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More to add to the discussion - any thoughts? Flight simulators and training, benefits and downfalls.

Interesting podcast... I've been having fun with FSX lately. Based on the podcast, I looked into Tom's book. It appeared to be intended primarily for CFIs, so I purchased Bruce Miller's, Flight Simulator as a Training Aid instead. It's a good book and contains a variety of practice excercises for MS Flight Sim on an accompanying CD-ROM.

I'm interested in hearing if anyone else thinks it's worthwhile to practice procedures with MSFS, and if you have any suggestions.

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Brad
RV-7: RV7Factory.com
Blog: PilotBrad.com

I couldn't help but notice Brad's post when he mentioned that he thought my book, "Teaching Confidence in the Clouds" was primarily geared toward the flight instructor. I actually wrote this not only for the CFII community, but for anyone who is taking instrument training or for rated instrument pilots that want to improve their skills.

The information provides guidance on the value and benefits when using the desktop PCATD, BATD and ATD units. A case is made as to how they can be integrated into a instrument flight training program. The benefits of using MS FS is also addressed in the book.

Thanks for your feedback and posting,
Tom Gilmore, MCFI
Author: ASA Teaching Confidence in the Clouds

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Tom Gilmore MCFI

Thanks for the additional info Tom. I should have been a bit clearer in my earlier post. I never put my hands on your book, I based my decision simply on the information I could find online. Based on your input, I think your book could be a worthwhile addtion to my library, especially since I am looking for something to augment my instrument training.

Would you say the assingments in the book are something I can do on my own (without CFI present)?

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Brad
RV-7: RV7Factory.com
Blog: PilotBrad.com

Yes, Brad. You can easily do many of the suggested exercises in the book without being in the presence of a CFII. They would not be loggable, but still valuable.

Sorry for the late reply, Tom

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Tom Gilmore MCFI

To chime in as well, I've found in Instrument training-the more you visualize and practice the procedures or dry time, the better you are during actual training. I know this sounds like a statement of the obvious, but I am continually surprised that students don't do more of this.

Anais,

That's exactly what I am hoping to accomplish. Let's face it, flight time is expensive and the cockpit isn't always the best place to absorb new information. I am hoping that Tom's book (and others) will allow me to "visualize" concepts before we crank the engine up, so that my time in cockpit is maximized from a learning perspective. If you've got any pointers on how to accomplish this, I am all ears.

Thanks!

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Brad
RV-7: RV7Factory.com
Blog: PilotBrad.com

Where are you at in your training?
Here are a few areas to start.
If you get the old FAA instrument flying manual, there are a step by step process of all the procedures and basic attitude flying. You can sit on your couch and practice the correct procedures for all aspects of the flight (including checklist usage).
However, it is when you get into procedures that this is really helpful. Examine the chart, approach / departure. Whether you are in your plane on the ground or your couch, visualize each step as it occurs, what you are going to do, and then what next. Instrument flying is about the mental process, and staying one step beyond the plane. It's like a dance, if you have practiced the procedure ten times, you are much more likely to have a smooth flight. There is such an intense division of attention, this will allow you to spend a little extra time on other areas, like positional awareness, checklist usage etc.
Practice flow checks in the plane. After every configuration change, there should be a flowcheck.
Study the G1000-see if you can hook the plane up to external power so you know it inside and out and know the procedures before your flight.
Hope that helps, have fun with it. This was my favorite rating!
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Anais,

Thanks. I just started the IFR stuff. As a matter of fact my instructor and I had a good coversation about the use of sims for practice and we are going to come up with some excercises when the time is right. Right now he wants me to focus on real BAIF.

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Brad
RV-7: RV7Factory.com
Blog: PilotBrad.com

Excellent, keep us posted,
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