"Gerald Sylvester" wrote in message
link.net

I just got my PPL and heard from some ATP rated friends that using
MS FS 2004 could help a bit for getting down some of the navigation
techniques for IFR.

In my experience, MSFS is good for that and instrument scan (once you
understand proper scanning techniques). The feel isn't quite right for a
good substitute for actual flight even with a yoke and pedals, so you're
right not to expect it to replace flight time.

I use it with nothing more than a force feedback joystick (mine's a MS
Sidewinder 2). Assuming your laptop can handle the graphics and has a USB
port for a USB-based joystick, you should be OK.


Spend some time with an instructor in a FRASCA or other training simulator
to learn the basics of instrument scan and basic instrument techniques
before dedicating a lot of time to MSFS. Otherwise, you may learn a lot of
bad habits from MSFS that you'll have to spend money unlearning in the
plane.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
____________________