Computer Flight Simulations for Training
Join Date: May 2002
Location: U.K.
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Regarding flight sims, I think that the best FAA approved one is called 'on-top' I believe. try www.avshop.com and look under flight sims
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get hold of a copy of the FAA exam CD by ASA.
If you dont have access to a PC at home then you want the red FAA exam book by Gleim.
You can also pick up a copy of the FAA Instrument handbook, I gothold of a copy in the US for about $12 but I think the 'Pilot Shop' in London does it as well.
For software I just used Rant 2000, have played with MS FS2000 for practice since which is pretty good.
If you dont have access to a PC at home then you want the red FAA exam book by Gleim.
You can also pick up a copy of the FAA Instrument handbook, I gothold of a copy in the US for about $12 but I think the 'Pilot Shop' in London does it as well.
For software I just used Rant 2000, have played with MS FS2000 for practice since which is pretty good.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flight Simulator(s)
Hi guys,
After successfully passing the Nav exam on Saturday, I have now got the Oral Radiotelephony exam to do to finish all the ground exam for the PPL.
I have no flying hours.
Should I start the flying now or is it best to do it after the final exam.
What do you think about Flight Simulators. Are they any good? which one is good to install on the PC at home? can it be downloaded from the internet? How cloase does it get to the actual flying?
Thank you all;-)
After successfully passing the Nav exam on Saturday, I have now got the Oral Radiotelephony exam to do to finish all the ground exam for the PPL.
I have no flying hours.
Should I start the flying now or is it best to do it after the final exam.
What do you think about Flight Simulators. Are they any good? which one is good to install on the PC at home? can it be downloaded from the internet? How cloase does it get to the actual flying?
Thank you all;-)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Chichester, UK
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you mean the Radiotelephony Practical (rather than Theory) then that isn't one of the PPL exams. RT Theory is, but it is a written exam like the others. Anyway, at my flying school the instructors would recommend waiting until you have done some real navigation work and are ready for the cross-country qualifier before taking the RT Practical - that way you've had a chance to practice it and have something to relate CAP413 to.
Flight Simulators are, IMHO, almost useless for PPL training - there isn't sufficiently detailed scenery to practice VFR navigation and there is no substitute for the real thing for practicing basic handling (the lack of visual information also means that you spend too much time looking at the instruments to try and work out what the aircraft is doing). They are supposedly more use for practicing elements of instrument flying. At PPL level I think they're more likely to teach you bad habits than anything useful.
Flight Simulators are, IMHO, almost useless for PPL training - there isn't sufficiently detailed scenery to practice VFR navigation and there is no substitute for the real thing for practicing basic handling (the lack of visual information also means that you spend too much time looking at the instruments to try and work out what the aircraft is doing). They are supposedly more use for practicing elements of instrument flying. At PPL level I think they're more likely to teach you bad habits than anything useful.
Last edited by Evo7; 20th May 2002 at 12:29.
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Europe
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi fmardani,
I take it from your post that you have been busy concentrating on the theory side of things first before the flying. Finishing off the exams now at least leaves you free to enjoy the flying. I advocate the use of PC based flight simulation as they have improved remarkably over the years. One of the popular ones is Micrsoft Flight Sim 2000/2002. They are available in either professional or standard editions. (The former is more suited to advanced training). With a good graphics card, (16mb ram or more) a decent processor and onboard ram in the 256kb area you can polish your skills quite well. One word of warning though, as PPL training involves primarily VFR flying don't fall in the trap at this critical stage of being glued to the flying instruments! Learning to fly is initially a case of visual reference to a natural horizon, not an artificial one. Flight Simulators really come into there own when learning instrument flying techniques, of which Ex19 of the PPl syllabus is all about. Nevertheless, good fun and if used carefully a great learning aid.
Good luck!
I take it from your post that you have been busy concentrating on the theory side of things first before the flying. Finishing off the exams now at least leaves you free to enjoy the flying. I advocate the use of PC based flight simulation as they have improved remarkably over the years. One of the popular ones is Micrsoft Flight Sim 2000/2002. They are available in either professional or standard editions. (The former is more suited to advanced training). With a good graphics card, (16mb ram or more) a decent processor and onboard ram in the 256kb area you can polish your skills quite well. One word of warning though, as PPL training involves primarily VFR flying don't fall in the trap at this critical stage of being glued to the flying instruments! Learning to fly is initially a case of visual reference to a natural horizon, not an artificial one. Flight Simulators really come into there own when learning instrument flying techniques, of which Ex19 of the PPl syllabus is all about. Nevertheless, good fun and if used carefully a great learning aid.
