Realistic Instrument Training using MSFS 2004

Ray Andraka wrote:
FWIW, the Elite simulator suffers the same issues with the yoke inputs
not feeling realistic and being difficult to trim. ....

I don't find it difficult to trim at all even with wind shear and wind
gusts turned on. I do have two of the buttons on the top of the
joystick set for trim. I click in either direction gets it fine tuned.
Maybe it is your method of trimming? Normally in a real plane, you
hold the pitch so you have 0 on the VSI and then trim for zero force.
In MSFS, I do the same for more gross trimming and then end up flying by
trim for the fine tuning. This is obviously wrong technique for a real
plane but as long as I know the difference I don't find it necessarily
bad.

BTW, I found trimming correctly to be one of the most important
techniques learned in IFR (and VFR) flying with regards to being able to
fly the plane completely hands-free which lets you do all the
"paperwork" (charts, plates, setting avionics, etc.) much more easily.

Use MSFS for procedures and also to fine tune your scan and your 'gain'
(sensitivity) for doing approaches to perfection. I regularly fly CAT
II approaches partial panel and without the aid of a G430 (DTK vs. TRK).
Did this recently after a few beers. ;-) My friends thought it was
easy to do since the needles don't move at all. I wouldn't do this
for real but if schitt hits the fan, I know I did some pseudo-training
for this even if it doesn't count for currency. Next up is planning
(rate of descents) and doing approaches with an engine failure. I'll do
it on MSFS and then on my next (or sooner) BFR do it in the plane.


Gerald