MSFS - Using the Flight Simulator to help with real world Flight Training

[@RPPerry1984]

You are spot on with your expression of what flight SIM on a computer is good for. 1200 hours of flight SIM did not prepare me for the smells, sounds, forces and full out feeling of disorientation when I took my discovery flight. it's cramped, the sun glares off the cockpit, the smell and sound of the engine. Just so much to take in for a first timer. What the SIM has helped me with IRL, are checklists, procedures, using PilotEdge for ATC comms, and learning to flight plan and stay ahead of my aircraft in flight. It's very rewarding to see that practice in the SIM pay off in the real aircraft, but as long as you understand what/where it can help you. You can punch all the different bags you want (heavy, speed, etc), but there's only certain areas of the fight they'll help you in the ring. Same thing for flight sim.

[@quackhead8938]

will be logging my MSFS hours under my ATP certification hours. Have been practicing my CFI's initials. Should be flying for Delta soon if I really buckle down and hit my 5,000 hour mark.

[@CharliePowell7]

As someone who's been using flight sims for decades, but is only just now working on my PPL, I totally agree about how different the real aircraft feels to the point where I don't really try to practice landings in the sim anymore. Also the trim controls are obnoxiously oversensitive. I do find it invaluable to practice for cross-country trips, though. Last weekend, I flew to Tillamook, OR for the first time. While practicing in MSFS, I did a teardrop entry into the pattern for RWY 31 (thank you Foreflight). My instructor asked me how I wanted to enter the pattern, and was surprised when I said "let's do a teardrop entry." I'm looking forward to practicing my first night cross-country next week. MSFS has also been really helpful in practicing ground reference maneuvers.

[@RPPerry1984]

Excluding paid ATC services (pilotedge) which was a major help in becoming comfortable and learning to speak on coms, the main thing that flight SIM has helped me with is managing everything during the flight and how to stay ahead of the plane. When to change frequencies, having them preset before the next threshold etc.

[@paulg9042]

I'm not a pilot. A friend of mine took me for a flight in his Piper Dakota (from KSNC). Totally understand what you are saying about the feel, but it definitely set me up for good expectations in the air. When I took over the controls I understood and anticipated the stick and rudder movements as well as trim. In fact the pilot asked if I needed the rudder trim and I didn't. In fact, I was able to account for the wind and gusts pretty well. But yes....definitely a different experience with a huge engine right in front of you instead of a keyboard!

[@josemathurin4212]

okay but that approach and landing were insane

[@abstractbybrian]

The 152 - was that default? Have you’ve flown the JPL 152? Is this more realistic?

[@JW-gb6hq]

Tip--use actual poh / checklists for airplane you are actually flying for real while practicing in the sim. This is excellent practice for transferring into the actual real airplane.

[@abstractbybrian]

What airplane do you regularly fly in the real world

[@MidnightCamomile]

This man’s a goat 🐐

[@abstractbybrian]

Don’t forget Pilot Edge

[@pbbv658]

Cool!

[@peterandersson3812]

MSFS for some reason always sets the fuel cutoff to "off". I've missed that, just like in the video, lots of time. Who does that in real life? Nobody that I've ever met in 20 years of PPL flying.

[@damonrudd6599]

I wish it would save the configuration of each plane as it was left last. Promote proper shutdown procedures and startups. Also it's a pain setting up the g1000nxi options each time (not sure if they reset in real life but I wouldn't assume so)

[@Tobascodagama]

@@damonrudd6599 I think some of the MilViz/Blackbird aircraft actually do this, as an option. They can also somewhat randomise the starting condition, to simulate sharing the plane with other inconsiderate pilots. ;)

[@stephenbull2026]

Lesson #1 : Watch P Catcomb videos. 😂