IR flight sim
 

Just about to start the IR side of things and would like to get ahead on maybe a flight sim for the pc.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

FS2004 Century of Flight!

Microsoft Flight Sim 2002. That's what the FNPT2 sims use as their software!!
Just start with basic straight and level, then move on to timed turns then climbing timed turns.
Start looking at the approach plates for various places relevant to where you'll be training.
Anything that gets you practising awareness. I was told not to do any pre study as i'd be taught it all on the course, but I feel I could have been better prepared, had I looked at certain things before embarking on what is essentially the hardest flight test you'll probably do.

Anyway, have fun.....I didn't! :ok:

I expertised my IFR skills in the FS98, 2000 and 2002 some years ago. It really helped.
I would recommend to use small light airplanes. They have similar speeds and performance with our beloved choppers. And they won't crash while trying to takeoff. :}
Flying the 206 under IFR won't help at all in the FS.

I learnt morse and used RANT :ok:

X-Plane every time - the helo flight model is much more accurate than MSFS.

If you do go for MS FS get the latest version - FSX I think, as MS did some work to the helo flight model and improved it quite a bit. Pre FSX, i.e. 2004 & 2002 it's a bit ropey.

On the plus side for FSX it does have more aircraft you can add on, most are available free from various websites - don't forget to download the panels too though.


X-Plane comes with R22, B206 and S61, IIRC. FSX comes with R22 & B206

A really simple bit of software is RANT (I think it stands for Radio and Navaids Tutor) and is very good for setting up the navaids and flying the actual routes you will do doing your training. Helped me, Joe.

PS. You will want to set fire to the simulator every time you 'fly' it as it feels very alien, but remember you are learning to fly the procedures NOT the simulator (although this will be of little comfort!).

Morse
 

I have a BRILLIANT and EASY way to remember Morse, if anyone's interested. A crisp crackly in the hand via PayPal and I'll share the secret, learned at my father's knee as an 8 year old and never forgotten. [And that's absolutely true!]

Regarding morse I learnt it years ago using the G4FON Koch Method Morse Trainer; fantastic method of learning since you don't get the 13WPM plateau you get with many other methods. Might not be a problem if you only use morse for navaids but if you've any interest in ham radio or whatever well worth it (well it's free) IMO. Knowing morse does make a difference I think; far easier to listen and say that's [whatever] than to have to check the dots and dashes on the plate... especially when you're in a massive rush outbound from an NDB to start an approach. Not that I ever did that. I'm just saying like...! :hmm::)

for the software I've used FS 2004 a bit since passing my IR to stay on top of some of the basics of an approach. The problem is getting something with a similar instrument panel to what you'll actually use as well as something with similar flight characteristics in terms of potential approach speeds etc. I'm sure that even with something pretty far off if you can get used to getting your scan going, like someone said practising straight and level, rate 1 turns etc, that's got to help. I've not used RANT myself but I know a gent who did and passed well so may be worth considering too. Good luck with the course. B****y hard work but some of the best most fun flying I've ever done too. Enjoy!!