How to prepare for private pilot training using flight sims.

[@viciousattackvideo]

All the bases covered here, pretty good. Long story short, treat the sim as if it were real as much as humanly possible, practice everything you reasonably can, and you’ll be way ahead. Key parts of this include keeping some avgas in a coffee mug nearby and a sweaty old shirt right next to you, to simulate the old man sweat of your instructor. Extra points if you can get a stale and creaky old seat out of a Corvair to sit on. That’s as real as it gets.

[@AB-kg6rk]

The most golden 40 minutes of wise instructions on the subject. Ill save and rewatch this one.

[@nothanks7285]

Great vid, thanks. While watching this video, I purchased a flight simulator, downloaded the pilot's handbook of aeronautical knowledge, bought both high & low wing visualized flight maneuvers handbooks, and decided that I'm definitely going to try & get a pilot's license.

[@flightlevel1803]

Wow! I love to hear that. You'll love it when you are done. There are some hard moments when you are mid process- but you'll love it in the end.

[@Sister_of_Indigo_Fontaineaux]

I'm wanting to start my flight training sometime in the next few years and this is a great video! I've been using the vatsim network to get more confident with using the radio while practicing my patterns and talking to real people. It's going to be a while before I can afford to go, but I definitely appreciate you sharing your experience transitioning from flight sims to irl flying.

[@flightlevel1803]

Thanks for the comments! You are doing the right things, keep it up and things will be much easier for you. best of luck with your training, when it starts.

[@JerryDechant]

I had a friend I worked with who had a private pilot's license, and I flew with him a number of times. Prior to actually flying with him, I'd played flight sim games so I was somewhat familiar with instrumentation, etc., but like you said, the physical portion of flying a real plane is not captured in sims, particularly if the plane is fly by wire rather than servo controlled surfaces. Fly by wire, you REALLY feel the plane and the atmosphere you are flying in. (He let me take the controls a few times while we were cruising, maintaining altitude and heading, kind of stuff.) One fun thing he told me was pick a bug splat on the windshield that is aligned with the horizon, and a mountain for instance, and keep it aligned. Practical :)

[@flightlevel1803]

Interesting comments, thanks for sharing here. I am envious, I've never been at the controls of a fly by wire airplane. Someday! The bug splat concept is a great one. I tell every newbie I let take the controls to "fly to a point on the horizon", I find it really helps them a lot, and helps calm their nerves. I'll remember your trick for next time!

[@AmatuerHourCoding]

I think you're confusing fly-by-wire with fly-by-cable :)

[@JerryDechant]

@@AmatuerHourCoding you are right, sorry for my wrong use of words.

[@damiamdrop1995]

Thank you Bro. This 40 minute video I swallowed without even noticing that time passed. Such a good video

[@deltafour1212]

Thank you so much for this. You just saved me a buttload of money, time and headaches. Now I don't have to spend gazillion dollars on Flight Yoke system or Rudder pedals if none of them feel like the real thing when you fly. I'll spend my time learning something useful like the checklist, procedures, flight plan, talking to ATC and flight patterns instead spending money on getting getting that "realistic" feeling of flying, because you never can. Thank you!

[@flightlevel1803]

Great comment, I hadn't thought of the ramifications for hardware purchases. Buying the best possible yoke doesn't really make sense from a value perspective. I do like rudder pedals, but they dont have to be fancy, the plastic ones will do. I flew a couple hours this morning IRL, after doing a bunch of sim flying the day before, and it reinforced in my mind all my comments made in this video even more.

[@deltafour1212]

@@flightlevel1803 Everything you mentioned in the video made so much logical sense. Your video prevented me from making many mistakes. Please, don't ever take this video down. Like/Subscribe/Bell

[@iamgreg7332]

Q

[@aportman58]

None of these things will never emulate the real feel as the real thing but they will help you with learning critical checklist factors which are necessary to flying small planes.

[@deltafour1212]

@@aportman58 Correct

[@ermin3963]

Excellent video! I just got into siming with X-Plane 11..got my set-up up and ready including Oculus Quest 2 for VR flying. I plan to eventually get my private license in a year or two. I will have more questions to ask later but now thanks to your video I know what to focus on. I really appreciate you making this post!

