Why do some people call computer flight simulators?

Question

Such as Microsoft Flight Simulator X "innacurate" and "don't use it because it may give you false impressions" when it was DESIGNED by pilots and is used for initial training for some private/recreational pilots?

Answer 1

You're right. It's a good program to teach you the basics of flight, and does give you a somewhat accurate experience of what it is like to be in the cockpit. BUT you shouldn't take everything in it as 100% accurate. Real airplanes handle differently, and you need to remember that. It is a good program to give you a feel for the cockpit and teach you about flight, though.

Answer 2

Some pilots react irrationally and in extreme ways to any mention of the use of desktop flight simulators such as Microsoft Flight Simulator.



As far as I can tell, these are pilots who depend on their status as a pilot for a large part of their self-esteem. Anything that implies that piloting is just one hobby/profession among many others, and has no special, magic status, makes them feel uneasy and insecure. The notion that someone might be able to accurately duplicate some aspects of real flight using a desktop simulator without actually going through the ritual of becoming a pilot (a kind of rite of passage for pilots such as I'm describing) naturally makes these pilots feel very uncomfortable, and so they lash out by criticizing the simulators and their users in extreme ways that are simply not supported by the facts.



Most pilots realize that desktop simulation is not merely a game and can have a place both for training and for practice and/or entertainment, for both non-pilots and pilots. It's only a minority who behave in juvenile ways, and they are often people who behave in the same way about a lot of other things, too.



Most of the irrational pilots I've encountered are private pilots rather than commercial, professional pilots. Private pilots may have only a few dozen hours of experience in a real plane, and so they may be particularly sensitive to any suggestion that desktop simulation is comparable to flying in any way. Airline pilots have a lot more experience and a lot less insecurity, as a general rule, and are thus less inclined to show knee-jerk reactions to discussions of simulation (and they fly simulators all the time for work, too).

Answer 3

Because some pilots are elitists cannot fathom the idea that a computer "game" can actually help you become a better pilot.



Don't mistake what I'm saying here though. I've used a lot of simulators, back from some of the original MS flight simulators through the popular sims used in flight schools to the full motion level D sims used in the airlines. Not a single one of them flew anything remotely like a real airplane. However, that doesn't mean they cannot be used as a training aid. When it comes to learning a cockpit, practicing your flows/checklists, getting a better instrument scan, learning the basics of instrument flying, simulators are great. However, if you are using a simulator to better your stick and rudder skills, or to learn how to land an airplane, you are wasting your time because you're basically using a toy.



One of the reasons I think simulators are such a great tool when developing your instrument flying skills is because they fly like crap. They are very unstable and force you to develop "light hands" and a quick instrument scan. However, if I were teaching a student with 0 hours in a real plane, I wouldn't let them touch a simulator until they got the basics of how to actually control the airplane, so they don't develop bad habits early on

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

Experience Real Flight Simulation Guaranteed - http://LatestFlightSimulator.com

Answer 6

It impossible for a computer simulation to give you a 100% accurate experience this is coming from a private pilot so i do know how a real aircrafts handles and yes things are very different but i have used Flight simulators and its great for learning the basics and IFR. As for bad habits the one thing i obtained from the game was not looking at the wingtips to tell if you descending/ascending.

Answer 7

As good as the program is, it cannot duplicate the real thing. No simulator program can. It's considered accurate because it can teach terminology, the use of gauges, how planes react in certain situations, and things of that nature. It is not a substitute for actual flying, and was never intended to be.



I consider myself quite adept at Flight Simulator, and can put a 747 down on a dime every time. But could I do it with a real one? Not a chance.



On my computer, I'm sitting in the comfort of my home. No lives are at stake. I'm under no pressure whatsoever. I don't have hundreds of people sitting behind me depending on my every move. If I blow it and crash, the program resets. I go and get another cup of coffee, figure out what I did wrong, and start over.



Real pilots are in an entirely different world. Lives depend on their decisions. One mistake could be their last. The best computer program in the world cannot simulate that.

Answer 8

Flight is a three dimensional experience with wind and air currents that can effect real flight form all four directions



No simulator has this capability. I would bet putting some one who has no flight time, but a thousand hours in the best 150 cessna simulator money can buy, into actual Cessna 150 and sending him around the pattern for a solo flight would not have a good outcome

Answer 9

Well, seeing as I've used FSX.



And flown in several of the aircraft that it utilizes.....



Yes, I'll say it's innacurate. And it does give you false impressions.



And those that enjoy the game, and have never flown an actual plane, will continue to defend it.



But keep this in mind, sure, it was designed by pilots. That doesn't mean it equals a piloting experience. It SIMULATES the experience. Hence the title. And a simulation is simply something that imitates something else. It does not reproduce that other thing.



Sure, it's a good training tool. Is it like really flying? No.

Answer 10

The FAA recognizes 7 levels (1-7) of Flight Training Devices (FTD) and 4 levels (A-D) of flight simulators. A level D sim is the highest level of simulation available. An FTD is not a simulator. Microsoft markets its product as a "flight simulator", but it definitely is not a flight simulator under FAA standards. Whether it might be a level 1 FTD I'll leave for you to decide--here is a link to Advisory Circular (AC) 120-45A, the seminal AC on the subject:

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/2e57cfe51107afe6862569e00073603a/$FILE/ATTVZPHM/ac120-45a.pdf

Answer 11

There are commercial air combat SIMULATORS that are "designed by real military pilots", but they don't convey what it's really like in an air/air engagement. Nonetheless, I do enjoy playing them against my nieces and nephews.

Instead of ignoring experienced crews who are saying not to completely accept what you're given, maybe you oughta consider their opinions

Personally, I believe they have a little value in teaching how the instruments reflect reality, and how they interact with each other and the aircraft.

However, they do NOT teach: Situational Awareness, "air sense", and the need to aviate,navigate and communicate simultaneously.

They certainly can teach one bad habits, that once ingrained will be difficult to unlearn. An example one responder gave to a similar question was, when he was learning to keep the aircraft level in a climb, he was watching the VSI rather than just looking out the window.

Bottom line enjoy the experience, but don't be under illusions that you are getting anything like "what it's like".

Answer 12

The flight models for the games are different. To a point dangerous. They are excellent trainers in terminology, and basic aircraft procedures, however, their stall/spin characteristics are not as violent in real life. They are developing very accurate models now, but its just not quite the same. On the other hand, landing in simulators are harder for light aircraft, which makes it easier for real landings

Answer 13

Most Realistic Flight Sim Ever : http://LatestFlightSimulator.com/24X7

Answer 14

"MAY" is the key word. I think its pretty good for a computer sim. But considering its not certified by the faa/tc, there just covering their asses. As well nothing compares to the real thing, even the type ds.

Answer 15

There is a difference between real life and any game. Not just FSX.

As long as you know the difference between that, I say FSX fine.

Answer 16

Because they are from the old school and have never used FSX. They are therefore, not qualified to discuss it based on a lack of experience with it. To them, it is a child's game.