PC Based Flight Simulators
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: GB
X-Plane 11 is pretty accurate and has VR support if you have the hardware for it. I would say its the most advanced sim on the market at the moment. FSX used to be the benchmark and it does have the best add-on support but it is pretty old by now so would say X-Plane is your best bet.
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: GB
Just be prepared to spend a lot of money, a VR capable computer able to run X-Plane 11 at a fast enough speed to ensure smooth rendering will cost you at least £800-1000. Then the headset on top of that another £300. Joystick £30-100.
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 314
Likes: 7
From: BNE, Australia
The FSX source code has been licensed to Lockheed Martin, which they now resell as Prepar3D for "non entertainment" use only. It's supposed to be better optimised for modern computers and compatible with all the add-ons.
As for why you would bother when it doesn't contribute to your currency, well you can practice navigation with and without failures to your heart's content in the comfort of your own home. To reach the same confidence with navigating on raw NDB or VOR data practicing in a real aircraft or certified simulator, would cost you a lot of money.
I find it a useful complement for practicing instrument approaches before attempting the real thing, where you may have other traffic and ATC requests and proper IMC to contend with.
Not to mention the computer can also be used to do other things like post on PPRuNE
As for why you would bother when it doesn't contribute to your currency, well you can practice navigation with and without failures to your heart's content in the comfort of your own home. To reach the same confidence with navigating on raw NDB or VOR data practicing in a real aircraft or certified simulator, would cost you a lot of money.
I find it a useful complement for practicing instrument approaches before attempting the real thing, where you may have other traffic and ATC requests and proper IMC to contend with.
Not to mention the computer can also be used to do other things like post on PPRuNE
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 9
From: London
Well I just flew an A-10C and blew some tanks up with Mavericks. All in amazing VR. A new computer arrives on Friday and an Oculus Rift CV1 arrives on Saturday. The HOTAS and rumble seat thing are yet to be sourced. Not much change out of 2k but, hey, I’m worth it.
Flying an A-10 in VR is now my new hobby.
Flying an A-10 in VR is now my new hobby.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 9
From: London
Nope. Some people feel sick at first but that can be overcome. The optics make the image appear further away than it is and eye distance is adjustable so no eye strain.
The A10 is very accurate, with every switch working and pressed via a mouse controlled by head movements. The level of realism and immersion is truly incredible.
So excited I haven’t slept. I’m actually looking forward to retiring next year now.
The A10 is very accurate, with every switch working and pressed via a mouse controlled by head movements. The level of realism and immersion is truly incredible.
So excited I haven’t slept. I’m actually looking forward to retiring next year now.
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 391
Here is a pretty good 747-400 (just this type, no exterior eye candy) systems simulator:
Aerowinx - Introduction
Demo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN9l...ature=youtu.be
Aerowinx - Introduction
Demo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN9l...ature=youtu.be
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 86
Likes: 9
From: London
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Hebrides
I’d be interested to know peoples opinion on Ultrawings, which I’ve been playing on my PS4 VR. Of course, it’s very far from being a simulator, but from my limited attempts on the controls of real aircraft, the feeling of flight seems very good!
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 283
Likes: 1
From: somewhere hot and sticky
The extra300 lookalike ( 3rd and most advanced plane)
really impressed me with its feeling in flight. I had many years commercially flying GA aeroplanes. The sound and feeling is spot on.
I don't extend that to the ultralight though... not that i have any real world ultralight experience,
but that plane didn't feel at all like a plane.
Just my 2c!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
I use a computer sim on occasion and if you get a realistic aircraft model in the sim, it's great and actually very helpful when practicing procedures or failures. Have a look for PMDG, they're partnered with Boeing and their models are actually very realistic. Only downside is that as they are partnered with Boeing, they don't produce Airbus'.