Good luck!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And just a tip...on FS 2002 - pressing W once will give you the outside view and a lovely view of the primary instruments along the bottom, so you get a bit of VFR and IFR if you care to look at them to see what it looks like outside when instruments are as they are.
Have fun! (and try flying that flightplane...brilliant)
Smooth skies
Dan
Have fun! (and try flying that flightplane...brilliant)
Smooth skies
Dan
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I found using FS2000 to be of use during the navigation phase of the ppl if only as a confidence builder. It was reassuring to put in the wind speeds and direction, do the calculations and timings, then fly the route in the virtual world before doing it the next day for real. Any errors made on the computer were not reproduced in the aircraft.
There are limited visual references on the pc, but it can be argued that this stops the tendancy to feature crawl. It is also useful for understanding the practical use of vhf navigation and for developing a scan pattern.
I would recommend buying a control yoke rather than a joystick. Also, if you intend to continue beyond the ppl syllabus, then you may consider the Jeppesen FlitePro or the Elite IFR training simulators.
The only downfall of pc simulators may be that they are harder to fly than the real thing and that this may tend to make you feel you lack handling skills. This is due to the limited field of view and the lack of a `seat of the pants` feel for what the aircraft is doing.
Finally, they serve a very good purpose insofar as feeding your desire to fly even when you can`t afford to, or the weather prevents you. As long as you view it as a training aid and don`t get too `anorak` about them, pc simulators are great and plenty of pilots use them. (which is why pilot`s supply companies sell them!)
There are limited visual references on the pc, but it can be argued that this stops the tendancy to feature crawl. It is also useful for understanding the practical use of vhf navigation and for developing a scan pattern.
I would recommend buying a control yoke rather than a joystick. Also, if you intend to continue beyond the ppl syllabus, then you may consider the Jeppesen FlitePro or the Elite IFR training simulators.
The only downfall of pc simulators may be that they are harder to fly than the real thing and that this may tend to make you feel you lack handling skills. This is due to the limited field of view and the lack of a `seat of the pants` feel for what the aircraft is doing.
Finally, they serve a very good purpose insofar as feeding your desire to fly even when you can`t afford to, or the weather prevents you. As long as you view it as a training aid and don`t get too `anorak` about them, pc simulators are great and plenty of pilots use them. (which is why pilot`s supply companies sell them!)
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: England
Age: 40
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FS2000 is vastly overated, it does well mainly because its Microsoft and boasts 4000 airports or something but all bar a few of those are simple strips with nothing near them. The terrain is crap.
A good flight sim relevant to PPL flying would be Flight Unlimited 2 or 3. Its only got the San Francisco bay area but its very detailed and its got all the r/t stuff and the flight models are good.
However even though you could maybe try VFR navigation on it it wouldnt be the same although the general handling and having to get clearance for taxiing and stuff like that would act as a decent introduction to private flying.
I would think of all flight sims I've played as games and wouldnt recommend trying to do any serious practice on them.
A good flight sim relevant to PPL flying would be Flight Unlimited 2 or 3. Its only got the San Francisco bay area but its very detailed and its got all the r/t stuff and the flight models are good.
However even though you could maybe try VFR navigation on it it wouldnt be the same although the general handling and having to get clearance for taxiing and stuff like that would act as a decent introduction to private flying.
I would think of all flight sims I've played as games and wouldnt recommend trying to do any serious practice on them.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
Looking ahead
If you intend to get an IR later on, I highly recommend the Elite programme. Fantastic stuff, one of the few sims that simulate "dip". I have been using one for the past week and it has improved my scan out of sight.
Note, it is not very good for visual flying. (ie external graphics are basic).
Note, it is not very good for visual flying. (ie external graphics are basic).
