On 11 Feb 2005 05:41:22 -0800, "Heli-Chair"
wrote:

I can't help but share my simulator opinions (
http://www.heli-chair.com ). I feel that without very extensive
modeling, the physics of rotor wing flight is very difficult to
reproduce with a computer. I have not flown the advanced sims but I am
familiar with how the more inexpensive ones work, and it isn't very
good (speaking strictly in terms of the basics of flight). I am not
disputing their ability to teach procedures and familiarization with
instruments, etc. Flying approaches in the sim can be very
instructional indeed.

Some years ago, I endeavored to teach myself how to hover a helicopter.
I did so by building a set of controls including torque pedals,
cyclic, collective and throttle. I equiped the controls with
electornics capable of controlling a small remote controlled
helicopter. The remote helicopter has about a 4 foot diameter main
rotor. Before you read on, understand that I now sell these helicopter
flight training devices, so I am of course a strong advocate of what it
has taught me.

[snip]

Not to minimize your accomplishment, but if you crash your emulator,
it's gonna cost money. I just balled up a Bell 206 about a dozen
times a few minutes ago. Zero cost.. Just had to hit the reset
button and try again. (quick stops INTO a hangar)