[@njbpaul]

Thanks very much for posting this video . I have about 17 hrs of real world flying working on my private. to my surprise learning to fly can be very stressful. i had so much problems with muscle memory ,radio communication just to name a few. My instructor said i need to Sim . I had no clue about the community of flight simulators. He gave me his Logitech Yoke ,rudder and throttle set just to get started. since then I've been using my sim like the way you insist on how to in this video . I have added foreflight to help with situation awareness and the use of Pilot Edge for ATC communication . I'm reading all the books you mention except the maneuvers handbook which i just ordered . Thanks again for all the tips and advise to prepare for private pilot training.

[@flightlevel1803]

Paul: thanks for the positive comments, and for sharing your experience. The training is tough! stick with it, I think you'll find in 10 or so hours things will start falling into place quite rapidly. Sounds to me like you are on the right track. All the stress and effort is worth it, IMHO. I'm about to drive down to the airport for a 1.5 hour cross country with a buddy, his first time flying in a single engine airplane and my first time to this airport in the "high country". There's nothing like having the freedom and ability to do a flight like that, and to be able to introduce flying to someone. Please check back in when you get your private license!

[@njbpaul]

@@flightlevel1803 yes indeed I will be sure to update you on my progress. Have fun on your cross country flight safe flying. Thanks again

[@aportman58]

I disagree to stop using the sims when you start flying but the important aspect is knowing how and what to be using in the sims that will help to reinforce what information you are learning in flight school! Muscle memory is critical as a pilot!

[@treyhedgepeth9598]

That’s exactly right, I fly in sim at the moment and I struggled with traffic patterns because of perception last night I finally got to fly with a friend and he did pattern work and talked me through it in the real airplane and I got to see in real life how it looks and works, came home flew the same flight and nailed my landing and traffic pattern better than ever before, so I agree using sims to reinforce what you learn in real training is key and a great tool.

[@thomasfinch5605]

I'm about 6 hours into my PPL and I'm planning to use a simulator to supplement my training. So much about flying and maneuvers is procedural and as stated, the cockpit is a very hard place to learn. Sensory overload is a real thing. By the end of a lesson I may have DONE everything the instructor told me but I might not remember how or (more importantly) why. The simulator will hopefully help me learn and memorize the procedure before we go do them. The simulator will never reproduce the real sensation or feedback but if I'm not struggling to recall the procedure I will hopefully be able to perform them better. I bought the honeycomb yoke and throttle quadrant and the thrust master rudder pedals. All in about $650. Not cheap but if it can save me an extra few hours repeating lessons it will have paid for itself.

[@flightlevel1803]

Great comment on sensory overload- it's hard to grasp how much of an overload it can be as you are going through training. If you don't mind, please give feedback on how the training process goes with your plan. Lately I've had some gaps in my RW flying (sinus issues), and I've been using X-plane to work on procedures and such. it really helps a lot when I am back in the cockpit.

[@thomasfinch5605]

@@flightlevel1803 I certainly will let you know how it works out. I just received the hardware yesterday so I haven't had a chance to hook it up yet. I also haven't selected a sim. I'm leaning towards xplane 12 over MSFS since the flight modeling is supposed to be slightly better. We'll see if that really makes a difference when compared to real world though... Again, this is more for the procedure than anything. I can say I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the Honeycomb components though. At first glance they seem to be worth the money.

[@flightlevel1803]

​@@thomasfinch5605 The honeycomb equipment is fantastic- it really is high quality, and worth the money, IMO. I haven't flown MSFS for some time, but when I did, I thought the modeling was overwhelmingly better in x-plane. MSFS felt very "gamey". I've been stunned by how well the x-plane flight dynamics replicate the real world- for example spins in x-plane are excellent, and VMC rolls in a twin are breathtaking. I suspect flying ground reference maneuvers is much easier in MSFS though, with the realistic graphics. Given your investment it might make sense to just buy both.

[@__________________-________-]

@@thomasfinch5605 how is this going?

[@QuantatativeStealing]

I'm only 5 hours in on microlight Training, I agree with you. When I'm concentrating on the practical..I can't seem to listen to the instructor at the same time..I miss a lot of what he says....I think that will come later. The SIM helps me to try to recreate what I did in the lesson. It's not the same 'feel'..but the principles are the same.

[@onedsc1]

I am so glad I found this video. Thank you for the informative video. Will be watching this several times as I start my PPL journey

[@flightlevel1803]

Thanks, glad it helps. I have another similar video about the next step in the journey, should have it ready in the next couple weeks. Getting your PPL is a real challenge, but worth it!