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Normandy
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I was preparing my GFT in bournemouth, I used to simulate NavEx's on my FS98 (with additionnal UK scenery ) I was creating realistic winds based on winds aloft conditions of the day.
Because VDF was not a feature on the microsoft software, I was doing a VOR/TACAN fix instead of it (around yeovil) . The lack of landmarks for diversion or VFR purpose is easily overcome if you use towns , river or road to assess your position.
when I was simulating the instrument bit of the test (you know ? when they remove the panels and you can't find the bloody disused airfield
) I used to report the LAT/LONG (you can dispaly your GPS pos ) on the VFR chart so I knew where I broke out.
Then, after the GFT, I began the IR, and the sim was again a great tool. At this stage, I was flying a Duchess. Since no BE76 were available on the web for FS98; I customized a Baron.
By increasing the drag factor, decreasing the engine Power, I finally found the appropriate settings to re-create the Duchess flight model (more or less ).
In my humble opinion, Flight sims can't do no harm to your flight training (PPL , CPL ....) But you have to be aware of their limitations . If you plan to use microsoft's sim, be ready to spend some time on the web, looking for additionnal tools to taylor the sim to your needs ( You can create exaclty the same instrument panel as the PA28 of your school ! )
I don't know if it made me a better pilot, but for sure it gave me some confindence ... for a far cheaper amount of money than the "not so light" twin of the school.
Enjoy your flights !
Because VDF was not a feature on the microsoft software, I was doing a VOR/TACAN fix instead of it (around yeovil) . The lack of landmarks for diversion or VFR purpose is easily overcome if you use towns , river or road to assess your position.
when I was simulating the instrument bit of the test (you know ? when they remove the panels and you can't find the bloody disused airfield
) I used to report the LAT/LONG (you can dispaly your GPS pos ) on the VFR chart so I knew where I broke out.Then, after the GFT, I began the IR, and the sim was again a great tool. At this stage, I was flying a Duchess. Since no BE76 were available on the web for FS98; I customized a Baron.
By increasing the drag factor, decreasing the engine Power, I finally found the appropriate settings to re-create the Duchess flight model (more or less ).
In my humble opinion, Flight sims can't do no harm to your flight training (PPL , CPL ....) But you have to be aware of their limitations . If you plan to use microsoft's sim, be ready to spend some time on the web, looking for additionnal tools to taylor the sim to your needs ( You can create exaclty the same instrument panel as the PA28 of your school ! )
I don't know if it made me a better pilot, but for sure it gave me some confindence ... for a far cheaper amount of money than the "not so light" twin of the school.
Enjoy your flights !
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Australia
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I think that doing a bit of practice on something like FS2000 gives some help in adjusting to instrument flying.
I think that if anything, it can give you a sense of what instruments and needles should be doing what at the right times.
The most beneficial practice I found was with NDB approaches. Add a wind, put the cloud down to 400’ or so, take off and practice intercepts, sector entries and approaches. I wouldn’t even bother with trying to hand fly it, just use the autopilot, the aim is to get used to scanning effectively and gaining situational awareness.
I think that if anything, it can give you a sense of what instruments and needles should be doing what at the right times.
The most beneficial practice I found was with NDB approaches. Add a wind, put the cloud down to 400’ or so, take off and practice intercepts, sector entries and approaches. I wouldn’t even bother with trying to hand fly it, just use the autopilot, the aim is to get used to scanning effectively and gaining situational awareness.
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which IFR Flight Simulation Software ?
Having passed my IR just over a year ago, I do not intend to renew it for another year. However I would like to keep 'current' by using a computer simulator. I have got RANT and find it excellent, but I would like to practice flying the aircraft as well as playing mental gymnastics.
Looking through the aviation cataloges, I find many to choose from. Elite, Jeppeson FlitePro, ASA IP Trainer etc.
Therefore I'm requesting advice on which is the best system to go for. Which system do you use ?
Also, is it worth getting ancillaries like Jeppeson offer, such as the Yoke, Throttle quadrant, Rudder pedals, Radio stack etc. ?
I realise that these things are not cheap, however if it keeps my IR skills up to speed then it will be worth the money in the long term.
All replies gratefully appreciated.
Looking through the aviation cataloges, I find many to choose from. Elite, Jeppeson FlitePro, ASA IP Trainer etc.
