Will Flight Simulator Games Help With Pilot Training? // #55

Follower question this week from Tuan about whether home flight simulator games offer any actual help with flight training. With the growing popularity of amazing programs like Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and DCS World this is a great question that has come a few times the last couple of years.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:59 Follower email from Tuan
03:10 Sean's home flight simulator rig
04:19 Professional flight simulators used for pilot certification
07:02 Mike's flight simulator story
08:36 Flight school simulators
11:57 Home flight simulators
15:44 Why flight simulator games could help
16:13 ForeFlight flight planning software
21:16 Tips to get the most out of home flight simulator games
22:10 Does Sean actually ever work?
22:59 Where is Mike at this week?
26:03 Oculus with Microsoft Flight Simulator
29:25 Wrap up

[@charlesprenaveau4969]

I started using Xplane and VATSIM before I ever flew in a real plane. On my first lesson I did all the VFR radio calls. Got my license in 50 hours and never struggled with radios!

[@xscudx91]

Did you read any books as well before you signed up for flight school? If so what books did you read to give you that head start? I'm currently working my finance before I dive in. But in the meantime I've just set up a flight sim and just read Stick and rudder. Any other books I should read?

[@charlesprenaveau4969]

@@xscudx91 Stick and Rudder is a great book. Read the Airplane Flying Handbook. and if you have a lot of free time read the Aeronautical Information Manual!

[@oisiaa]

I'm a professional pilot and I use MSFS to practice for my checkrides or other complex flights. It helps immensely.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

We’ve been hearing a lot about that. It sounds great.

[@bonchie1]

I'm a CFI/II who gave about 650 hours dual given before going to jets. The normal answer I always hear is that sims don't help with the private certificate and can teach bad habits. My experience was totally different. Having played sims through my teen years and into my early 20s, I knew a lot when I started my PPL that helped, even if just at a conceptual level, and finished in 43 hours. Are there still 1000 other things to learn you don't know from just simming? Absolutely, and any student needs to accept that. The problems come in when students think they already know things they don't really know.

[@BAVIATE]

What are some of the bad habits that can be formed just so I can avoid them? I am at the tail end of my private pilot course and just recently set up a modest flight sim set up. Wish I had done so sooner because of all the weeks of no flying when weather was bad.

[@othneildrew]

Of course they do! I learned everything I know about navigation from flight sims! Dead reckoning was hard for me until I started training in a sim.

[@lemeser1]

Absolutely, Home flight simulators do play a crucial role in flight training. As a commercial pilot myself, I have been using home flight simulators for the past 15 years, and I am continually amazed by their effectiveness. They have allowed me to develop and hone my skills, particularly in IFR navigation. What started as a simple fascination gradually turned into a profound understanding of the capabilities and potential that these programs could offer. I delved deeper into this new hobby, acquiring extensive knowledge about building BATDs and AATDs. My passion for flight simulation led me to start my own business, dedicated to crafting and selling home cockpit simulators. These simulators come in various configurations, some incorporating virtual reality or head tracking technology. Offering one, two, or three or more screens for visuals and instruments, I ensure that each product is tailored to meet the unique needs of my customers. In addition to home simulators, I specialize in constructing certified Basic and Advanced Aviation Training Devices for flight schools. To achieve this, I utilize Lockheed Martin Prepar3D or X-Plane, as they provide a wide range of functionalities and are approved by the FAA for this type of equipment. It's essential to obtain the commercial versions of these software, which come at a cost of around $1000 dollars per copy in stead of $50 to $100, to ensure compliance with certification requirements. When you combine these home simulation software with a powerful computer and the right software addons and simulation hardware, the experience is remarkably close to reality. The fidelity of the setup allows for a realistic flight experience, capturing around 75 to 85% of the actual in-flight conditions.

[@interestingvideos4046]

Which flight sim set up on Amazon would you recommend ?

[@JH-in5oq]

It’s a fantastic way to practice flows before going to a type rating

[@carsonmcmanus6620]

I stumbled across a few flight sim youtubers and twitch streamers when I was 12 or so, and I fell in love with aviation and decided I wanted to be a pilot. I saved up for a PC and started using FSX, X-Plane 11, and Prepar3D when I was 13. Got into VATSIM and learned the ins and outs of procedures, navigation, and radio communications and got comfortable talking to "controllers." When I turned 17, I started training for my PPL at a towered airport, and I never struggled with navigation or talking on the radio. I learned so many new things actually flying the plane, obviously, but I had a solid foundation to work off of. VATSIM especially helped me for my instrument rating because I had primarily flown IFR on the network. Would absolutely recommend using simulators and VATSIM to learn radio etiquette and to just get comfortable with everything.

[@g-sailing4427]

I got a full heli sim setup before starting my training.. xplane 10 and pro flight trainer controls.. used Vatsim occasionally.. had a few hundred hours in the sim.. started my ppl and could hover the r22 effortlessly within 15mins.. going forward my cfi would brief me on what we would be doing next lesson and I would spend a few hours doing it before the real world lesson.. practiced thousands or autorotations in the sim after my instructor showed me how to do them properly.. was ready to solo after 6 hours! Definitely a great tool alongside real world instruction..

