Originally Posted by
PT6 Flyer
I would that, if anyone is using a simulation device, only use a simulation device that allows you to crank in a little turbulence. If a software simulation device does not allow you to crank in a little turbulence, it definitely should not be used.
Does anyone remember the old 310 desktop analog (not digital) flight simulator? It was great because I could always crank in a little bit of turbulence.
I have used Microftsoft FlightSim to practice flying approaches, and one of the things I noticed about it right away was how it would fly very smoothly and without any turbulence, and how it was seriously destroying my instrument scan.
I have never flown the X-Plane. Does it allow you to crank in a little bit of turbulence?
Yup, it allows for this. Also, for any one who cares, this is the 172 I’m using. It’s an add on:
Cessna 172SP Skyhawk
The downside to flight sims is that you have to know a bit about computers and you need a pretty strong one. FYI, you need to be running at above 25fps to be in “real time”, most laptops won’t crack it.
It really is what you make for it, for example I really enjoyed reading “Stick and Rudder” by Lang and applying what he talks about in the sim and sorta seeing it in a more tactile way, it sort of blends the new with the old. Of course always keeping in the back of my head that I’m in a sim and there are of course limitations.
I guess you can call it a “game” when I sort of go and do the test pilot thing, based on some limitations that I’ve read. It’s fun, and it’s a bit of a learning experience, and that’s alright within the safety that the sim provides vs. the real thing.
I still don’t know if I’m going to recommend sims when I become a CFI, because I still feel that it depends on the person, and there are some that will no doubt pick up bad habits, or different habits, but for most it should be alright.