Flight sim for PC?

[YoungWarrior]

Good afternoon. I have been doing some research as well as searching these forums for guidance on a relevant flight simulator for PC. I haven't found anything definitive so I thought I would post and see what opinions are available here. I'm pursuing a Marines PLC Air contract and I want to get ahead of the game in any way possible.

Also, any recommendations for a joystick/throttle set?

 

[jmcquate]

If you want to get a PC sim for fun, go ahead, but it will do nothing to get you into the PLC program. Work out. Get your PFT score up and maintain good grades. There's no flying at Quantico. Just running and cleaning, staying awake in class and running followed by more running then an O-course and then running followed by running then some being yelled at while running.

 

[YoungWarrior]

Thank you for the response. I understand what it takes to get into the program. I'm already 90% done with my package, taken then ASTB, etc. I want to fly a sim in order to familiarize myself with flying before I get to primary.

 

[jmcquate]

Thank you for the response. I understand what it takes to get into the program. I'm already 90% done with my package, taken then ASTB, etc. I want to fly a sim in order to familiarize myself with flying before I get to primary.

You are a world away from Pensacola. Focus on getting into PLC, getting through PLC, graduating. then getting through TBS..............oh and playing with a PC sim will do nothing for you.

 

[YoungWarrior]

Right, just trying to be proactive.

 

[jmcquate]

Right, just trying to be proactive.

Good luck........Semper-Fi.

 

[YoungWarrior]

Thank you sir

 

[Uncle Fester]

Proactive is fine, but worry about the closest alligators to your canoe. Dicking around on MS FS or whatever is fun, but don't get the impression it's giving you any kind of leg up. Just be honest that you're having fun playing on the computer.

 

[YoungWarrior]

Understood. I'll try to get into a real airplane. Thanks!

 

[Hopeful Hoya]

If you're looking for something fun to do in your off time then I would look at DCS.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/

The A-10C is probably the most realistic combat simulation that I've flown. Basically everything is modeled and it's a ton of fun to take out some anti-air with mavericks and then roll in for a GBU drop. Like those guys said simulations (and even real world flying) have little to no impact on your package, since the Navy/Marines will teach you to fly "their way", they are simply looking for proven, capable individuals that they can teach. So, I just fly for fun, and the A-10 (once you get past the steep learning curve), is one of the best out there.

 

[xmid]

As a primary IP, I disagree. If you can find a flight simulator that you can fly course rules and "chair fly" your radio calls you will have a leg up, regardless of the simulated aircraft. Where you breakout in primary is the first few flights. If you can fly the course rules, talk on the radios well, and have good basic air work you will break out. MIF goes up in other stages, so if you can meet CTS early on you are well above the power curve. It's harder to break out after the first 12 flights.

 

[Kaman]

I don't know what they are doing nowadays, but at one time they had a bunch of T-34s set- up with MSFS and I think the results were favorable...And, it compares favorably with sitting in your room chair-flying with a couple bananas...

 

[Kaman]

X-Plane 10 is top-notch, and I use it to prepare for the annual ordeal of, "You bet your job" aka CQ...

 

[Uncle Fester]

Playing around with a PC flight sim is fine. Doing it when he's not even in PLC yet is a bit cart-before-the-horse. That was my point.

 

[Kaman]

Agreed...one-step at a time...