[@ryanblackburn892]

Two things I’ve found that weren’t mentioned in this video that viewers may be interested in. My downtown city library has a flight simulator: triple monitor view, 4th monitor for instrument panel, sports seat, yoke, throttle, pedals, etc. It’s free with a library card for 2hrs/day and only $5 for each additional 2hr block. Also check home VR games as a level up from computer. Meta Oculus has a beta game world flight which is designed to be a true to life flight simulation.

[@GFSanta]

I have a PPL with an instrument rating, ~420TT. I've been a home flight sim user before I started flight training. I definitely think they've helped me prepare for the training and environment. I've tried all the top sims (MSFS, X-Plane and Prepare) and settled on X-Plane on an M1 Mac. The X-Plane flight models are very realistic, weather is excellent, Garmin integrations work great. I've yet to personally try X-Plane with ForeFlight (no Android version) but I know it is supported. Home flight sims are very helpful for practicing instrument approaches, cross-country flying, learning the FMS on B737. I've yet to connect with VATSIM but hear (ha ha!) good things about training with it.

[@MRxTASTYBAMA1]

Currently at 20 hours into my PPL and in the last two months I only flew one hour due to weather cancellations. Yesterday I asked my instructor for a refresher flight in the pattern before my first CC solo. I honestly think playing MSFS helped by keeping the rust away and my instructor could tell. (For reference I use the throttle, rudders, and joystick sold my Thrustmaster)

[@AshleyWincer]

The default G1000 for the Cessna 172 is an excellent way to start to learn your way around the G1000 system. It does not have all of the working features of the real G1000 system, but it has enough to safely fly it IFR or VFR. Some General Aviation aircraft (Such as the PA28 by JustFlight) are actually considered study level, since all of the systems (including all of the circuit breakers) work. MSFS can be huge money saver for flight training if used correctly, I highly recommend it for flight training.

[@BAVIATE]

How do you recommend using flight sim for the private pilot course (I’m at the tail end and prepping for my check ride). Just recently set up my flight sim. What’s the best use of time in your opinion?

[@AshleyWincer]

@@BAVIATE At a Private Pilot level, I would use the flight sim as a procedure trainer. Go through all of the checklists, becoming familiar with the cockpit layout and becoming familiar with the area your training in. Also practice your instrument scan while inflight..

[@mirandalucianna3608]

ive been flying sims since 1996. today i use a combination of three different sims on a full cockpit display with wraparound HD visuals. these sims are highly realistic and effective. on my first real flight lesson i did everything from taxi,takeoff,flight,power off stalls and landing. my flight instructor was amazed and asked me were i learned to fly like that. when i told him i had taught myyself on a sim he was amazed.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

That’s awesome!

[@ptron100]

Sean and Mike. Thank you so much for answering my question. It’s such a joy to listen to you two on KZbin. Please continue to produce pleasurable and educational content. I’m going to buy gears for MSFS to practice now

[@carlosgalan5481]

Hey what kind of gear did you end up going with ?

[@adrianquintela8046]

Regarding ForeFlight and Garmin connectivity, I have a Garmin GNX375 WAAS GPS with ADS-B in/out. The GNX375 connects with Bluetooth to my iPad and iPhone running ForeFlight. Flight plans and updates in the GNX375 are sent automatically to ForeFlight without any additional hardware or software required. It’s pretty awesome! It’s not G1000 PFD/MFD awesome. But it doesn’t cost anywhere near as much either.

[@halkosik6109]

I’m just starting my flight training but here’s a few ways I plan on using MS Flight Sim to help: 1) Navigating. When it comes time to do cross countries I can use MSFS to pre-run my trip. Look for things I can follow, landmarks, power lines, timing, that sort of thing. 2) Radio Coms. You can talk on the radio in MSFS just like you’re in a real plane. 3) Checklists. MSFS has built in checklists for preflight all the way through parking the plane. Starting to memorize these checklists will be much easier, and I’ll know where everything is. 4) knowing the “limits” of the airplane. Starting to get a feel for what big mistakes can be made and what the result is without having my life on the line.

[@joshua_jfly]

I’m an ATP student working on my PPl (Solo training). I have Microsoft flight sim 2020 on my Xbox series S, with a turtle beach velocity one control yoke system. Amazing setup and all you really need. I use it for maneuvers, checklist, emergency memory items, traffic pattern work, everything (Cessna 172 G1000). It’s Identical to our planes

[@Harlanb2002]

Since I run Linux on my computers at home, I'm getting started with FlightGear. FG also runs on other platforms. Once you get some of the settings sorted out, it appears to run quite well. I'm not sure about integration with Garmin or ForeFlight since I don't have either. FG seems to be a good alternative for those of us with less money available or really old computers. The computer in running this on is 11 years old, still going.

