Many prospective aviation students may not be aware, but flight simulation software is commonly used by student pilots on their laptops and desktops. They use it to review recent flight lessons, prepare for upcoming ones, and grasp complex instrument flying concepts. Even experienced airline pilots rely on this tool to ready themselves for proficiency checks, type-rating assessments, and emergency drills.
Flight simulator usage is strongly recommended for new flight students. It enhances situational awareness, aids in understanding flight procedures, and familiarizes them with the cockpit. When paired with peripherals like yokes, joysticks, and rudder pedals, it helps develop crucial muscle memory and correction reactivity.
Moreover, regular use of flight simulators can significantly reduce flight training costs. Just imagine arriving at your next flight lesson not only theoretically prepared but also having practiced maneuvers several times beforehand. After the lesson, you can reinforce what you’ve learned by practicing maneuvers in your dorm room until you perfect them for the next review session. Such practice will reduce the amount of air drills and allow you to progress through the flight training curriculum faster and on-budget. Dont forget, that one hour in the air, in a Cessna 172, with an instructor costs around $150-175 USD. One hour of desktop usage costs less than a dollar, while a flight simulator, such as MFS, costs only $90 USD total.
So Many to Choose From…
As of our last research, there is quite a few flight simulation software on the market available for home-use. The best are listed below:
- Microsoft Flight Simulator – Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Xbox Game Studios, this is one of the most advanced flight simulators available, featuring highly detailed graphics and realistic flight physics. The cost of Microsoft Flight Simulator can vary depending on the edition and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Typically, there are two editions available: the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition. The Standard Edition typically costs around $59.99, while the Deluxe Edition is priced at approximately $89.99. Additionally, there is a Premium Deluxe Edition, which usually costs around $119.99.
- X-Plane 11 – Developed by Laminar Research, X-Plane 11 offers a highly realistic flight simulation experience with a wide range of aircraft and customizable features. The cost of X-Plane 11 typically ranges from $59.99 to $69.99 USD, depending on the platform and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Additionally, there might be extra costs associated with purchasing add-ons or expansions for the simulator.
- Aerofly FS 2 Flight Simulator – Developed by IPACS, Aerofly FS 2 offers a visually stunning flight simulation experience with a focus on realism and performance. Typically costs around $59.99 USD on platforms like Steam. However, prices may vary based of region, platform, and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
- DCS World – Developed by Eagle Dynamics, DCS World is a combat flight simulation game featuring a wide range of high-fidelity aircraft and detailed environments. Yes, it isn’t the optimal choice for civil aviation students, but may be useful for those who dream of a military pilot career. The software is available as a free-to-play base game. However, additional modules and aircraft can be purchased separately.
- FlightGear – FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator that offers a customizable and extensible platform for flight simulation enthusiasts. It features realistic flight dynamics and a large community of users contributing to its development. It is open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License, which means it can be downloaded and used without any cost. FlightGear relies on contributions from volunteers and developers who dedicate their time to improving and expanding the simulator. As such, it is available for free download from the official FlightGear website and various online platforms.
- Infinite Flight – Available on mobile devices, Infinite Flight offers a comprehensive flight simulation experience with a wide range of aircraft and global scenery. Infinite Flight Pro subscription grants access to all aircraft, regions, and features within the simulator. The subscription is typically priced at around $9.99 USD per month or approximately $79.99 USD per year.
- Aerofly FS – Developed by IPACS, Aerofly FS 2022 is the latest installment in the Aerofly FS series, offering improved graphics, new aircraft, and enhanced features for both casual and serious flight simulation enthusiasts. The cost of Aerofly FS 2022, the latest installment in the Aerofly FS series developed by IPACS, typically ranges from $49.99 USD to $59.99 USD, depending on the platform and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
But Only One Stands Alone…
We can’t cover here all the simulator options, but we will talk about the number one on the list: the Microsoft Flight Simulator. MFS is and has always been the top choice for student pilots worldwide. It’s a well-known, cheap, easy to install and learn flight simulation program that offers an unmatched chance for aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots to improve their flying skills. With its advanced realism and top-notch graphics, this software creates an immersive and educational environment where users can experience the excitement and difficulties of flying. In this essay, we’ll discuss how Microsoft Flight Simulator can be used effectively to develop and improve flying skills, helping pilots get a head start on their instrument flight training (IFR) curriculum, whether they’re beginners or seasoned aviators aiming to refine their abilities.
