Flight simulators

[Barn owl]

Is there any value in using a PC based flight simulator like Microsoft Flight Simulator as part of tri-axis flight training? I can remember that after the 9/11 attacks it was said that the terrorists who flew the planes into the buildings could have learned to fly with computer based flight simulators that are readily available.

[Mogas]

There are definitely a lot of benefits in using a PC based flight sim like Microsoft flight simulator, particularly if you use a good joystick/yoke and foot pedal rudders. Nav practice benefits are obvious. Great practice for precision turns (centered ball and maintaining height). If you intend taking your flying further then the benefits you will get practicing IF cannot even be quantified IMHO! These days the 5 hour IF requirement for a PPL can be met with the use of a CAA approved simulator PC running MS flight sim.
As I recall, the 911 hijackers did proper flight training in Florida, USA, on Boeing simulators.
Mogas

[Gyronaut]

As I recall, the 911 hijackers did proper flight training in Florida, USA, on Boeing simulators.

Ja, en kyk hoe lyk hulle nou!

[cross_wind]

I used my flight sim a lot when I was doing my PPL to practice radio navigation, drilling procedures and IFR practice. You have to approach it as a training aid and set yourself goals for each session. I would advise getting a set of pedals (and yoke if you use one in the real word), updating your terrain maps, land class maps and get some aftermarket aeries. Microsoft’s Flight Sim is a great package but needs some serious add-ons to make it worthwhile. I still use my sim to practice cross country flights (before going on the real thing). If you are willing to spend a little (actually quite a lot) – it’s pretty cool. I had over 250 hours on my simulator before I started my PPL and it still took me 18 hours to solo. There's no sustitute for the real thing.

[hugo]

howzit guys

check out

http://za.ivao.aero/

i used it for my radio procedures, download a couple of programs and fly online with few other sa guys. If your want to go futher than sa there are a few million ATC's and PILOTS using this to fly online internationally.

[Kosie]

"Flying" online using a flight simulator has given me a great deal of prior "experience" before starting flight training. There are certainly advantages to using a flight simulator for training purposes, although one has to be careful of not picking up bad habits before undergoing training under a qualified instructor. I find it to be great fun and if you are at all interested, visit www.vatsaf.com. We "fly" regularly and there are many opportunities for on-line training by experienced pilots and flight simulator pilots. Many events are also organized, e.g. special fly-ins to SA from overseas-based virtual airlines as part of the 2010 Soccer, navigation competition flights, world tours, etc. If you want to practice radio procedures, both VFR and IFR, this is the place to do it. Flight simmers in S.A. are very forgiving of mistakes and are always willing to assist.