[@connorlease9545]

I got the whole turtle beach sim set up on my series s Xbox and it works great! I’m currently a student pilot and it’s helped me a lot

[@JKPilot]

Hi fellas….great podcast as usual. I’m in Australia and late last year (2022), I invested in a new computer, a new VR headset (HP Rverb G2), a secondhand Honeycomb Alpha yoke, Bravo throttle quadrant, and some rudder pedals, and purchased MSFS2020. I decided to do this because I’ve decided to get CPL…etc, after last flying in 1997 (you read that right…I’m 53). Once I installed the sim, and set everything up, I jumped into a 172 in VR, and I was blown away! It looked exactly as I remember it in real life. It is a very realistic experience. The downside of VR of course is the fumbling for switches and dials…etc, and I will eventually convert/combine my experiences with Tobii Eye Tracker 5 or similar, to really raise the experience. Regarding motion, I find it interesting that the brain can be tricked so easily; in IFR, real and simulated with foggles…etc, you can’t see outside, but you feel it, and in VR, you get the exact opposite, with your brain interpreting what you’re seeing, which conflicts with the lack of physical movement. Keep it up.

[@farmertech51]

I just started my training a couple of months ago. like most people, funds are hard to come by so I don't get to fly every week. But I train at home on my MSFS with yoke and VR 2 or 3 times a week, I study and learn how to do stuff and build muscle memory. Love MSFS.

[@GeoTactics]

Same here... been on my bucket list. Cost is out of reach at the moment. But would love to get a pilot lesson some day.

[@cbinette100]

SimBrief is the site most simmers use to flight plan if they aren't paying for ForeFlight. Also even if the plane you're going to be training in isn't on the stock game there very well could be a downloadable addon either for free or paid, of the plane you'll be flying. You can also simulate certain failures if you want to practice that stuff. MSFS has so many upsides that it's hard to argue against trying it.

[@antonvayner3713]

This video and the comments have convinced me to put together a sim set up before starting my PPL training. Which one to get? Xplane or MSFS

[@reeltrides911S]

Great channel guys. I’m a Commercially IFR Multi rated pilot and use to fly Turbo props for a 135 back in the day. I recently got my medical back after 20 years off working at Boeing in management. Now I am using MSFS 2020 to learn G1000 and the RNAV GPS approaches and other manuvers to get my currency back in a real plane and hope to fly SIC for 91 owners. I have the Logitech Yoke Throttle and pedals and it works great. I also have a seaplane rating and flying the float planes as well. Pretty realistic and a great way to save money before the real plane. Documenting this on my channel. Cheers

[@jeffmeltzer1484]

Yes, X Plane also does VR. They call it X Plane because all the aerodynamic math is accurate for the airplane design down to the drag from rivets. Much more accurate than Micro-Soft. FYI

[@larrysouthern5098]

The modern flight Sims are a great help in learning...but you still should go get some dual in a real bird... 🐦

[@AshleyWincer]

I sync Garmin Pilot with MSFS2020 and it works perfectly, just like it does in real life. It is fantastic..

[@JD83734]

What yoke, rudder, throttle should I get for general use? Nothing too expensive but not useless either

[@rotol]

I owned Microsoft Flight Simulator since the 1995 version. And the X Plane from the 8th edition. Both are great. I consider Xplane to be the best for IFR practice and Microsoft FS for VFR specially the new one uses real world maps for terrain witch aids for VFR cross country checkpoints. Well worth investment

[@topofthegreen]

Flight simulator 2020 is amazing, I can see my house! The downside is it’s only a game, and the flight dynamics are off, so training aid , I say maybe, I noticed takeoff performances reduced on hot day, so they are getting better. I love the TBM as my favorite. I have ForeFlight running with the sim and am getting pretty proficient at using ForeFlight. I will say the helicopter fligh dynamics in fs2020 are horible.

[@sobo679]

Is Foreflight available on Android?

[@paulmontello6074]

No

[@bartoszskowronski]

Xplane firstly was created because owner Austin Mayer, fail Instrument currency check and in Microsoft Flight Simulator don't had his plane. So he created flight simulator for himself. He didn't know how to program flight model for plane form '60s. So he create "generic" physics model, to interact with "3D" model of his airplane. after that he seen that everything can be put in his simulator and will be behave really close to reality. so that is a little of history, Xplane form mathematical unknown "x". And still today physics model have the same core. Any upgrade of flight model for ex: Cessna 172, change flight model of every plane in game, old/new/in the future. Because correction is not on plane level but physics engine. To make simulation better there is two ways: more accurate with reality physics model and better "3D model" of every plane. And this is biggest/strongest part of Xplane. On that game are created certified simulators/training device, with writing flight time allowed. (check Gleim Aviation) Xplane is close for driving levelD simulators. (as Owner says, the main problem they have are micro-studders in multi projectors setups)

[@Klayborn1]

Xplane has capability to be used for real training.

[@charlesprenaveau4969]

The best sim really depends on what you want to do. The best sim for graphics: Microsoft flight simulator The best sim for realism: Prepar3D The middle: Xplane

[@g-sailing4427]

Xplane for heli’s flight characteristics!

[@FrapachinoPlz]

Let me start a war MSFS is better than X PLANE !!!!