Flight simulator software

[kjjz28]

I'm new to this board and am getting back into flying after 7 years. I am considering purchasing a flight simulator program for my home computer and was wondering if anyone could give recommendations on software as well as a control wheel & pedals?

Thanks!

Kelly

 

[Bustamove]

flt sims

I'm not sure what end of the spectrum you're looking for, but I was in your shoes a year or so ago with similar flight time but spread out over a 20+ year period.

What I found out was the stick and rudder stuff comes back fast, it's the instrument procedures that really atrophy (big insight, right?) And to work those procedures MS Flight Simulator with a good joy stick (Sidewinder or similar) was just the trick. Crank the ceiling down to mins and just fly around practicing the 6 T's or however many you use along with staying on airways, holding, etc. It's cheap and in my case it was very effective in getting my head back in the game.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I agree with Bustamove. It really depends on the purpose for the simulator.

If you're talking about getting up to speed with basic flying and procedures, unless you're already using a sim, it probably doesn't pay to get one. For VFR work, it's probably more worthwhile to get back to the books for a heads-up on knowledge and spend time with a CFI than to learn how to fly, say MSFS.

If it to get back into instrument procedures, MSFS is the most cost-effective sim choice, although it seems to me that one of the dedicated instrument PC-sims, like On Top (which I really like), Elite and Jepp has a much smaller learning and more realistic aircraft response.

If the purpose is IFR, you don't need much in the way of extras, although buying a old CH flight yoke on ebay was one of the better decisions I made.

 

[bigD]

X-Plane

 

[jdog78]

I agree that Flight Simulator 2002 is one of the best programs in terms of quality and the wide array of add-ons available for download. It is most valuable for instrument preparation and learning the flows of maneuvers.
There are several joysticks/yokes available. I would recommend force feedback.
Good luck!

John

 

[stillaboo]

MSFS is the way to go. Leave the rudder pedals for real airplane training.

CH yokes are gonna' be better for most applications unless you're training for airbus or fighter flying (fighters are about visuals anyway, there's no PC sim that can replicate the experience). It's possible to get just about any airplane for MSFS on the internet too.

-Boo!

 

[Airpiraterob]

rock on big D

absolutely swear by X-plane

and its fun to make your own planes and your own experiments on the side if your had too much of the run of the mill instrument flying. it helped me in my last interview. i just wish i had the most recent one. theres mach diamonds in the afterburner exhaust!

 

[B190Captain]

I would go with MSFS2002 Pro Edition. Definetly the most cost effective.

 

[VNugget]

I would probably pay for X-Plane if it weren't for the horrid interface (it takes seconds for mouseclicks to register, and you have to keep the cursor there.)

How do the rest of you cope with this?

P.S. What are your success rates of putting the F4 down on the carrier? I seem to stick it about 2/3 of the time.

 

[Airpiraterob]

honestly the F4 flight model in the recent versions leaves alot to be desired compared to the one i found back in 4.0, that one flew much better and had no problems with the flap usage interferring with the tail controls.

lately ive been trying to recreate the F-104 from the right stuff...the one with the rocket in the tail to set altitude records back in the early 60's.