Are flight simulators really that bad....?

Question

I am taking lessons now and my instructor told me not to get a flight simulator because it will make me worse as i said i was going to order one.

Are they really that bad?

Answer 1

You cannot afford a true flight simulator realistic enough to teach you what you really need to learn. Let your instructor do that in the real thing. Computer-based flight simulators such as MS FlightSim can be a good learning tool for some things though, so it can't hurt you in terms of getting an overall knowledge of operating an airplane. My recommendation is to get a communication simulator instead, or in addition to a flight simulator program. Learning how to talk on the radio in the ATC system is one of the hardest things to learn and can really slow down the progress of your flight training. See the following:



If your're in the UK see: http://www.poweredadventure.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=vfr%2Buksup_cd



If you're in the US, then you might want to have a look at this product:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prssjB8u5mc



Also something of interest from the UK. You might look into the CIC VFR Flying Club, which is an online community for Flight Sim pilots. They have an pretty good manual on VFR communications and it is a good way to learn many useful skills.

http://www.cixvfrclub.org.uk/training/training.php

http://www.cixvfrclub.org.uk/training/tutorials/ATC_for_Pilots_1.2.pdf

Answer 2

I have to say that I am definitely very biased against simulators, especially the kind on your home PC. The first problem with beginners using a home simulator is that they are self-taught. Many of the bad habits will come from trying to learn how to fly without the supervision and guidance of a flight instructor. You may be doing things very wrong while thinking that you are actually doing them properly. There are also so many possibilities and considerations related to safe flight that an experienced pilot has to teach you. The next thing I would point out is that there is a huge difference between the sophisticated simulators used by professionals and the computer program you have at home. If you ever have a chance to use a "real" simulator, you will immediately see the difference. I have also noticed that the physics of the aircraft (specifically for helicopters) are pretty terrible in FSX. I understand that there are additions you can download that more closely simulate the helicopter, but it's still not very good. Plus, most of the time you don't even have real flight controls to use. The last thing of course is the feel you get from actual flight. Your sight, hearing, and touch will detect many cues from the aircraft that will allow you to anticipate the required control inputs so you can make them smoothly and with finesse. Without those sensory inputs, you will be reacting to the aircraft, rather than anticipating. An aircraft will also often alert you to difficulties before they even happen. If you train using a simulator, you will not benefit from learning those subtle but critical feelings. I will say that there are a few specific cases where the benefits of simulator training are incredibly valuable. - When experienced pilots learn the systems and procedures when transitioning to a new aircraft. They can take their time learning every detail about that new aircraft at a much lower cost. - When a new instrument student has mastered the basics of attitude instrument flight in an actual aircraft, they can benefit tremendously by studying instrument navigation, procedures, and approaches in the simulator. You really have to learn the steps backwards and forwards so you can stay 12 steps ahead during actual flight. The simulator helps do this. - Emergency procedures can also be practiced very effectively in the simulator. Furthermore, you can reproduce emergency situations in the simulator that would be impossible to practice safely in flight. So basically, the real benefits of simulators come when learning new procedures and new systems. They are, in my mind, only beneficial to pilots with experience in real aircraft first, and only under the supervision of instructors.

Answer 3

All simulators, even the big ones that airlines use, fly nothing like the real airplane. Doesn't matter if it's MS Flight Simulator, X-Plane or a full-motion level D simulator... they fly like ****. However, their purpose is not to teach you how to actually fly the airplane. In a training environment, they are really only good for A) learning procedures and B) strengthening your instrument scan when getting your instrument rating (because they are harder to fly than a real airplane and force you to have 'light hands' and scan quickly).



I think your instructor is wrong in saying it will make you worse. Pilots love to say that flying a simulator will make you develop bad habits and ultimately make you a worse pilot but that is complete B.S. Practically every pilot under the age of 40 grew up playing video games, including MS Flight Simulator and we all turned out just fine. Simulators can be great training aids if used properly. Whenever I had an instrument student who couldn't fly under the hood, I'd throw them in a simulator. Worked every time.



My advice is that if you want to buy a simulator, then go ahead but make sure you're using it for the right reasons. That is, don't use it to learn how to take off or land. Use it to learn how your aircraft instruments work, maybe get better at flying by the instruments alone, learning procedures, etc. As for learning how to physically control a real airplane, the only way to learn that is in a real airplane. Also, don't bother getting fancy yokes and rudder pedals... those are just toys and don't make the simulator any more realistic.

Answer 4

Having been a flight instructor for 30 years I have seen the transition from no home computer based simulators to them being very common. As far as terminology, what you are calling a simulator is a long way from what the FAA considers a simulator. Simulators are 20 million dollar devices that require a three story room to fit into. Everything else is a flight training aid, a flight training device or a recreational game.

To answer the question, I think the computer based "flight simulators" can be good for being used to seeing the instruments and can be useful for stimulating interest in aviation. I think they can be bad because they instill a misplaced confidence in people that think because they can fly the computer, they can fly the plane. This is a long way from reality and most people that went from the computer to the plane will agree that there isn't a lot that crosses over. Spend your time and money on the plane.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

Here's the thing, Flight simulators are a tool, not a means to an end. They will come in handy should you decide to Progress into an IFR rating. If you're referring to something like Microsoft Flight Sim X or it's variants then you need to understand they are nothing like real world flying and intended as a game for wanna be pilots over actual pilots. Flight sim games are nothing like flying an actual aircraft and can teach bad habits. The only good thing about them is unlike a real world aircraft, they can't kill you if you make a mistake. Actual MOT and FAA certified simulators are out there but as one would expect with anything related to aviation... expensive! Sounds like your instructors advice is solid. Save the money and spend it on actual training.

Answer 8

I flew the X-Plane flight simulator from 1998 to 2002 and loved it. But soon I was longing for the real thing and in 2003 I bought a second-hand Kitfox III aircraft, after passing my license, of course.



My instructor told me that I was a quick learner, something we attributed to my experience with the flight simulator. But, to be true, I was flying on the simulator only light aircraft and with both stick and pedals. For example, the side slip by crossing the controls, was something natural to me. The X-Plane simulator is also more accurate when it comes to the aerodynamic model than Microsoft FS.



A simulator can't teach you to properly fly visual. Even high end professional simulators can't do that; our perception of the 3D world is something that we learn from the day we are born and is based on so many details we don't even think about. For example, you can perfectly keep your car on the road, even if you don't focus on it.



One thing the simulator is good at is the procedure training. Since 2003, I have modeled my Kitfox in X-Plane and have a true copy of my instrument panel. I occasionally train IMC conditions using the GPS and my turn coordinator to keep the course. Of course, I can't fly IFR with my aircraft but, at two previous occasions, I found myself in IMC without expecting it. It takes a while to get out of it and ... with a bit of training, you don't panic that fast.

Answer 9

I agree: don't. Not just yet.



The model of the aircraft behaviour may not be faithful to the real thing. You may not get force feedback on the flight controls, which is essential.



Visibility tends to be inferior to the real thing.



You can't feel what the simulated plane is doing, and tend to watch the instruments more than you should.



Real planes are more fun anyway. :-)



Sims have their uses, but please learn to fly the real thing first, then apply what you know to the sim.



Later: my instructor has noted that I'm a quick learner as well, and X Plane may have something to do with it. I find myself with a weird combination of things that are dead easy, and some that are taking time to get right.

Answer 10

the problem is there is a huge variety of planes and when you fly this big 747 on the flight simulator than you go to flight school in this tiny plane there is a huge difference and it will throw you of. I think that's why he encourages you not to.