Anybody ever use the Frasca FII-242 Simulator?

[squale]

Just wondering if anybody ever used this simulator and how it compares to others? Is this about the best you can get for GA simulators: http://www.centuryair.com/cfa/cfa_dyn_cfa.asp?cid=149

 

[EagleRJ]

Never used one, but it looks like about as good a GA sim as you'll find. With that visual, there's not a lot of difference between that and a full-motion Level C sim. The local airport here has one for $70/hr, which is a pretty good deal compared to $1200-$1500/hr for the Level C and Level D sims.

 

[squale]

what do the levels mean? and how many are there?

what level is the 242?

 

[EagleRJ]

The FAA defines levels of both Flight Training Devices (Levels 1-7) and Flight Simulators (Levels A-D) based on how completely they emulate the aircraft. Flight Simulators can be used for some or all required time in the aircraft, and can be used for checkrides instead of the aircraft. FTDs are only used for non-logged training and proficiency flights.

I'm not sure what level the Frasca is, but it is only a FTD, not a full simulator. Full flight simulators have motion systems to help simulate flight, and the most advanced have what is called "six degrees of freedom", which means they can move in pitch, roll, yaw, heave, thrust, and sway. The main difference between Level C and Level D is the visual system. The visual on Level D sims is more panoramic- something like 200 degrees wide and 60 degrees high.

This Frasca FTD probably costs around $100,000. Most modern flight simulators cost around $20M.

 

[huncowboy]

We have two of these. I have used them as a student, and only as a n00b instructor. So take my opinion with a grain of salt.

IMHO it is a significant piece of _crap when simulating the C172. None of the airspeeds work. Ground handling is a joke. More like ice skating. I don't even make my students take of from the runway anymore since they can't keep it on the runway anyways.

I only flew the 172 and the Seminole models. For the Seminole it was alright. It was certainly good for procedures and it kind of flew like the real thing but for the Cessna it is terrible. I am so glad I don't have to sit in it anymore... at least for now.

For $70, unless you want to practice one engine procedures in a multi, I would much rather rent a real plane.

About the rest of the flight models included with the sim I can't comment. I hope at least some of them are OK. Actually, if anyone can recommend a realistic model, I will try since we get a few free hours in them every month.

 

[Vandal]

70 dollars an hour for a glorified flight sim 2004...talk about overkill for light single/twin training.