Training and Safety

AOPA online resources for Microsoft Flight Simulator X

Welcome to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Web portal for the Microsoft Flight Simulator X community. AOPA is the largest and most influential aviation organization in the world; it was chartered in 1939 to keep general aviation fun, safe, accessible, and affordable. Just what is general aviation? Essentially, general aviation encompasses all aviation activity except for scheduled airlines and the military — an incredible four out of every five aircraft takeoffs in the United States each day. AOPA's membership of more than 412,000 pilots and aircraft owners includes nearly two-thirds of all U.S. pilots.

If you enjoy flying virtual aircraft in Flight Simulator, you may discover that flying real aircraft is equally rewarding. Are you ready to step up to that challenge, or just want to know more about what it takes? AOPA's Project Pilot program exists to help you accomplish that goal. Visit the Project Pilot pages to get started today!

What's new in Flight Simulator X? The deluxe version of the application introduces the Garmin G1000 integrated glass cockpit to Microsoft Flight Simulator. It's available in three of FSX's included aircraft: The Cessna 182, Mooney M20 Acclaim, and Beech G58 Baron.

• Read about the Garmin G1000-equipped Cessna T182T, an airplane similar to the Cessna 172 Skyhawk found in Flight Simulator X. You can also learn how the Cessna 172 is built.
• Find out about the brand-new Mooney M20 TN Acclaim, which replaces the M20M Bravo as Mooney's flagship airplane. Experience what it's like to fly the G1000-equipped Mooney M20R Ovation GX, similar to the M20M Bravo GX found in FSX.
• The twin-engine Beech Baron also offers the Garmin glass cockpit. The Baron cockpit is very similar to that in the Beech G36 Bonanza. Find out more about how Raytheon Aircraft builds the Beech Baron and Bonanza.
• More general information on making the transition to glass-cockpit aircraft is available here.

Read a welcome message from Rod Machado, the flight instructor in Flight Simulator. He's also a columnist for AOPA's world-class aviation magazines, AOPA Pilot and AOPA Flight Training.

We've gathered a variety of resources that we believe will help you get more out of your Microsoft Flight Simulator X experience.

Aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator X Other resources Learn to fly FREE AOPA Air Safety Foundation publications FREE AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Advisors AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online courses

Most of these articles are normally found only in the members-only section of AOPA Online, and they represent only a small sample of the vast array of information available to AOPA members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you find this type of information useful, or if you've decided that you're ready to take to the skies in a real airplane, click here and become a member of AOPA today!

Updated Friday, June 01, 2007 10:00:28 AM