Ultra-Realistic Flight Environment
One of the standout features of Microsoft Flight Simulator is its dedication to realism. The program creates an incredibly detailed and lifelike environment that closely resembles real-world flying conditions. It replicates a wide variety of aircraft, weather patterns, and landscapes, providing users with a realistic and immersive experience. This makes it an invaluable tool for learning how to handle aircraft and navigate effectively in a lifelike setting. To enhance this realism even further, users can use additional physical aircraft control systems like yokes, joysticks, and VR headsets. These devices not only help users understand procedures but also allow them to develop muscle memory, making the learning experience even more effective.
Familiarization with Aircraft Systems
Understanding aircraft systems is crucial for building flying skills. Microsoft Flight Simulator offers realistic cockpit displays and interactive controls, allowing users to learn about different aircraft systems like avionics, engine management, autopilot, and communication equipment. This hands-on learning experience greatly contributes to a thorough understanding of how aircraft operate. Knowledge of aircraft systems is also essential for various aviation exams such as PPL, CPL, CFI, and ATPL. Getting a head start on learning about these systems will be immensely beneficial in the future.
Navigation and Flight Planning
Navigation and flight planning are critical parts of flying. Microsoft Flight Simulator provides a wide range of tools for planning routes, setting waypoints, and executing instrument flight procedures. Users can practice real-world navigation techniques like VOR, GPS, and ILS approaches. This virtual practice helps improve skills in reading charts, understanding airspace, and executing precise navigation. Consider this: a full instrument approach in a real aircraft takes about 30 minutes. At $200-$300 per flight hour, including instructor fees, you can only practice two approaches per hour, costing $100-$150 each. With Microsoft Flight Simulator at home, you can practice countless approaches for just a few pennies in electric bills. So, why not take advantage of this cost-effective practice before your actual flight lesson?..
Adverse Weather Scenarios
Flying skills aren’t fully developed without facing challenging weather conditions. Microsoft Flight Simulator’s dynamic weather system accurately reproduces different weather phenomena such as turbulence, thunderstorms, fog, and icing. This feature enables users to practice decision-making in tough situations, interpret weather information, and adapt their flight plans accordingly.
Emergency Procedures and Risk Management
The simulator allows users to simulate emergency situations like engine failures, system malfunctions, or challenging weather conditions. By navigating through these scenarios and practicing the necessary emergency procedures, pilots can develop the skills required to respond effectively and stay in control of the aircraft. This experience also fosters risk management and increases safety awareness.
Communication and ATC Interaction
Effective communication with air traffic control (ATC) is essential for safe and smooth flight operations. Microsoft Flight Simulator features an advanced ATC system that allows users to practice radio communication, request clearances, and follow ATC instructions. Developing these skills can increase confidence and readiness for real-life flying situations.
Continuous Learning and Skill Improvement
Flight simulation offers a continuous learning opportunity and a chance to improve skills over time. Users can recreate specific flights, practice maneuvers, and monitor their progress. By recording and analyzing their performances, they can identify areas for improvement and work on enhancing their flying abilities.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is an invaluable platform for developing flying skills, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot. Its realism, attention to detail, and versatility make it an essential tool for refining flight knowledge, navigation skills, and emergency response capabilities. By using this software effectively, individuals can bridge the gap between virtual and real-world flying, ultimately becoming more confident and skilled pilots.
While it shouldn’t replace formal flight training, Microsoft Flight Simulator can complement it well, providing a cost-effective and immersive way to develop and maintain flying skills. Aerocadet strongly recommends our students to incorporate this invaluable flight training tool into their flying program and continue using it even after, to keep their skills sharp.
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About the Author:
Russ Sherwood is an airline captain and a line check pilot at a major US airline flying the A320/321 fleet. He has logged over 9000 flight hours and holds airline, commercial and flight instructor pilot licenses issued by the FAA (US), CAAC (China) and DGCA (Indonesia). Russ is also a lead aviation career development consultant for Aerocadet.