Search

Notices
Flight Schools and Training Ratings, building hours, airmanship, CFI topics

Flight Simulator for PC?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-04-2011 | 12:43 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
New Hire
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default Flight Simulator for PC?

Looking for some advice on an at home flight simulator setup for PC that will be as close to the real thing as possible? What kind of software/gear/brand do I need? Any recommendations?

I'm a beginner, but I would like a setup that would be able to give me both a realistic and educational experience while I'm out of the "real" cockpit. Thanks!
Reply
Old 07-04-2011 | 01:23 PM
  #2  
Coto Pilot's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
Default

I have a program from ASA called On Top that I have used for years that I think is very realistic.
Reply
Old 07-04-2011 | 03:35 PM
  #3  
Line Holder
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 33
From: 737 CA
Default

What are you working on in the real world? If you're working on instrument, great, hit it hard after you've covered things with your instructor. Otherwise, don't let yourself start building bad habits (hitting the sim hard before you start private flying will make you focused inside far too much, believe me).
Reply
Old 07-05-2011 | 02:40 PM
  #4  
grecoaj's Avatar
Line Holder
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: CFI
Default

Originally Posted by DirectTo
What are you working on in the real world? If you're working on instrument, great, hit it hard after you've covered things with your instructor. Otherwise, don't let yourself start building bad habits (hitting the sim hard before you start private flying will make you focused inside far too much, believe me).
This is good advice.

If you're ready, try Microsoft Flight Sim X. I've been able to do some incredible things with it and I like to use it as a cheap (free) way to help students get over some problem spots like radio communication and checklist use while maintaining control of the aircraft. You had better have a very powerful computer and graphics card if you want to get the most out of it.

There was a student a few years ago who breezed through the PPT program with minimum hours because he used MFSX and some published training documents made specifically for MFSX before he started his training, but keep in mind that that route might not work for everyone. Fly some friend's sims or go to the flight school and ask around.

Good luck!
Reply
Old 07-05-2011 | 05:05 PM
  #5  
Cubdriver's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 0
From: ATP, CFI etc.
Default

I am an X-Plane fan. I have seen too many professional uses for it over the years. The company I currently work for even uses X-Plane to support their multi-million dollar developmental flight simulator, ie. the only one they have. I think they said they use it for navigation and not for the flight engine which is driven by some other industrial grade flight software package, but still that's quite a claim in favor of X-Plane.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ebuhoner
Flight Schools and Training
35
10-10-2009 09:02 AM
FR8Hauler
Cargo
80
08-22-2009 07:16 PM
Longbow64
Part 135
117
07-23-2009 08:46 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices