Microsoft Flight Simulator and the SNFO

[Sabre170]

I was recently Final Select for NFO... report date in next January 22, 2005.

Since I don't anything about flying and right now cannot afford private lessons, I would appreciate some of you NFOs giving me your opinion on Microsoft Flight Sim. as a BASIC tool to learn how to fly. I am not talking about just trying to fly the plans, but going through the classes and videos that come in the 5 cd pack for Flight Sim 2004.

Thanks

 

[NeoCortex]

if it helps, MS is trying to get FS 2004 rated as a PCAD flight sim. Meaning you can use it for FAA sim time. (this would be with yolk, and peddles). I have my PPL, and I think it's very relestic (sp?)

 

[cjimenez]

Sabre170...check out the following link:

http://www.navygouge.com/riot.html

This is the radio instrument trainer we use (at least some of us) to practice navigation, appraoches, departures, yadda, yadda, yadda. Use teh map feature until you get the hang of it. It may be a little advanced until you learn more about TACAN/VOR, but I found it more useful than MS Flight Sim. You'll be training to become a mission manager, not a pilot. Save your money.

 

[goldwingdreams]

Your best bet is taking at least two or three flying lessons and using a study guide to study for the FAA Written Exam for Private Pilot. You don't have to take the exam but studying for it is a good overall knowledge-builder for aviation.

MSFS doesn't really give you a good idea of what is involved or how the physics of flight operate on an aircraft.

If you are talking about getting computer-based-training aids, but a King Schools private pilot kit (~$300) or one from Sporty's (~$240). They are well worth the cost and cover everything a general aviation pilot needs to know about flight, weather, navigation and safety.

Lots of options. Pick one that works for you. Personally, nothing beats actually flying and it's well worth the money to do it. You can finance it just like any other kind of education.

Good Luck!

 

[Yankee600]

The latest version of flight sim is actually really good for learning the basics and practicing instrument nav. It has all the navaids programmed into it so you can work on your airnav skills which will help you a bit in primary and intermediate NFO training. If you use it to help practice radial tracking, point to points, and instrument approaches it might help you out a bit.

On the other hand I'd recommend not even worrying about flight school till you get there. Take the time until you start to relax and get your mind ready for 2 years of hard word. Trying to prepare ahead of time really isn't too useful. They will teach you everything you need to know at a pace that is reasonable. Some people who show up don't even know what an aileron is before they start and they do great.
I'm in advanced now and I'd recommend you don't worry about flight school until it starts.

 

[Fly Navy]

Flight Simulator 2004 is an excellent training aid. I used it to familiarize myself with instrument approaches. It's a great tool, and some of the 3rd party addons are HYPER realistic.

 

[UncleFester]

The best experience is a few lessons, through a military aero club if you can get it - the rates are very low. Don't worry about mastering anything, just get used to flying, the flow of comms and the basic VFR flight environment - working around airfields, for example. It's a good chance to just get used to being airborne without some a$$hole yelling at you. If you have a friend with a private ticket, see if you can get a ride or two.
I played with FS2000 a lot before starting at Wing Six. You might want to consider getting one of the older versions of FlightSim if money's tight. TACANs are TACANs. On the other hand, FS2003 and newer have the "ATC" feature that teaches you some basics of ATC comms. For learning airnavs, though, nothing beats the RIOT trainer, and it's free.
Still, if you're not even starting API til next year, it's way too early to be sweating this. The stress will coem soon enough, don't bring any on yourself.