[@genedoolittle1930]

I’m a student pilot as well and discovered this channel trying to find some videos on the v35 before I bought it can’t tell you how useful your videos are for implementing the sim and real life training! Keep doing what your doing your channel is definitely underrated!

[@flightlevel1803]

Thanks gene!

[@_mark_787]

Did you find Microsoft flight simulator helpful when you began real world flying?

[@jadenlapre4963]

Just started my flight training. I think this video helped explain a lot of good resources to use as I go through flight school. Great video.

[@flightlevel1803]

Best of luck w/ your training!

[@schumzy]

Thanks. The pilot bug just got me. I appreciate this, you pointed me to the right direction in terms of resources. Was watching with lots of pausing and note taking and searching for the resources needed. I now understand the actual structure to use during my simming days till I start my training. Based on this found, I an online ground school course. Funny enough, I found this video while looking for tutorials on coordinated flight, which was an activity I was struggling with in MSFS.

[@flightlevel1803]

Speaking of ground school, I did the king school ground school course for private, and the Sporty's course for instrument. I think I prefer the sporty's course, it is less meandering than King School. Good luck with your training!

[@CalshofAwesome]

@@flightlevel1803 insightful, thanks

[@Xen0nnnn]

This video is super accurate to my experience going from sim to PPL and then going back to some sim time. Great words for people wanting to get into this and trying to plan their resources.

[@KyleCowden]

When my daughter was learning, her instructor would cover what she was going to work on the next lesson. We'd practice using FSX with a lot of realism mods and flying an analogue for each airframe she was flying. We also used VATSIM when available and flew out of the same airport she was learning at. Her comment was, "Flying for real is a lot easier than this."

[@flightlevel1803]

Flying for real is definitely easier in a lot of ways! you are a good dad.

[@KyleCowden]

@@flightlevel1803 And I've got the coffee cup to prove it. 😂

[@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003]

Great vid. 50 years old. "Technically" all requirements done other than written, oral. and check ride. 115 hour student pilot. My advice us dont start until you know you can finish. When I started I was paying $35 and for a gasoline powered 150, that included instructor. I was 16. Family, career, kids, now Im here at $200 an hour and close to starting over.

[@flightlevel1803]

Great comment and advice. I personally took 3.5 months from start of flying to having the check ride done. Doing it in "one fell swoop" was a really good solution for me- at one point my instructor was out of town for a week and a half, and I felt really REALLY rusty when i got back on the controls. Your point is so valid! Bite the bullet and get it done, and if you are concerned you won't be able to finish all at once (for whatever reason), then wait till you can. One note- that 3.5 months was predated by about 10 months of study- I was "written ready" when I did my first flight. It takes some discipline to do that, but it makes the process much easier! And once you have your license, and you have to take a break at some point, it's not a big deal to spend a few hours w/ an instructor and get back up to speed- the skills are "there" to be found. One other point, on the cost per hour. Shopping around for the best financial deal can save you a ton of money. My instructor was seriously expensive- $85 an hour! But he is a true pro- he teaches other instructors, teaches seminars on engine management and other topics (LOP, advanced weather, etc), and it was worth the money for me. However, there are a lot cheaper guys out there- I now work a bit w/ a young guy who charges $30 an hour, and only for time in the airplane. He's great, though it's a different experience than working w/ older guy. Also, I found airplanes on the field that were $50 less per hour than the ones I trained in... I just didn't know they were available. For those of you considering starting, go hang out around the airport for a few hours, and talk to random people about "who to train with and what to fly", people are really friendly and will give you good advice. It could save you thousands! Again, great comment and topic.

[@paulcanup7484]

Most helpful information I have received from anywhere. Thank you

[@HugoSanchez-qq2oh]

Thank you for sharing this video is excellent for those who want to use the sim for real world ppl applications.

[@adlifiruz808]

Thank you for the video, Im starting my flight training sometime early next year after I finish my diploma so I'd like to use the time before my flight training starts to learn as much as possible and this video helped immensely

[@paulwblair]

6:37 - And for my next X-Plane KZbin video, I'll be flying circuits in the 747! 😂 Seriously, this is a great video. My dad was a helicopter pilot. I've been into flight sims since the early 2000s and I've thought about getting my pilots license, but the financials or time isn't there, so flight simming it is, for now

[@flightlevel1803]

keep saving your pennies. it's worth it if you can make it happen.