Therefore I'm requesting advice on which is the best system to go for. Which system do you use ?
Also, is it worth getting ancillaries like Jeppeson offer, such as the Yoke, Throttle quadrant, Rudder pedals, Radio stack etc. ?
I realise that these things are not cheap, however if it keeps my IR skills up to speed then it will be worth the money in the long term.
All replies gratefully appreciated.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: England
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Difficult question to answer.
I think the best training is to go up with someone else IR qualified under the hood and shoot some approaches. Then swap over and do it again lots and lots.
As far as sims are concerned I've only ever tried RANT from your list which is fab. Other than that FS2002 professional is very realistic. It doesn't do dip (but RANT does) bu it seems to be as good as all of the rest.
Good luck in your choice. Where did you do the IR?
18
I think the best training is to go up with someone else IR qualified under the hood and shoot some approaches. Then swap over and do it again lots and lots.
As far as sims are concerned I've only ever tried RANT from your list which is fab. Other than that FS2002 professional is very realistic. It doesn't do dip (but RANT does) bu it seems to be as good as all of the rest.
Good luck in your choice. Where did you do the IR?
18
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: US
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what I did...
Here's what I did...
Got "X-plane" version 5.4. Cost: $29.
Got the Saitek "X45" joystick and throttle (seperate devices, packaged together). Cost: $80.00
Works pretty well! You can customize the panel in X-plane so I customized the Citation X. I've got gear, flaps, brakes, reversers, and nav1 freq. changes programed to the buttons on the joystick and throttle, so I don' t have to touch the keyboard. I think it's a good way to go for practicing IFR stuff...well, at least it's affordable!
Got "X-plane" version 5.4. Cost: $29.
Got the Saitek "X45" joystick and throttle (seperate devices, packaged together). Cost: $80.00
Works pretty well! You can customize the panel in X-plane so I customized the Citation X. I've got gear, flaps, brakes, reversers, and nav1 freq. changes programed to the buttons on the joystick and throttle, so I don' t have to touch the keyboard. I think it's a good way to go for practicing IFR stuff...well, at least it's affordable!
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: formally Alamo battleground, now the crocodile with palm trees!
Posts: 960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back in my flight instructor days, I have used "On Top" by ASA for my students so that they could pratice in their free-time. The results were very impressive. With IP trainer you don't get the fancy realistic cockpit and external view, but good readable instruments and plan and profile views of holds and approaches etc. It cannot replace the real thing, but it is a good trainer to maintain your situational awareness.
7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: uk
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PC Flight sim as trainer
All you PC flightsim players out there may be able to help me as I don't have one myself. I am coming up for an upgrade to LHS on a B767-300 early next year and was wondering if these programs are able to accurately reproduce failure scenarios which I can use to practise/revise some loft type excercises at home. Any advice much appreciated.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Krautland
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You may wanna have a look at "PIC 767" or somesuch by a publisher called Wilco. It´s an addon for the Microsoft FS2002, and from what I´ve heard it´s a very, very good addon as far as simulated systems (and their failures) are concerned.
I´ll try to dig up a link to it so you can check it out for yourself.
Ah okay, I found two links to reviews of this product. Looks like it is just what you´ve been looking for.
Here are the links:
http://www.simradar.com/reviews/72/7...n_Command.html
http://www.avsim.com/pages/0301/767pic/pic.html
I´ll try to dig up a link to it so you can check it out for yourself.
Ah okay, I found two links to reviews of this product. Looks like it is just what you´ve been looking for.
Here are the links:
http://www.simradar.com/reviews/72/7...n_Command.html
http://www.avsim.com/pages/0301/767pic/pic.html
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Forest
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi
www.wilcopub.com is where its available from.
www.wilcopub.com is where its available from.
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good place to ask questions.
Woodpidgeon, if you haven´t already been there I´d recommend a visit to the 767PIC forum at www.avsim.com. There are a bunch of "hardcore" PIC flyers there that can answer all (sticking out my chin here) your questions.
Another good site with plenty of info is http://www.pic767flyingclub.com/
Best of luck with your conversion.
Another good site with plenty of info is http://www.pic767flyingclub.com/
Best of luck with your conversion.