tryinng to plan the next course of action with my flying and like most people would like to do it in the most constructive cost efficient way. I have a recent HP laptop pavillion 3gb Ram Core2 duo processor but expected it to be a bit slow, I always had the impression that flight sims were a waste unless the Pc was super quick. But good point about not needing the scenery and wasting space with the amazing graphics of the airport! cheers guys
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: up a gumtree
Yes, do it. Try to spend as little on the PC as possible to minimise cost and consider a yoke and pedals. I think one of those £400 PCs from tescos would do the job. Practicing the joins, holds and approaches will save you money on the IR. RANT is a cheaper option which is almost as effective.
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Betwixt and between
I shelled out a fortune on the 'Elite' trainer when I was doing my IR, it was a fairly useful program but, in my opinion, not worth the money and to be honest I really regretted paying what I did for it.
In what areas do you find it deficient for your needs?
