I just completed my Instrument checkride (successfully) this week. I
used the microsoft flight Sim 2002 and found it to be essential
preparation for real flights. I trained in a 2000 Cessna 172S, which
is including with microsoft flight sim. The power settings were off
just a bit from the real thing, but otherwise felt pretty true to
flying IFR. It also has virtually every public airport and most
NAVAIDS in the country. There are 3rd party addons available to add
or change NAVAIDS. You can also arm any instruments or instrument
systems to fail within a period of time to simulate partial panel
flight. Even using just a generic game joystick it ingrains various
IFR maneuvers in your mind. Iwounld just make sure the airplane your
flying is available in whichever simulator you get. Good Luck

Don



I have started on practical Ia FR training in the real world. (Vans
RV-9, hopefully RV-10 soon; mostly glass cockpit.) I do ok on
precision flying, but I would definitely like to practice patterns,
approaches, etc., at home before I go. just too few approaches per
training hour.

Fortunately, it is the year 2004 now, so hopefully, there are now
pretty decent flight sims to work on a reasonably hi-end home
computer. Right? choices seem to be "on top", "x-plane", "fs2004",
"jepp flitepro". I looked for a comparative review of these, but
could not find one. any opinions on what works well would be highly
appreciated. help, please.

sincerely, /iaw