On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 21:45:18 -0400, "Dan544" dan544p@hotmail wrote:

I do not understand why so many of you real time pilots take such a negative
look at simmers.

I can only speak for myself and am fairly sure quite a few others feel
the same.

First I have nothing against simmers in general, nor do I think most
pilots. I have one state-of-the-art machine I use for simming and am
now building another one specifically for that purpose. OTOH all the
computers here serve multiple purposes. I've flown about 1,400 hours
in the last 14 to 15 years with most being in high
performance/complex/retract. I'm also instrument rated, but not
current. The only person I did it to impress was me. :-)) Well, I
have to admit I'd have to add my wife in there as well as she likes to
be able to fly places.

"I think" the "rub" comes from those who equate simming to real life
flying and refuse to accept there are some major and very important
differences.. Simming under some circumstances (Even MS FS) can add or
supplement portions of real life flying, but falls far short of the
real thing. That it "looks" very realistic is not the same as giving
the user a realistic experience except in some limited circumstances.

On these news groups some of the pilots have become sensitized by a
small number from the sim community which is unfortunate and probably
why you see such a negative view from a few.


I have always loved aviation. For me, because of physical limitations and
age, I will never be able to fly a real airplane alone.

Many of us on here are likely to find ourselves in that situation as
well, eventually. Some much sooner than others and it can happen
without warning.


I understand that it will never compare to rt experiences, and I also
understand that idiots like mxmaniac do not represent us simmers. It is a
game, but it does give us some little feel about flying.

Likewise I enjoy it.


I have a friend who flies for Continental on 737's from Newark,, He is
impressed with simming and says it is a good way to learn the basics, but
not a substitute for RT.

I've found it is a good way to keep up on procedures.


I enjoy listening and learning from you folks and I know we might post
stupid questions at times. Maybe we are jealous of you. I am. So please bear
with the ignorance.

You have a good attitude Dan. I hope it survives the news groups:-))
I for one welcome you to the group.


Dan