"WaltBJ" wrote in message
om...
The big problem PC 'pilots' will run into if they have really gotten
into 'flying' the PC is that when they get into a real airplane to
learn to fly the instructor will be concentrating on teaching them how
to control the aircraft by looking !outside! at the real world and not
concentrating on the gauges. 'IFR/IMC' flying comes into play much
later - first you have to learn to land the airplane and that is done
looking outside! Also since most of your initial flying will be done
in the vicinity of the airport it's a damn good idea to watch out for
other aircraft - 'blue on blue' the hard way is generally not
survivable. That said, I reiterate that you can keep your instrument
scan/crosscheck up to snuff using a decent PC program more
conveniently and a lot cheaper than renting an aircraft or decent
instrument trainer (AST300 or similar.)
Walt BJ

Hi Walt;
It's funny picking you up in this thread for two reasons. I was thinking
about you just this morning after I downloaded an absolutely beautiful
zipper for my FS2004 :-) Secondly, my sentiments about the desktop
simulators are about in line with yours and Mary's.
I've actually done some work in this area, both as a consultant to sim
software developers, and as an instructor dealing with the issue with
students. I have some strong opinions about it, and have spoken to the issue
many times in seminars with CFI's.
First of all, I make a huge differentiation between the general desktop
simulators and the simulators used professionally by both the professional
airline and military communities. Both have one striking similarity however,
and that is the fact that in my opinion, both can actually retard the
learning curve if used during the initial stages of flight training, where
sight picture, physical sensation, and especially required control pressure
is a factor.
I like simulators to be integrated into the flight training program after
solo for just these reasons. I've found them extremely useful for practicing
instrument and emergency procedures. The old Link ANT18 (blue and yellow
peril :-) was a good way to learn how to fly a low freq range, but hardly
what I'd use to teach someone to fly an airplane :-)) In the T-Bird days, we
had the old C11B simulator where you could learn to use that damn zero
reader correctly...but you couldn't handle the T33 without training in the
airplane of course.
The desktop sims, especially Microsoft's effort, are a wonder of software
engineering for the layman. I've worked with MS on their new simulator, and
it's a great program that offers a substantial look into our world for those
who might not ever get the chance to fly otherwise. I'm amazed at exactly
what MS has managed to achieve with their effort. I use the sim when I have
the time, and I have to admit, it's VERY well done. I understand that the
services have ok'd it's limited use for training. Still, as a flight
instructor, I absolutely would demand that any student of mine stay
completely away from ANY simulator, ESPECIALLY a desk top simulator until
after solo for the reasons I have given.

BTW, while I have your ear, can I ask you..... just how audible was that God
awful howl that was the result of the marriage between the zipper, the J79,
and the IGV's on the airplane? Could you actually hear that mess through the
helmet between 80 and 90%
???? :-)))
All the best as always,
Dudley Henriques
International Fighter Pilots Fellowship
Commercial Pilot/ CFI Retired
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