IFR computer sim programs?
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I would have to say that the best would be Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. This is because it comes with a huge amount of support material that will get you up and running quickly. It uses real navaids and the flight model for the default JetRanger isn't bad. You can also download many other aircraft models off the net, or purchase them, that emulate other cockpits such as AS350, UH-1, etc. You can also purchase printed manuals to learn how to run the instruments better in the program itself.
Simulating spatial disorientation
To simulate spatial disorientation, change the forward view to be one of the side views. This will force you to focus on the instruments much more intently, and will trick your brain to produce that weird feeling you get when your inner ear wants you to fly in a different direction than what your instruments are telling you.
Flight Controls
I would recommend spending the money to get a full size set of flight controls. A $50 joystick with handle-twist anti-torque and dial throttle/collective just doesn't cut it. You can also get a lot more serious and get a full radio stack, and even GPS units that are fully integrated with the sim program.
Having fun
There are several enjoyable combat simulators that provide a nice break from staring at instruments. One I can highly recommend is slightly old but very playable and addictive - Enemy Engaged (Comanche vs. Hokum).
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
SLC.
Simulating spatial disorientation
To simulate spatial disorientation, change the forward view to be one of the side views. This will force you to focus on the instruments much more intently, and will trick your brain to produce that weird feeling you get when your inner ear wants you to fly in a different direction than what your instruments are telling you.
Flight Controls
I would recommend spending the money to get a full size set of flight controls. A $50 joystick with handle-twist anti-torque and dial throttle/collective just doesn't cut it. You can also get a lot more serious and get a full radio stack, and even GPS units that are fully integrated with the sim program.
Having fun
There are several enjoyable combat simulators that provide a nice break from staring at instruments. One I can highly recommend is slightly old but very playable and addictive - Enemy Engaged (Comanche vs. Hokum).
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
SLC.
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Michigan USA
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What kind of cost should I be looking at here? It seems a full sim type system is big $$$, I just want a little something to practice on the PC. Even if it is just to get an idea of things behind instrument flying.
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Go with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, get a cheap joystick like a Logitech Wingman Extreme Digital 3D (a mouthful I know, but it's a good stick for the money), you should be able to get started for less than $150 (USD).
X-Plane is good, but badly lacking documentation.
My recommendation for the full size controls would be more applicable to current pilots. Trying to use a joystick to fly a sim can be very frustrating if you're used to the real thing.
MSFS is very good to get started with instrument flying, as you can get going in a Cessna 182 with IFR panel, which is a lot easier to learn the principles in than a helicopter.
Cheers,
SLC.
X-Plane is good, but badly lacking documentation.
My recommendation for the full size controls would be more applicable to current pilots. Trying to use a joystick to fly a sim can be very frustrating if you're used to the real thing.
MSFS is very good to get started with instrument flying, as you can get going in a Cessna 182 with IFR panel, which is a lot easier to learn the principles in than a helicopter.
Cheers,
SLC.
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I am however a helicopter pilot. A new one (just got my private) but am I still going to get frustrated with the controls of a joystick? What kind of cost is associated with realistic controls?
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If you are looking to practice ifr procedures I would go the MS 2004. It is what I use and even though I fly rotary for a living I fly the Cessna Caravan on the sim for ifr procedures as it has an autopilot and that way I don't have to worry about the flying.
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Yes, you will get frustrated with a joystick if you're trying to practise properly, even if it is just procedure training. It's probably a better idea to keep using the right motions with hands and feet in the right places. Plan on doing a lot more with the computer keyboard than you're used to though!
You can get a full set of controls in the USA for about $1,400. I'll PM you with more info on that.
Once you get going in your flight (it can be a little difficult taxiing and taking off with no visuals), you can expand the size of the instrument panel to take up most of the screen, making the instruments a lot easier to read (ie. closer to the real size).
Charlie s charlie is correct, you can fly certain approaches or routes using all the same navaids, fuel consumption, loading data, etc, that you will have on the real flight, and dial up all sorts of weather challenges while you're at it - gusting winds, freezing/baking temperatures, etc.
You're especially fortunate being in Southern California, as there is a huge amount of high-definition scenery add-ons available for that area that really make VFR flights a pleasure. You may need to look at your computer hardware though.
If you're interested in getting on a simulator technical group, try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlightSimulator2004/ .
Cheers,
SLC.
You can get a full set of controls in the USA for about $1,400. I'll PM you with more info on that.
Once you get going in your flight (it can be a little difficult taxiing and taking off with no visuals), you can expand the size of the instrument panel to take up most of the screen, making the instruments a lot easier to read (ie. closer to the real size).
Charlie s charlie is correct, you can fly certain approaches or routes using all the same navaids, fuel consumption, loading data, etc, that you will have on the real flight, and dial up all sorts of weather challenges while you're at it - gusting winds, freezing/baking temperatures, etc.
You're especially fortunate being in Southern California, as there is a huge amount of high-definition scenery add-ons available for that area that really make VFR flights a pleasure. You may need to look at your computer hardware though.
If you're interested in getting on a simulator technical group, try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlightSimulator2004/ .
Cheers,
SLC.
