Training Book

[Sprint100]

Anybody use that book that teaches you how to use MSFS as a training device? Any input good or bad is greatly appreciated.

[ftyflyboy]

uhhhhh?! What?

[Doug Taylor]

MSFS = Microsoft Flight Sim

[mtsu_av8er]

I've never used the book, but I flipped through it. I agree with it, and think that it works. Of course, that's because I used MSFS during all of my training - from PPL through.

There are many people that will tell you that it's worthless for anything other than instrument training, etc. I say poppycock. And, if they don't want to agree with me, oh well. I've disagreed with more credible people about bigger things . . . I'll still sleep tonight!

I'll share with you some of my thoughts on the subject. First off, you must understand the limitations of MSFS. It's not very good at practicing things like landings. You won't get the visual sensations that you'll get in the airplane. Also, even with rudder pedals, it's pretty bad at simulating coordinated flight.

So, what CAN it be used for? Basic aerodynamics. What happens when I raise the nose? What about when I raise it some more? Can I add some power and raise it even more? How do turns affect lift? What about flaps?

It's a Godsend for radio navigation. I completely learned ALL of my radio navigation skills on MSFS (VOR, HSI, ADF, RMI, etc). If you want my personal opinion, there's no bigger waste of money than learning an ILS in an airplane. Sure you can do it, and most people do. But, why should you if you have MSFS?

Another issue is that the controls can be a little weird. Certain buttons for flabs, these buttons for gear, that button over there for the landing light . . . it's different. So, learn the buttons/keystrokes, and that's that. Don't stress over stuff that you can't change.

Hope that helps . . . USE IT!

[pedro]

I don't know about a book for MSFS, but I just got X-plane and a yoke for my mac and I'm pretty stoked. I guess X-plane has a more realistic flight model but it has less eye candy than msfs. good luck on your hunt for the book.

[Sprint100]

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

I've never used the book, but I flipped through it. I agree with it, and think that it works. Of course, that's because I used MSFS during all of my training - from PPL through.

There are many people that will tell you that it's worthless for anything other than instrument training, etc. I say poppycock. And, if they don't want to agree with me, oh well. I've disagreed with more credible people about bigger things . . . I'll still sleep tonight!

I'll share with you some of my thoughts on the subject. First off, you must understand the limitations of MSFS. It's not very good at practicing things like landings. You won't get the visual sensations that you'll get in the airplane. Also, even with rudder pedals, it's pretty bad at simulating coordinated flight.

So, what CAN it be used for? Basic aerodynamics. What happens when I raise the nose? What about when I raise it some more? Can I add some power and raise it even more? How do turns affect lift? What about flaps?

It's a Godsend for radio navigation. I completely learned ALL of my radio navigation skills on MSFS (VOR, HSI, ADF, RMI, etc). If you want my personal opinion, there's no bigger waste of money than learning an ILS in an airplane. Sure you can do it, and most people do. But, why should you if you have MSFS?

Another issue is that the controls can be a little weird. Certain buttons for flabs, these buttons for gear, that button over there for the landing light . . . it's different. So, learn the buttons/keystrokes, and that's that. Don't stress over stuff that you can't change.

Hope that helps . . . USE IT!

If MTSU puts his stamp of approval on it it must be good That is said with NO sarcasm, Lloyd's the man.

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by Sprint100

If MTSU puts his stamp of approval on it it must be good That is said with NO sarcasm, Lloyd's the man.

Thanks, man!

Again, not everyone will agree with me . . . but it worked for me! I think with the right approach, it'll probably help you too!