[@Yousaf_Yunes]

Yup brilliant topic, its shocking how many old school pilots crap on sims....this is a great video

[@flightlevel1803]

Thanks! There is a lot of "old school" in aviation- so many old wives' tales in so many areas. I think the most are in maintenance....

[@vmig1963]

Excellent Video, I already passed my written and decided to buy MSFS before taking actual flight lessons. Bought controllers to match the plane I will be flying and was wondering what to work on when I came across your video. Thank you !!

[@flightlevel1803]

glad to help. good luck w/ your training!

[@djwashx]

this was great I hope you have done more of these videos this way my 1st video of yours I watched thanks for book recommendations and other channels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jmizzonini]

Great overview/advice! I have been simming for about 10 years before recently going out to start for real. And essentially I've shelved the sim for now. People ask me what is different - it's the sensations - the vibrations of the entire plane, sounds, the g-forces you feel in your body just causes a sensory overload when you're new. Flying the pattern in the sim feels casual and as if you have all the time in the world. In real life that pattern (for now, me being new) still feels very intense and my brain is firing on all cylinders to make sure everything is happening when it needs to. I worried that doing too much sim time during training would have negative effects so I'm stopping for now. Especially training in a Piper 100i (g3x touch) which there is not a 1:1 equivalent for in the sim.

[@flightlevel1803]

Great comments. It really is quite striking how different the real airplane "experience" is. Please report back when you get your training done.

[@flightlevel1803]

By the way, my brain STILL has that "firing on all cylinders" feel when I'm in the pattern, even after hundreds of hours. It never feels routine, at least not yet.

[@jmizzonini]

@@flightlevel1803 reporting back lol! Just passed the checkride. I did end use my flight sim setup for training throughout once I got through my “beginning” phase. I used it to practice checklists , remembering clearing turns and maneuver procedures. Also practiced my cross countries with msfs since the terrain is so accurate. All in all I have found it actually is a great resource for training after you learn the basics of controlling the airplane

[@flightlevel1803]

@@jmizzonini great job man. sounds like you "played it" perfectly! well done. You must be jacked. I published a "how to use flight sims for IFR training" video, check it out when you get to that point....

[@joshuaespinoza534]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 Excellent video. Thank you so much for your knowledge and wisdom. Thanks for your time and effort guiding us beginner's.

[@flightlevel1803]

thanks for the positive comments. trying to help where i can, as I mentioned, knowing this stuff in advance would have helped me a lot!

[@joshuaespinoza534]

@@flightlevel1803 you're a blessing to us all! Remember that ok?

[@andrewletaev2097]

Great video, Sir. Thank you for your work and some ideas. I also would recommend few books for young student pilots. 1. "Scenario-Based Training with X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator" by Bruce Williams. 2. "Train like you fly" by Arlynn McMahon. Both covered scenario based approach with a lot of challenges. And do not forget about Pilot Edge network to train ATC skills ;)

[@flightlevel1803]

I wasnt aware of those! thanks for sharing, I will check them out. Just my opinion, but i think most private pilots don't train enough, either IRL or in sims... I dont know any mid to high time pilots that EVER practice stalls or anything else, other than every 2 years in their flight review. Skills are perishable, and SIMs can help.

[@flightlevel1803]

I just ordered "train like you fly", and will order the other one as well. thanks! I like the idea of PilotEdge, however, I don't think it's worth the money for me at this point. I fly out of a towered airport (two runways and very busy) and do a lot of "VFR through Bravo corridors" flying, it keeps me on my toes and pretty fresh. That service is very recommended for pilots who trained at non towered airports, their skills and comfort level in a controlled environment can be lacking. Also it is great for students who are about to start training or are struggling with radio comms. Personally i found the radio one of the most challenging parts of training- when a controller fires 20 second of instructions/information/warnings at you at full speed when you are a rookie, it's really hard to process it! Or do you think i should invest in it?

[@andrewletaev2097]

@@flightlevel1803 Many thanks for this extended reply !!! My pleasure that this sharing of books was usefull for you ;) I fully agree with you about lack of training for student or current pilots. From my POV Pilot is the person who study "EVERY DAY" and checkrides and proficiency checks for real pilot are checks only, not time to study all night before test flight ;) This is really great video and I wrote some notes for me personally. Many thanks !!! I watched other your videos with ERJ 135/145 and noted your very good level of preparation. It is really pleasure when person who watch it can take some usefull advices comparing with other guys who are also involved in flight training, but can teach only their bad habits ;))) Regarding Pilot edge, for me it is very usefull, because I am from Europe and it is very good option to train with USA ATC. For you - you can take 2 weeks trial and decide is it suitable for your personal needs.

