Flight Simulator for Real Pilots

Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

I have used MS Flight Sim and IFR OnTop programs.. not so much for the
"stick and rudder" IFR cross checks.. but I use them to study / practice
difficult IFR approaches, radio set up, turns and headings... etc.. I set it
up and let the autopilot fly the approach, or I command heading changes..
while working the radio stack and HSI/VOR intercept problems..

my set up does not allow me to "log the time" for currency.. but it does
prepare me for the sessions in the local flight school FRASCA 142 IFR
simulator. That way I get more out of the SIM.

BT

"Charles Talleyrand" wrote in message
om...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

I use it quite a bit to practice emergency stuff. I have flights saved in
my local practice area, and on final to my airport to practice things like
spin recovery, engine failures, and go-arounds. I use it to practice heavy
crosswind takeoffs and landings too.


"Charles Talleyrand" wrote in message
om...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

I'm sure you'll have a lot of responses that list:
Situational awareness
Procedure practice
Practicing Fun and difficult approaches
Advanced radio work with the ability to "pause"
"Next 2 things" practice.

Most all of this type of practice happens in your head and FS is great for
making you think ahead and keeping track of where you are and what needs to
happen next. The flight model of the airplanes isn't as good as some of the
other Sim programs and the "realistic" weather settings cause mostly
"unreal" gyrations so I typically set them to "easy". Other than that, use
it to train your brain rather than to simulate actual flight.
--
Jim Burns III

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"Charles Talleyrand" wrote in message
om...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

(Charles Talleyrand) wrote in message . com...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

snip

IMHO, X-Place is a _much_ better sim, and has FAA approval for
training toward the ATP cert., FWIW.

Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot?

I have been playing with FS2004 lately. I have the yoke and rudder pedals,
and 2 monitors (the one on my left is for my base to final leg and I must
say the realism is incredible. All phases of flying are very, very
realistic to me.

I *highly* recommend checking out the new FS programs if you haven't in
awhile. Have Rod Machado help you through flying lessons. Fly down the
coastline and see the waves lapping against the shore. See and avoid other
traffic. Communicate (well, sorta) with ATC. See what's it's like to fly
in a thunderstorm or heavy snow. Fly with others over the internet. And
try out many, many different types of aircraft. There's more too!

The only downside is having to endure John and Martha King's dry humor!

I agree.
Do you know of a Garmin 430 insert available for it?
--
Jim Burns III

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"Verbs Under My Gel" wrote in message
om...
(Charles Talleyrand) wrote in message
. com...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

snip

IMHO, X-Place is a _much_ better sim, and has FAA approval for
training toward the ATP cert., FWIW.

"Charles Talleyrand" wrote in message
. com...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?


I frequently practice using FS2004 and a few days ago renewed my IMC
rating (UK basic IFR). After it was all over I said I had not flown at
al for 2 months so was out of practice. The CFI said 'whatever I was
doing just keep doing it'.

I use it for some VFR practice too but best for IFR procedures.




E-mail (Remove Space after pilot): pilot

How do you do "spin recoveries"? i.e., how do you get it to spin?

rod
"Yossarian" wrote in message
t...
I use it quite a bit to practice emergency stuff. I have flights saved in
my local practice area, and on final to my airport to practice things like
spin recovery, engine failures, and go-arounds. I use it to practice
heavy
crosswind takeoffs and landings too.


"Charles Talleyrand" wrote in message
om...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

I has to be supervised by a flight instructor though, doesn't it?

Rod
"Verbs Under My Gel" wrote in message
om...
(Charles Talleyrand) wrote in message
. com...
Does anyone here use Microsoft Flight Simulator to help them become a
better pilot? I already know it can be used for fun, but does anyone
use it to help them on their IFR landings, or to become familiar with
their Garmin 430, or what not?

Basically, anyone have any Microfost Flight Simulator tips for actual
pilots?

snip

IMHO, X-Place is a _much_ better sim, and has FAA approval for
training toward the ATP cert., FWIW.