Agree with most of what you said but unless you do go to something like RealityXP, it's really only switchology. The ones I have seen within the programs lack enough fidelity to the real thing for much more than the basics, (That's true of many BATDs too.)Switchology, learning new avionics for example. Most sims will have full g1000 cockpits available, so you can spend some time learning at home instead of in an actual plane. Note that there are a lot of after market options to add specific avionics to aircraft if you're just looking to learn say a garmin 650. You can install the 650, get familiar with the interface and use the knowledge next time you go flying.
Agree with most of what you said but unless you do go to something like RealityXP, it's really only switchology. The ones I have seen within the programs lack enough fidelity to the real thing for much more than the basics, (That's true of many BATDs too.)
Maybe not "great" but I agree they are effective in learning where certain buttons are, how to get around the system, and getting used to viewing a PFD with tapes rather than round dials. But when you can't do IFR tasks as basic as clearing a HILPT after being cleared straight in, you are not going to learn instrument flight among the basics. I agree with those who say, if you know how to fly the avionics and understand the limits, you can get some decent practice, but you are not going to learn the system from something that does not truly emulate the system. I think the PC and iOS trainers for products are better, which is a lot of the attraction for add-ons like Reality XP. Too bad Garmin hasn't done what Avidyne did with its iOS trainer - you can run it in XP11 without an add-on. It's biggest limitation is that it won't feed the NAV function on an XP AP.I can agree with this. I've seen the limitations in AATDs also (Redbird MCX). But, if you're starting from 0, they are great learning tools.
I really want to put one together to be able to study IFR , that way I can actually put it in practice to better understand
I caution against this. This is is a good way to learn bad habits. IMO sims are great tools when paired with a CFII during training and for currency/proficiency after you pass your checkride, but on your own without proper instruction, not so much.
Best case is to start on the sim with a CFII, develop proper habits, then move forward to solo practice on the sim.
Otherwise, some of the time/money saved gets negated if spending time later to correct.
Everyone's different though.
Best case is to start on the sim with a CFII, develop proper habits, then move forward to solo practice on the sim.
Otherwise, some of the time/money saved gets negated if spending time later to correct.
Everyone's different though.
Have been thinking if I should get a flight simulator, something basic for home, but I’m also thinking it would be boring. Any thoughts on those who have flight simulators at home?
That's interesting... what's this mission generator?I forgot to mention, YES, they absolutely can be fun. I'll use a GA mission generator (pays virtual $ to conduct charter-style operations) which takes me to fields I would've never visited, with a wide variety of payloads. Add real-time WX and realistic ATC to the mix and it's pretty immersive. The number of times that I've been surprised by which aspects of a flight turned out to be challenging has been eye-opening.
If you do decide to build a home simulator, avoid the mistake I made. I started out with the Saitek/Logitech Yoke and Throttle Quadrant. While the TQ was good, the yoke is miserable. Since it only has a total of 90 degrees of travel, all of your inputs will be exaggerated. I replaced those with the Honeycomb Alpha. Much better, and the switch panel is a nice touch. Since I train in Cessna products now (again), I opted for the FlightSimStuff Cessna TPM/Flaps/Trim setup. I also found a nice conversion pedal for the Saitek/Logitech rudder pedals - Cessna-Style Rudder Pedals.
only allowing 45* left / right from center was very problematic. The 90* left / right is much more realistic.
That is about right for a Mooney.
Since my plane has push pull controls, I want to get push pull quadrant.
Again, that depends on what you fly. That is about right for a Mooney.
Since my plane has push pull controls, I want to get push pull quadrant.
I have the Logitech setup. I need to play with it some, as the big issue is sticktion.
It is not a huge deal for me whether the yoke turns 90 or 180 degrees. I also fly C-172, C-182, 7GCBC.
I can always set the response curves to give full aileron at 45 degrees each way.
I have the Logitech setup. I need to play with it some, as the big issue is sticktion.