[@andrewletaev2097]

By the way, looking on this video I found very coordinated flight - ball always in center. Do you have rudder pedals, or it is just "auto rudder" feature like present in FSX ?

[@flightlevel1803]

@@andrewletaev2097 OK, you talked me into it, I'll check it out when I can. I would like to trying flying into some of the most challenging airspace with that system- say into southern california or DC or New York. I don't have the guts to try that right now, at least until I've done the trip at least once with a buddy that has done it before.

[@flip-da-loop]

Interesting video, I can see a lot of effort went into it. Many thanks.

[@flightlevel1803]

And $$$ haha.

[@stephanlessard3902]

Very helpful and a great reference for what I was looking for!

[@BuddySpike23]

great video man, gonna start training next month and i have been flying in simulators too

[@flightlevel1803]

Thanks Buddy... the sims really do help, but I bet you will be very surprised at how different the landing mechanics are in the real airplane. Good luck!

[@TheAndrewScandal]

Thanks for the great video (I subscribed)! I'm planning to start accelerated flight training in a couple of months- just to confirm, everything you talked about in this video, you recommend doing prior to starting the PPL training?

[@flightlevel1803]

yes that is correct, this is for PPL training. Focus on the parts that are helpful, and don't kill yourself working on areas that don't help as much, as discussed in the video. It should help you get through training more smootly. I strongly recommend picking up the two ASA books- the check ride prep book and the private pilot test prep. good luck!

[@TheAndrewScandal]

@@flightlevel1803 Thanks! In the past I have used X-Plane primarily as more of a "video game" honestly- just messing around (partly for the same reason that you said- I didn't want it to "mess" with when I'm actually learning). But this video was inspiring in showing its benefits. I only have a joystick (not even a yoke). No rudder/switches etc. If you have any recommendations for resources for that (or want to make a video about it HA!!!), I'm all ears. I don't know how much is really necessary. Also I use it on my Macbook (it's a strong M1 Max Mac but still not a PC) and I'm not sure if that's limiting somehow either. Seeing this video inspired me to get a good setup! (hopefully that can be done on Mac but I'd get a PC setup if necessary) So if you have any recs of videos for setup, it's greatly appreciated! Looking forward to more of your vids either way!!!

[@aportman58]

Anyone with any brain cells at all should know a sim isn't going to replace climbing into an actual airplane and watch the runway realistically begin to fade away beneath you! A sim is only for entertainment and to enhance muscle memory going through the steps of a process! I totally agree to learn as close to what plane you are going to be really flying!

[@darylthompson5071]

Outstanding video. Finally some true sense. Of what this is going to be like thank ypu

[@flightlevel1803]

Glad to help. The simming does help an enormous amount. I flew with an instructor yesterday and he told me that I perfect certain things 5X faster than non-sim pilots in some areas. That's not everything, but certain aspects of working in the sim are enormously helpful. I'm planning a video on how to prepare for instrument training...

[@darylthompson5071]

@flightlevel1803 thanks for the response .I live in 🇨🇦. Was starting to work on my RPP.signed up for an online course pilot's training. Ca got the books and on line course but find the whole thing over wellming. Figured at least try the simulators. Give me some kind of idea .at least your video was not holding nothing back thank you again

[@flightlevel1803]

@@darylthompson5071it's definitely overwhelming at first. Just take it chunk by chunk, and slowly if you want. I started reading 2 years before I took my written exam, at a slow pace. It made it less stressful. Finding the right instructor will also help.

[@vasicp]

..."Deputy Pilot Examiner".... actually, it is Designated Pilot Examiner

[@flightlevel1803]

Good catch. 👍

[@Patelivision]

I'mwaiting for my medical to come in before i start training so I figured I'd try the sim and found your video. Do you have any recommendations for budget peripherals? Will a normal xbox controller be enough or do you recommend a yoke+throttle+pedals

[@flightlevel1803]

Hmm, my gut is it's worth it to get a basic yoke, rudder and throttle, nothing fancy or "ultra realistic". Ebay is a good way to go- You can buy the basic logitech yoke and pedals for a moderate amount. I see the yoke and throttle quadrant for $100, and the rudder pedals for $50. For $150 you have something that will get you going on working through some of the basics. Best of luck w/ your training!

[@Patelivision]

@RetreadPhoto crazy update. I'm working on commercial now lol

[@fredmartin3919]

I'm still debating whether or not I wanna pay the 80 grand for the PPL course near me. Thank you so much for guiding my sim experience and what books to buy!

[@ericsouza6653]

80K Can't be for PPL. Todays range 12-15k tops

[@livestock9722]

Better watch 5 top scams flight schools use.

[@edwardwright5464]

Great deep review videos. wonder if you where interested in doing one on the Hot Start TBM 900 for X - Plane 11

[@flightlevel1803]

Thank you so much. On the Hot Start, I have zero real world experience in that airplane (or any turbine airplane in fact), so I can't really offer anything more than any of the other reviewers have to offer. I recommend checking out Jason TBM's channel- he is the TBM owner whose airplane was modeled for the Hot Start airplane. He has some nice testing videos where he is putting it through its paces, so he can give feedback to Hot Start. really interesting!

[@legacygk2811]

Wonderful content! Thanks!!

[@Nudo1985]

THanks for the tips on other good channels !

[@richeng4372]

Would a MOTION simulator, VR helmet and a force feedback yoke make the non-real-world training real enough to be valuable as a supplement?

[@flightlevel1803]

This is a tough question. My major beef with sim flying is how poorly it replicates the physical feedback you get in a real airplane. In theory a force feedback yoke would help... but the ones I've used in the past have been REALLY inaccurate- to the point where I just turned off the force feedback. I'd have to test out the latest models to see if they've advanced. I like VR a lot, so I'd say "go for it". Consumer sims are great for spatial awareness, so it would only get better with VR if the headsets don't make you dizzy (like they do me). On the motion, my suspicion is they aren't accurate enough at the consumer level to be truly helpful, but I don't have direct experience so I can't comment. The commercial full motion sims I've used (multimillion $ airline sims) have been incredible, but that's a different story. It sounds like you have access to a great system. In that case, how I would approach things is: 1. train like crazy before you start training using the sim, focusing on the areas that are "perfectable" in the sim- navigation, systems, checklists, initial radio calls, etc 2. when you start training in the airplane, scale back your sim time. You could test to see how close your sim replicates the real airplane- if it is really close then keep simming. If not, bring down the simming and focus on getting the real world training done as quickly as possible. In any case, you should try to fly as frequently as you can once you start in the real airplane! 3. once you have your private, resume simming as much as you want- by that point the "in airplane" skills will be engrained and you won't override them w/ the sim practice. Good luck!

[@richeng4372]

@@flightlevel1803 Great advice...thanks for sharing!

[@larrysouthern5098]

Great video!!!

[@flightlevel1803]

thanks!

[@Marinerpro]

My compliments for your kind suggestions. I’m trying to get back into it after 35 years and I have to start from scratch. in 35 years believe me, a lot has changed after I went up in a 180 Cessna at Miami executive this weekend. What Sim program do you recommend, If you don’t mind my asking?

[@flightlevel1803]

Good for you getting back on the saddle. Personally I prefer X-plane over MSFS... the microsoft product feels very unrealistic to me, even though the visuals are amazing. X-plane has issues, of course (ground handling for one), but overall, it's just a lot closer to reality, and that's what counts when you are using it for training. Either one is probably OK, but that's my personal preference. I also really like using the REP airplanes (Reality Expansion Pack), which are only available in X-plane. Engine management is such a critical part of being a good pilot, and from what I"ve seen, using REP is the only way to work on those skills. I haven't downloaded X-plane 12 yet, but i'm sure it is excellent.

[@williamhargrove3918]

Thank for your help

[@JerryDechant]

Here is a question I've been wondering about recently. My question is about the altimeter in a plane. what does it indicate? If you are on land at 1000 ft. above sea level, will it show 1000 ft. when on the ground? If that is true, the altimeter would fluctuate depending on the terrain below you, right? So if you want to maintain, 800 ft. altitude, you'd have to add whatever the ground altitude is on top of that right? I ask because, as far as I'm concerned there are no stupid questions, if you don't know the answer, ask someone who isn't stupid :)

[@flightlevel1803]

It's a bit of a complicated question. It indicates height above sea level. Things to know: it needs to be calibrated by setting the local pressure level (e.g. 29.92" of mercury) in a window called the "Kollsman window". You can get the setting from a controller or the local ATIS/AWOS, or even from your ipad. It's a bit tricky b/c if the temperature is higher or lower than "standard", the altitude will be off. Where I fly, the temperature is usually higher than standard, so the altitude it shows is slightly higher than the true altitude. Not a huge deal b/c everyone is working off the same altimeter setting. When you are on the ground, and have the Kollsman window set to the local pressure, you will show field elevation. If you don't, your altimeter is broken. You don't need to worry about ground altitude at all when it comes to the altimeter- it's 100% tied to height above sea level. The height of the ground doesn't matter, though the non-standard temperature error decreases as you get closer to the ground. It's important to realize that on very cold days your altimeter may be reading lower than your true altitude ... so if you think you are 500' above the terrain, and the temperature is in the negative numbers, you may be MUCH closer to the ground than you realize. The easiest way to know your height above the ground is in foreflight on your ipad- you can have "Height AGL" set on the information bar, so you will know a very accurate height of the terrain at all times. You asked an excellent question, that is the type of question that would be asked in a private pilot oral exam, and in the written exam. Knowing about the altimeter errors is very important to earn a "pass".

[@dmacnet]

Good summary, except for a typo: on cold days the altimeter reads higher than true altitude. As you wrote, that compromises terrain clearance.

[@odalesaylor]

I just want to have some fun in my spare time on a low budget. What simulator should I get and what peripherals are "must haves?"

[@flightlevel1803]

Hmm, this is a tough question. The cheapest way to go is to buy a joystick w/ a grip that rotates to give you rudder. If you want to spend a little more, you can shop for something with rudder pedals. I'm not up to speed on the latest offerings. My recommendation is you search on ebay and look for a deal there. There are some good video reviews on equipment on youtube...

[@topofthegreen]

There is no comparison whatsoever between a video game and the real thing, nothing replaces the real aircraft.

[@BlueMax333]

have you tried BATD (Basic Aviation Training Devices) sold by Gleim, Redbird and many others. Some flight schools have them and encourage students to practice before each lesson.

[@flightlevel1803]

I've used the Redbird "certified" simulators, and I found them pretty disappointing- they're based on the old "FSX" flight simulator, and the graphics and general feel are not good. Well suited for instrument procedures, but not for private pilot training. I'd much prefer to fly a certified sim based on X-plane, but I've never been able to try one. It's interesting they encourage practice, for a private student I would think it would be counterproductive.

[@BlueMax333]

@@flightlevel1803 came across Gleim BATD (X-Plane 11 engine); less expensive than the Redbird TD and TD2 They also do the Gleim X-Plane Flight Training Course based on the FAA-approved private pilot training syllabus. I am in the UK; difficult to see one in flesh

[@flightlevel1803]

@@BlueMax333 I would LOVE to try that.

[@gjsxnobody7534]

any idea on how to get a second person into the cockpit with you, in VR, possibly in different physical location? like a buddy, or flight instructor? seeing the same thing as you.

[@flightlevel1803]

that's an interesting question, though i have no idea how to do it. Hopefully someone else here chimes in w/ ideas...

[@Havak37]

Yeah thanks for uploading this

[@flightlevel1803]

No problem. I just wish i'd had this info before i started. SIM flying wasnt "acceptable" until recently - every private pilot I knew would look at me cockeyed when I told them I was prepping for my PPL training in a sim. Things are changing though!

[@blackheartwolf]

What about using a vr headset with yolk and pedal?

[@flightlevel1803]

I think VR headsets are great for flight sims... I don't use it personally as they make me dizzy, but if you have one, I'd say use it.

[@blackheartwolf]

@@flightlevel1803 I'm thinking about buying it with the yolk

[@paulwblair]

After getting a VR headset (Quest 2), I couldn't go back to "pancake" mode. The depth perception and being able to look around freely turned it into an entirely new experience. Thankfully I don't have the dizziness issues that many experience. I have a Yoke, throttle, quadrant and rudder pedals too.

[@blackheartwolf]

@@paulwblair I got the HP reverb g2 sat in cockpit but haven't started any flying yet

[@JessPeters-qg1bn]

Flight Sim 2004 is the best

[@L1MiTLeSS_7x]

Very good video, thank you for the advices.