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Novice student with very few hours trying to get a bit of "experience" home in front of the computer - got X Plane 9 and love it but it mention you can upgrade to a commercial version. Does anyone have experience with this game or can recommend a better game...
Thanks, Kenneth

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Life is a journey, not a destination
AEROSMITH

Hi Kenneth, I know you posted many months ago but ill give my two cents anyway.

I personally use Microsoft flight Simulator X for two reasons. First, there is a text available that teaches real world pilots to use MFSX as a supplement to their real world flight training. check out the link.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Flight- ... 0764588222

Second, MSFX offers a multi-player feature called "shared skies" where you and another person can share one cockpit and communicate to each other through a mic/headset. I know there are real world CFIs out there who offer free instruction using MSFX as a medium. I know this because I dabbled in it a little when I first got my CFI, but I couldn't quite get my computer to connect other my students computer.

happy gaming!

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-Pete (24C)

I've been thinking about getting a sim for myself, as well, but I have a couple of issues.

1. I just looked into Microsoft and it won't work for me because I use a Mac.

2. I'm concerned that since it's been 14 years since my last lesson (13 hours total, no solo and no immediate hope of returning anytime soon) that by using a sim I'll pick up some bad habits that will take considerable time, effort and money to correct when I do get back into a real plane.

On the flip-side, how much should one invest into controls for a home system? I'd like to get a 'real' yoke and power levers but is that really practical?

Thanks,
Frank

I use MS FSX. While it will never come close to being “real” flying, it is good for basics like learning procedures and it does a pretty good job for things like simulating using pilotage and radio navigation. I find not good at all though for things like ground reference maneuvers. I started out with the yolk and pedals by CH products but found them very unrealistic and hard to control. I prefer just to use my joystick. You can get a good one for around $40. I “fly my desk”, as my wife calls it, fairly often. Especially when I can’t fly for a while for whatever reason. It keeps my mind in the cockpit and I think it helps.

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Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans - John Lennon