Flight Simulators - Good or not?

[scottr0829]

I have always had a desire to fly, and hopefully will someday. I know flying is one of, if not THE safest way to travel. Still that doesn't help the anxiety I have when it comes to flying. It's weird, I am nervous in the days going into the flight, but on the day of the flight I am fine and am pretty relaxed (although I can never sleep on planes).

Since Jan 2006, I have done a lot of flying (a lot for me). They have all been really smooth and only one has been delayed (a couple hours, but we landed only half an hour late or so). At the beginning, I was really anxious - as in stare out the window and be tight the whole time. I then found X-Plane (http://www.x-plane.com) and started flying the planes myself - virtually of course. This has really calmed me down during flight now. I now understand what the pilots are seeing out front and why things are happening as they are (i.e. flaps full, we are on final, pilots have VASI, runway and airport in sight). Looking out the side of the plane, you really have no idea what is happening up front, but because of flying them virtually, I am more calm, just thinking about what is happening.

Has anyone used this method or think this is an interesting way of doing this? I know it is not for everyone, but to me, knowledge is power and knowing what is going on in front is the easiest way for me to overcome the fear, and it also allows me to focus on something other than the fear (what the pilot may be seeing).

What do you guys think?

[Barb-SAN]

I then found X-Plane (http://www.x-plane.com) and started flying the planes myself - virtually of course. This has really calmed me down during flight now. I now understand what the pilots are seeing out front and why things are happening as they are (i.e. flaps full, we are on final, pilots have VASI, runway and airport in sight). Looking out the side of the plane, you really have no idea what is happening up front, but because of flying them virtually, I am more calm, just thinking about what is happening.

Has anyone used this method or think this is an interesting way of doing this? I know it is not for everyone, but to me, knowledge is power and knowing what is going on in front is the easiest way for me to overcome the fear, and it also allows me to focus on something other than the fear (what the pilot may be seeing).

What do you guys think?

I think you've found an EXCELLENT tool!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: It's also a lot cheaper than taking flying lessons. If you are "flying" the same planes that you are a passenger on later, it should really give you a great idea of what is happening up front. Have you had a chance to do a "meet the pilots and tour the cockpit" on any of your flights yet? It would probably seem quite familiar to you after using X-Plane (and your pilots would be impressed with your knowledge! ;) ).

Many years ago I tried a similar approach, using a program called Jet Fighter. Unfortunately I had a terrible time with the carrier landings, crashing into the ocean every time. I decided that I was programming myself with the wrong images, so gave that up. I was thinking of using Microsoft Flight Simulator ...but don't have a place set up for the yoke and pedals. I've heard that using the sim really can speed up the learning curve for learning to fly, for real, though I've also heard it's more useful for the instrument rating than the PPL.

[scottr0829]

I will try next Satuday (May 5th) to meet the pilots. I am flying United - so I am not sure whether they will let me see the cockpit or not. I have heard horror stories on their customer service 'skills'. If that fails, I am hoping my SWA flight to Vegas on May 22nd will let me see it. That will be on a 737-700, which is the plane I fly on X-Plane.

I was talking with my buddy last night, who uses MSFS and we were comparing programs. X-Plane is available on the PC (and also on Mac - my system of choice). I will post pictures as soon as I can get them small enough (in file size) to post. In my opinion, X-Plane kicks MSFS's BUTT :thumbsup: