JathinB

Not sure if you're using an aircraft with GPS for your training, but if you are, I like FSX because it has got something that is close to the garmin 430/530W gps which seems to be pretty popular in most instrument trainers I've seen.

Also, I would highly recommend you download, they are free, the garmin trainer for the GPS you are using. That practice will be invaluable when you're actually in the airplane

Cubdriver

X-Plane is the better software for this, they even have a PCATD-certified version that when used with proper hardware allows loggable approaches. It's solid software, and well supported on both Mac and PC.

Get the cheapest joystick, I have the $25 Microsoft model. I also use a custom panel based on a Piper twin that I made in Plane Builder. The AI is large because there are no hash marks between 0 and 5 degrees of pitch, which makes a difference on an ILS.

dl773

LOL that's one awesome cockpit, Cubdriver! I've got to try to make something like this as well. Been using x-plane demo for a week and will be buying it soon.

telejet

A cheap joystick and a copy of MS2004 works. You can get a lot out of it in the way of procedures, scan, etc..

MD90PIC

Grand Theft Auto San Andreas---- Hop the fence at the airport and hop in one of the jets. Best damn flight sim ever.!!!!! As real as it gets..

BobAir

I'd like to resurrect this thread to see if there is any new info on this. I'm looking for a capable IFR simulator for home use (non-loggable time). My use will be flying lots of different approaches so all the external eye-candy in X-Plane, FSX and Prepar3d may not be necessary. But do those sims do a decent job of simulating actual flight in IMC?

I'm thinking of an Elite system but it seems like they have fallen way behind in their development cycle. I'd have to scrounge up a computer that still has Win 7. And their GPS database goes bac six years or so. But I do like their console and avionics panel for their tactile switches.

What do you think of the Saitek flight controls for use with FSX, X-Plane or Prepar3d?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

gnew2

Depends on your budget!

A modern computer with a decent video card will run x-plane or Prepar3d with multiple monitors no problem. I lean towards FSX or Prepar3D because it's a little more user friendly than x-plane, but X-plane 11 looks like a big step forward in that department. Any of those sims are excellent at simulating IFR and practicing approaches.

Cheapest way would be a cheaper gaming computer ($600-$1000) with a big monitor, Logitech or Saitek flight controls and the simulator of your choice.

CH Products also makes decent looking flight controls.

You can pick up an all included sim from Redbird for $2,600 if you don't want to build your own.

http://simulators.redbirdflight.com/products/jay

If I had a big budget I'd build one of these!!

http://www.simpit.co.nz/

Poke around on the internet and there are lots of articles and build guides for all kinds of home simulators, it really is only limited by your creativity and budget!