Realistic Instrument Training using MSFS 2004

On Feb 14, 7:06 am, Thomas Borchert
wrote:
This happens with no scenery displayed (in the clouds).

MSFS does calculate scenery even when showing whit. You need to turn
down the detail level (and dynamic scenery - very important!). Also,
check the realism settings. All but P-factor (totally unrealistic)
should be high.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

I didn't know that scenery was still calculated even when not
visible. I will dial everything down.

Thanks!

writes:

I didn't know that scenery was still calculated even when not
visible.

It's not. If you put solid fog in your window, frame rates will rise
substantially.

--
Transpose mxsmanic and gmail to reach me by e-mail.

I didn't know that scenery was still calculated even when not
visible. I will dial everything down.


Not all of it is, but some. E.g., the dynamic stuff is still calculated
in the background in order to account for when a dynamic item will get
close enough to be shown. Also, the cloud and scenery detail settings
have an impact on how detailed the "fog" is shown, how detailed
lighting effects and shadowing is. These all use a lot of CPU. And
finally, even if you only see fog, the program might still "think"
there is something vaguely visible through the muck - and that needs
calculating, too.

Oh, in case you're impressed by our resident non-expert - the above
information is straight from members of the MSFS programming group,
which I had the pleasure to talk to.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

On Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:40:31 -0800, wrote
(in article .com):

On Feb 13, 7:22 pm, Mark Hansen wrote:



You know using the autopilot in the simulator to just hold altitude is
one thing I haven't thought about. The only autopilot I have in the
'real' plane is a single axis (heading only) which I'm not using while
learning the rating. Very good idea!

I would recommend becoming at least familiar with using it IFR. The examiner
might expect you to use it, even. A little practice wouldn't hurt.


--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor

On Feb 14, 5:02 pm, C J Campbell
wrote:
On Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:40:31 -0800, wrote
(in article .com):

On Feb 13, 7:22 pm, Mark Hansen wrote:

You know using the autopilot in the simulator to just hold altitude is
one thing I haven't thought about. The only autopilot I have in the
'real' plane is a single axis (heading only) which I'm not using while
learning the rating. Very good idea!

I would recommend becoming at least familiar with using it IFR. The examiner
might expect you to use it, even. A little practice wouldn't hurt.

--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor

Actually I belong to a flying club. There are two planes that I will
be using. A Warrior (no autopilot, no ADF, no DME, no GPS, no backup
vacuum) and a Dakota (single axis autopilot, ADF, DME, Garmin 430 GPS,
with backup vacuum). I will be using the Warrior for the check ride
since no ADF means no ADF approaches ;-)

After getting the rating I will probably be using the Dakota on real
IFR trips just based on safety, but it's cheaper to practice in the
Warrior. Plus I won't get spoiled using all those sophisticated
avionics!

On Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:31:36 -0800, wrote
(in article .com):

On Feb 14, 5:02 pm, C J Campbell
wrote:
On Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:40:31 -0800, wrote
(in article .com):

On Feb 13, 7:22 pm, Mark Hansen wrote:

You know using the autopilot in the simulator to just hold altitude is
one thing I haven't thought about. The only autopilot I have in the
'real' plane is a single axis (heading only) which I'm not using while
learning the rating. Very good idea!

I would recommend becoming at least familiar with using it IFR. The examiner
might expect you to use it, even. A little practice wouldn't hurt.

--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor

Actually I belong to a flying club. There are two planes that I will
be using. A Warrior (no autopilot, no ADF, no DME, no GPS, no backup
vacuum) and a Dakota (single axis autopilot, ADF, DME, Garmin 430 GPS,
with backup vacuum). I will be using the Warrior for the check ride
since no ADF means no ADF approaches ;-)

After getting the rating I will probably be using the Dakota on real
IFR trips just based on safety, but it's cheaper to practice in the
Warrior. Plus I won't get spoiled using all those sophisticated
avionics!



Sounds like a plan.

--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor

Plus I won't get spoiled using all those sophisticated
avionics!

Do practice GPS approaches, and all approaches with the Garmin. If you
are not familiar with the box, it -will- bite you.

Jose
--
Humans are pack animals. Above all things, they have a deep need to
follow something, be it a leader, a creed, or a mob. Whosoever fully
understands this holds the world in his hands.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

Plus I won't get spoiled using all those sophisticated
avionics!


Hmm. You won't learn how to use them, either.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

Mark Hansen writes:

Next, look into your graphics card. There may be upgraded drivers for
it that will improve the performance. If not, you may want to look into
a better graphics card.

Flight simulators (including MSFS) are normally CPU-bound, so a faster
graphics card may not make any difference.

--
Transpose mxsmanic and gmail to reach me by e-mail.

Anyone know how to turn on the DME and set the freq? The HELP in
MSFS is completely useless, AFAIK.