Best Simulator For Instrument Training?

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04-26-2013, 01:28 PM

dl773

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Best Simulator For Instrument Training?

Hello all,

I am looking into home-based simulators to practice instrument procedures, etc. Any advice?

I own a Mac Book Air, but I don't believe it is powerful enough to run such a heavy game. I may need to find another computer to run it.

Also, is it highly recommended to purchase a set of yoke and rudder pedals? Or not necessary?

Thanks!!

04-26-2013, 01:36 PM

N9373M

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dl773

I would not recommend the yoke and rudder pedals. you're interested in the scan and procedures, not keeping the ball centered - besides those things never work, or are too sensitive.

I've got a Saiktek X52 Flight control system - usb joy stick and throttle with tons of switches and slides to allow you to easily control flaps, gear, brakes, etc.

I use X-Plane for the sim on a Win7 64 bit Intel i5 system with 16gb ram, which is probably overkill. You can shop around for sims and check out the system requirements and see if the Mac will work.

04-26-2013, 01:39 PM

StartUp161WanaB

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I have used flight simulator 2004. I was thinking about getting flight sim X but it requires too much space and memory. You can't go wrong with fs2004. You can look on ebay for a logitech joystick. Really simple and cheap. Plug it in and play.

04-26-2013, 02:58 PM

flyandive

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Microsoft flight sim requires Microsoft windows. It's possible to run on a Mac with the right software but its probably not worth it. If you are set on using your Mac then Xplane is the way to go. If you buy it from a store, it will ONLY work on the OS you bought it for (Mac OR Windows). On the other hand if you buy it direct from Laminar Research, they will send you a version that will work on BOTH windows and Mac.

06-19-2013, 06:36 PM

dl773

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You guys think this is good enough:

Amazon.com: Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick: Video Games

I'm cheap. . .

06-19-2013, 06:40 PM

dl773

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btw, aside from ILS approaches, is it possible to practice Approach Procedures, STARs, DPs, etc, in these games?

06-19-2013, 07:08 PM

Clward1

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I use Flight sim X & If you have the Jeps you can do it all! Departures & arrivals to & from any airport. Put the viz down 200 & 1/2 and sweat it out!

06-19-2013, 07:31 PM

JohnnyG

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I'd stick with FSX. the physics are better, but it's showing it's absurd software architecture strongly on newer systems and requires quite a time investment to really get it setup.

FSX is a wonderful instrument trainer. I used it back in the day.

06-20-2013, 09:24 PM

Rohit

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I have used X-Plane 9, X-Plane on the Mac and used X-Plane 9, FSX, and FS2004 on Windows. As far as practicing approaches and holds are concerned, I'd HIGHLY recommend FSX, mainly because you can actually zoom into the GPS you pick and have that aid your way. X-Plane however has the most realistic flight controls and is the nicer looking.

So if you are looking for eye candy, go X-Plane, but FSX will be the most beneficial for you for IFR practice.

07-03-2013, 02:12 AM

#10

Da40Pilot

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rohit

If you only have a Mac, you have no choice but to just go with XPlane. I think PilotEdge helps you a lot too to simulate real life procedures and makes it interesting so that you don't always have to go full procedure (non radar) on your approaches because in real life, you'll most likely always get vectored.