Since the FAA implemented standards for PC based flight simulators for use in flight training, flight sim software has enjoyed an increase in popularity. But how do you pick the best flight simulator whether you plan to use it for flight training or just entertainment? Here are some things you need to think about.
Flight Simulators as Teaching Tools
Flight sim software can help student pilots by reinforcing what they may have already learned during prior lessons. Many instructors actively support the use of at home flight simulators as teaching tools for students. They recognize the importance of the additional training that a quality flight simulator program can offer their trainees.
Flight simulators provide students with a great way to practice important techniques like maintaining altitude, takeoffs and landings, along with getting a firm handle on airspeed and heading. The quality of simulators has increased greatly in recent years and the better simulators are now capable of helping students get in some extra practice from the comfort of home.
Flight Simulator Features
It's important to research and learn about the many features included in flight simulator software before purchasing. If learning to actually flight an aircraft is desired, then arcade-type software isn't the best choice. Realism undeniably creates an enhanced experience while learning to fly on a simulator. High-end simulation software offers realistic aircraft, scenery and controls. 3D views of the exterior and interior of planes greatly improves the flight simulator experience. If the view from the cockpit is 3D, it will appear just like it would from the windows of a real cockpit.
Variety
Regardless of whether you need a simulator to help you reinforce what you learn in your flight lessons or just for entertainment, the best flight simulator software lets you choose from a variety of maps, aircraft and airports. The more variety that the program offers, the longer you will stay interested in the program and the more you will learn along the way. Reading flight simulator reviews is a good way to find out which simulators offer the most options to users.
Realistic Scenery and Flight Controls
The newer, higher quality simulators use scenery based on actual high definition military data. This creates the most realistic scenery possible. Flying over a particular neighborhood or even a specific house to see how it looks from above is easily achieved. Not only is the ground depicted in graphic detail on the computer screen, but the sky, stars and planets are accurately positioned to match the exact virtual time. Changing weather is also a desirable option. The weather can be set to rain, sunshine or storm, which affects the scenery just as it does in real life.
One thing that you should always look for in flight simulator reviews is whether the software is compatible with high quality flight pedals, since these are essential to truly realistic flight simulation. When you use the controls, your simulator should respond exactly the way that a real plane would, including lag time and bounce and roll due to weather conditions and air currents. These are conditions which you'll face almost every time that you fly a plane and as such, it is important that your simulator be able to handle these in a realistic manner.
Flight Simulators as Teaching Tools
Flight sim software can help student pilots by reinforcing what they may have already learned during prior lessons. Many instructors actively support the use of at home flight simulators as teaching tools for students. They recognize the importance of the additional training that a quality flight simulator program can offer their trainees.
Flight simulators provide students with a great way to practice important techniques like maintaining altitude, takeoffs and landings, along with getting a firm handle on airspeed and heading. The quality of simulators has increased greatly in recent years and the better simulators are now capable of helping students get in some extra practice from the comfort of home.
Flight Simulator Features
It's important to research and learn about the many features included in flight simulator software before purchasing. If learning to actually flight an aircraft is desired, then arcade-type software isn't the best choice. Realism undeniably creates an enhanced experience while learning to fly on a simulator. High-end simulation software offers realistic aircraft, scenery and controls. 3D views of the exterior and interior of planes greatly improves the flight simulator experience. If the view from the cockpit is 3D, it will appear just like it would from the windows of a real cockpit.
Variety
Regardless of whether you need a simulator to help you reinforce what you learn in your flight lessons or just for entertainment, the best flight simulator software lets you choose from a variety of maps, aircraft and airports. The more variety that the program offers, the longer you will stay interested in the program and the more you will learn along the way. Reading flight simulator reviews is a good way to find out which simulators offer the most options to users.
Realistic Scenery and Flight Controls
The newer, higher quality simulators use scenery based on actual high definition military data. This creates the most realistic scenery possible. Flying over a particular neighborhood or even a specific house to see how it looks from above is easily achieved. Not only is the ground depicted in graphic detail on the computer screen, but the sky, stars and planets are accurately positioned to match the exact virtual time. Changing weather is also a desirable option. The weather can be set to rain, sunshine or storm, which affects the scenery just as it does in real life.
One thing that you should always look for in flight simulator reviews is whether the software is compatible with high quality flight pedals, since these are essential to truly realistic flight simulation. When you use the controls, your simulator should respond exactly the way that a real plane would, including lag time and bounce and roll due to weather conditions and air currents. These are conditions which you'll face almost every time that you fly a plane and as such, it is important that your simulator be able to handle these in a realistic manner.
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There are a plethora of flight sims in the marketplace and in some cases it may be difficult to identify the best flight simulator to suit your needs. Be detailed in your due diligence. So check out as many flight simulator reviews as you can find, and make certain your final selection satisfies all your prerequisites.
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