Computer Flight Simulations for Training

[scroggs]

Originally Posted by trainee99

I would be interested to know whether anyone now running MSFS X has tried out the A321 yet and if so, whether it bears any resemblance to the real thing. Whilst i appreciate that a lot will be missing due to it being a game and not a proffesional training tool... Does it include: autorim? any protections? managed flight? are pitch and power settings similar at all? or are there any other airbus features that fundamentally set the bus aside from boeing etc, or is it basically a 737 with a revamped cockpit layout and exterior? I am due to start type rating on the A319 in december and whilst i have some time in a 320 sim to relate to, i'd be interested to know whether there is any resemblance that justifies buying FSX to get the feel of the thing again.. Thanks..

It's rubbish. Forget it. If you want a reasonably good Airbus simulation, get A320 Professional from Phoenix Simulation. It'll work on FS2002/2004 and probably FSX with a patch. It is excellent, and a worthwhile addition to your training library.

People, for specific discussion of MSFS please go here (the Computer and Internet forum). Please keep this thread and forum for the discussion of matters directly related to training, and not which joystick to use or how to install it!

Scroggs

[trainee99]

Thanks. In fact after a bit of research i bought the Phoenix A320 for FS 2004 about a week ago and I agree that it is excellent. It doesn't seem to be like most standard FS add ons that take what's already in the program and try to squeeze it into a new skin. It has a very good resemblance of an FMGC with a nav database that includes all of the procedures I've looked for so far, works out F, S and green dot speed, has autotrim etc. etc. The PFD functions as I remember the real thing (well, the real simulator anyway) doing and includes the flight path function - really good for non precision especially - and the ND includes the functions selected on the FCU as I remember. The ecam changes for each stage of flight as in the real thing and includes the checklists. Whilst I'm sure that it's not perfect, it seems to have a lot of the features I remember from the MCC course in the 320 sim and certainly worthwhile purchase for my purposes.

[early_bird]

Flight sim w/ Yoke and padles pre OAT skills accessment?

Hi All,
I'd like some advice please. I plan on sitting the OAT Skills Assessment sometime after mid. April, and would like to know whether or not I should spend the £££ (actually $$$) on the CH flight yoke and rudder paddles for my FS2004. Would this help prepare me for the hand-eye-foot coordination tests any more than say, my current MS joystick? Are there any particular aspects within the flight sim that I should pay particular attention to?


Any help will be very much appreciated,
Thanks for your time,
Cheers,
E.B

[planecrazy.eu]

Im not so sure that OAT use FS for selection tests, so guess that be a no. The Joystick they used for apptitude was a Logitec one, ????? 3 it was, it was the most sensative joystick i ever have used, its only £19.99 too. I thought they use/d PILAPT for those tests. FS Can be set up so you fly an approach through boxes on the ils, thats similar to one of the tests, errr, guess you can simulate the deviation by setting some mad and random winds and trying to fly a dead on ILS approach.

there is PILAPT Prep that most use to practise or CockPit Web's Tests are pretty good too.

[speedbird001]

IFR Training Software

Hi All,
I'm currently on the long road working towards my ATPL, still in the hour building and GS phase and a low hour PPL (inexperienced), i was wondering what is the best Computer software to bring me up to speed on how to use your instruments without spending loads of £££££££££££££.
I've asked a few other Pilots and they recommend some software called ELITE ??? anyone got any experience on using this ??
The thing i wont mess aorund with a sim then go and kill myself, i just want something that will help me to understand from the start and visulise holds SIDs how to do approaches etc and basically enhance my understanding.
Cheers
SB001

[Martin4]

Microsoft Flight Simulator? (plus an aircraft add-on, the default arent the best...)
X-Plane?

Not as advanced as the ELITE software but a lot cheeper!

[Blinkz]

best I've used is RANT, very good for teaching you instruments and how to use them.

[lifter]

A320 Computer training

Hi,

A friend of mine is doing the A320 type rating and he is really worried about raw data approaches, is there any computer programme which can help him practice at home. Is the latest version of microsoft simulator good enough?? I know that it is very different from the real thing, but it is better than nothing I guess. Any help is greatly appreciated.

regards

Lifter

[dartagnan]

he has nothing to worry.
with the use of the bird, it is not very hard.in fact it is easy!!!

[ITA]

fmgs mcdu

Hi, you can try here http://cibiti.tripod.com but it's not free.

ITA

[smith]

Rant Xl

Tried doing a search but just comes up with people having a "RANT".

Does anyone have a problem when descending and suddenly the altitude starts increasing. Its a real pain when shooting an ILS!!!

[redsnail]

Is this a sim problem or is this happening for real?

[MIKECR]

What on earth do you mean?? How does the altitude increase when you descend?

[Comanche250]

Could you be talking about thermic activity? You are decending, you get caught momenterily in a thermal which may give a rise in alt? Would have to be a good thermal though!

[tom775257]

He is talking about the computer program RANT.

Sorry I don't use it...MS flight sim is better I think - if only it would simulate ADF dip. Not that I play it any more I might add.

[smith]

Yeah its the RANT XL sim, the altitude suddenly starts increasing, its not an altimeter on it, it is just numerical values, but while on an ILS descending 500fpm it suddenly starts increasing. Must be a fault in my laptop or else the programme. Just wondering if anyone had come across it and knew of a remedy.

[helicopter-redeye]

I've had the problem. I think I resolved in the end that either (a) I had clicked the wrong button via the mouse and started a climb rather than increasing the descent or (b) a go-around was iniatiated due to 1/2 scale deflection due to not concentrating.

Only appeared to happen on certain plates?

h-r

[smith]

Thanks heli-red maybe it is the go-around option, however the speed does not increase if this is the case.

[oltbaba]

Radionavigation Trainingssoftware

I am currently looking for a radionavigation trainingssoftware software and I found this program here: www.isoftworks.de

Price-performance ratio looks really good - like the user interface.
They offer realistic map data for germany and europe (on request) based upon a jepessen database. I've contacted the developers (a crazy bunch of germans) and they are open for new feature proposals. The tools supports the main instruments such as:

• VOR
• HSI
• RMI
• ADF
• Compass
• DME

It supports wind simulations and offers a replay mode.



Has anybody seens something similar (features, price-performance ratio) ?
Does anybody use a similar software for radionavigation training ?