Simulations - The Definitive Package?
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Behind You
You could do alot worse than any MS FS simulation package as an IR student or keen amature. Fs98/2000 helped me enourmously to pass my FAA IR, and RANT helped me pass my CAA IR, but for two specific reasons. 1 being the simulated dip and 2 being the simplicity of simulating local IR routes.
As a critic of RANT i'm not sugesting any kind of 'external' visuals would improve it, I just think that a simulation of the basic cockpit/'flightdeck' no matter how simplified and the ability to make a turn greater or smaller than standard rate would make a trainning package worthy of it's price tag.
If I had to pick between the two, I have to say WWW, (in my opinion) you are wrong. You get a package which is far more flexable with MS FS and alot cheaper.
As a critic of RANT i'm not sugesting any kind of 'external' visuals would improve it, I just think that a simulation of the basic cockpit/'flightdeck' no matter how simplified and the ability to make a turn greater or smaller than standard rate would make a trainning package worthy of it's price tag.
If I had to pick between the two, I have to say WWW, (in my opinion) you are wrong. You get a package which is far more flexable with MS FS and alot cheaper.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: CYYC
Hello everyone,
Another simulation package to look at is X-Plane, which you can get at X-Plane .It uses a far more accurate flight model than any of the MS flight sims. In fact there are a few aircraft companies using it for testing, and the FAA has approved it for use in full motion simulators. The computer requirements aren't as high as MSFS either.
As a bonus it also includes the physics models for flying on Mars. Not that that will help anyone pass their flight test.
Gary
Another simulation package to look at is X-Plane, which you can get at X-Plane .It uses a far more accurate flight model than any of the MS flight sims. In fact there are a few aircraft companies using it for testing, and the FAA has approved it for use in full motion simulators. The computer requirements aren't as high as MSFS either.
As a bonus it also includes the physics models for flying on Mars. Not that that will help anyone pass their flight test.
Gary
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 793
Likes: 66
From: ex ZB and back
I'm a big fan of X-Plane. The graphics are glitch free on my P600, and the geopmetry is spot on.
I've invested in a CH Yoke, the most expensive part of this, but worth every penny. The only down side is that it's not possible to configure the engines to go - L-throtle, R-mixture, but rumour has it this has been fixed in the later versions.
Also nice to have the plates in V & H to check how well (or not) you've done.
S
I've invested in a CH Yoke, the most expensive part of this, but worth every penny. The only down side is that it's not possible to configure the engines to go - L-throtle, R-mixture, but rumour has it this has been fixed in the later versions.
Also nice to have the plates in V & H to check how well (or not) you've done.
S
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: U.K.
I've got to put my vote in for RANT.
It has none of the graphical aids of the likes of FS2002 et al but I feel is offering something far more specific and relevant to actual IR flying. The version I used a few years ago leading upto my IR helped a huge amount just in doing the included lessons and getting my head straight with things such as dip, gate positions in the hold, hold entry, procedural approaches etc. Getting these things straight gives you just those few moments extra capacity whilst actually flying, which I know I needed!!!
Gotta say I didn't have FS at the time so don't know how much that would have helped.
As an aside how much do they charge for RANT now? We were given it gratis as part of the course.
It has none of the graphical aids of the likes of FS2002 et al but I feel is offering something far more specific and relevant to actual IR flying. The version I used a few years ago leading upto my IR helped a huge amount just in doing the included lessons and getting my head straight with things such as dip, gate positions in the hold, hold entry, procedural approaches etc. Getting these things straight gives you just those few moments extra capacity whilst actually flying, which I know I needed!!!
Gotta say I didn't have FS at the time so don't know how much that would have helped.
As an aside how much do they charge for RANT now? We were given it gratis as part of the course.
