Are you able to shoot GPS approaches on X-plane flight simulator?

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DMD3.

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DMD3.
I currently have FS2004, and while it's adequate for doing VOR and ILS approaches, there doesn't seem to be a way to do GPS or WAAS approaches (not even sure if WAAS was invented when this sim came out). Can they be practiced on X-plane?

Also, does X-plane come with most airports already downloaded? If I purchase a PC and buy the X-plane simulator, it won't be hooked up to the internet, so there's no downloading content once I buy it.
 
DMD3. said:
I currently have FS2004, and while it's adequate for doing VOR and ILS approaches, there doesn't seem to be a way to do GPS or WAAS approaches (not even sure if WAAS was invented when this sim came out). Can they be practiced on X-plane?
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Yup. The latest X-plane update includes a really nice Garmin GNS430 sim. Not all IAPs are included however, but I would say a whole ton of them are.

DMD3. said:
Also, does X-plane come with most airports already downloaded? If I purchase a PC and buy the X-plane simulator, it won't be hooked up to the internet, so there's no downloading content once I buy it.
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That might be a problem since X-plane delivers free minor version updates (like the 430 update) online. It certainly comes with all of the airports and terrain you might want :). The only version for sale on their website contains "worldwide scenery" including airports.
 
X-plane finally incorporated a 430 sim? I might have to re-install it...
 
MarkZ said:
X-plane finally incorporated a 430 sim? I might have to re-install it...
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I had to open up my favorite older airplanes and turn it on, but yeah. It is pretty nice. You click on the screen and it will open up another overlay window with a larger version of the screen (unless you have a high resolution monitor and the 430 is already full size, i guess..)
 
ChrisK said:
Yup. The latest X-plane update includes a really nice Garmin GNS430 sim. Not all IAPs are included however, but I would say a whole ton of them are.



That might be a problem since X-plane delivers free minor version updates (like the 430 update) online. It certainly comes with all of the airports and terrain you might want :). The only version for sale on their website contains "worldwide scenery" including airports.
Click to expand...


That will be fine as long as the newest versions at the store include the G430. Will it include approach plates and all the different waypoints required for shooting a GPS approach?

My primary reason for wanting to purchase a flight simulator is to practice shooting approaches. Scenery is nice and all, but I get my share of that when I fly for real. :cool2:
 
DMD3. said:
That will be fine as long as the newest versions at the store include the G430. Will it include approach plates and all the different waypoints required for shooting a GPS approach?

My primary reason for wanting to purchase a flight simulator is to practice shooting approaches. Scenery is nice and all, but I get my share of that when I fly for real. :cool2:
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No approach plates. You have to get those separately. If you have Foreflight that works, or you can get them from Airnav (http://airnav.com/airports/) or something.

As I have only purchased X-Plane once, I am not sure what version they ship. Good question to email them and ask:

info@x-plane.com

Or call 1-913-269-0976 business hours Central time.

I should get a comission... ;)

Edit - if you do have ForeFlight, it can use X-Plane as a nav source and you can practice with it, including Georeferenced approach plates if you pay for pro; however, the computer needs to be on the same network as the X-Plane computer. While that doesnt help you, it might be interesting to someone else.
 
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ChrisK said:
No approach plates. You have to get those separately. If you have Foreflight that works, or you can get them from Airnav (http://airnav.com/airports/) or something.

As I have only purchased X-Plane once, I am not sure what version they ship. Good question to email them and ask:

info@x-plane.com

Or call 1-913-269-0976 business hours Central time.

I should get a comission... ;)

Edit - if you do have ForeFlight, it can use X-Plane as a nav source and you can practice with it, including Georeferenced approach plates if you pay for pro; however, the computer needs to be on the same network as the X-Plane computer. While that doesnt help you, it might be interesting to someone else.
Click to expand...

I've seen a friend of mine with X-plane on his ipad (equipped with Foreflight). Only problem is, it's extremely awkward controlling the aircraft. On a PC, I can hook up a yoke or a stick so it's more realistic.
 
DMD3. said:
I've seen a friend of mine with X-plane on his ipad (equipped with Foreflight). Only problem is, it's extremely awkward controlling the aircraft. On a PC, I can hook up a yoke or a stick so it's more realistic.
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Oh I didn't mean X-Plane on the iPad. I meant ForeFlight on the iPad.
 
ChrisK said:
Oh I didn't mean X-Plane on the iPad. I meant ForeFlight on the iPad.
Click to expand...

Ok. But he actually did have X-plane on his ipad (weather it was hooked up with Foreflight or not I don't know).
 
The stock Garmin 430 in X-Plane is not fully featured (even the new one). You can use SimAVIO, though (from FlyThisSim) to get the functionality you're after, and yes, it supports the simulation of WAAS. SimAVIO runs outside of X-Plane but speaks to it via a plugin.

See this thread for an example of it in use: http://www.pilotsofamerica.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76853
 
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