Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3
Adding to its impressive series of realistic airpower simulation games, Microsoft recently debuted its Combat Flight Simulator 3 (CFS3) software for IBM-compatible personal computers. From the "volumetric" clouds (which is computer-speak for "really puffy-looking" and "you can't see the enemy through them") to user-created campaigns, CFS3 allows the deskbound pilot to enter a new realm.
CFS3 returns to World War II's European theater, where players can enlist to fly in the U.S. Army Air Corps, the Royal Air Force, or the Luftwaffe, choosing from among 34 aircraft types - including the Gotha 229 and the Messerschmitt 262. Quick Combat and Missions modes allow you to jump into a single dogfight or join a historical mission. In the Campaign mode you can acquire skill and get promoted over time - and just like in real life, you only have access to the higher-performance aircraft as you build the experience.
CFS3 comes with rich supplemental material, making for a solid history lesson (or a trip down memory lane, depending on your vintage). If only social studies class were this much fun.
The software works on PCs running Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, and XP operating systems. For more system requirements, see the Web site below. One note: as with most high-end games, your computer's video card will determine the detail and effects that you are able to play.
Price: $54.95. For more information: www.microsoft.com/games/pc/
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Hold Short
A board game for pilots? Yes, and one that tests your knowledge whether you're a student or an airline transport pilot. Hold Short, developed by CAVU Companies, launches players on a flight around a game board based on an en route chart - one that you can change to feature your local sectional or terminal area chart.
Questions quiz pilots on air traffic control instructions, thunderstorms, altitude changes, and ramp checks by an FAA inspector. Depending on the answers given, pilots may need to "divert" to other airports or off-airway navaids. The game's duration is based on the distance between the departure and destination airports, selected by the players before the game begins.
Quick Start instructions intend get you into the game fast - but it really is necessary to review the expanded rules, which mimic the style of the federal aviation regulations but not their readability (or lack thereof).
The game offers similar complexities to those of a cross-country flight. Players alternate turns as inspectors and pilots of their own aircraft; as inspectors, players can make up questions about any regulation or reference from the Aeronautical Information Manual and interpret the answer at their discretion, much like a real-life inspector. If a player imposes the regs capriciously, of course, he may suffer the result when it's another player's turn to act as the inspector.
The game is a good way to liven up study sessions for all levels.
Price: $39.95. For more information: 800/464-3375; www.cavucompanies.com
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Icing for General Aviation Pilots
NASA, the FAA, and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation teamed up to produce a highly entertaining and informative 55-minute DVD presentation on icing. It will cure any misconceptions that GA pilots may have about the subject.
For example, do you think the regulations prohibit flight only in known icing conditions? A change to FAR 91.527 from "known" to "known or forecast" icing for large and turbopowered multiengine aircraft should give GA pilots some guidance on how the FAA views the subject. Can you tell the difference between tailplane stalls and wing stalls? It's important, because the recovery techniques are opposite.
Use of knowledgeable NASA Glenn Research Center pilots brings authority to the program's tips. Re-creation of an actual encounter with icing by an instructor and his student adds realism. It's not until near the end of the program that you realize the actor playing the role of the student is actually the pilot who experienced the severe icing incident. They made the right decision - namely, to land at the nearest airport. But as the video points out, that is not always the best or even necessary decision. This one will hold your attention and provide instruction that you'll remember. Sporty's Pilot Shop distributes the DVD.
Price: $5. For more information: 800/543-8633 or 513/735-9100;www.sportys.com/shoppilot
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Elite v8.0
Elite Simulation Solutions has released version 8.0 of its flight simulation software. The newest version features the Bendix/King KLN 94 GPS, which Elite said has been one of its customers' most-requested "wish list" items.
New aircraft module additions include the Socata TB10 Tobago and TB20 Trinidad, a high-resolution Piper Arrow IV, and a Cessna 182S. New navigation features include selectable Bendix/King Silver Crown and Silver Crown Plus avionics systems, updated U.S. navigation data, and updated GPS data for the Trimble, Apollo, and Bendix/King GPSs. Upgrades are also available for those with previous versions of the Elite software.
Price: $199, Core version (Cessna 172R only); $399 Pilot version (with nine piston single-engine airplane models); $399 Twin version (with Beech Baron 58 and Piper Seneca III). For more information: 800/557-7590; www.flyelite.com
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Kershner's The Flight Instructor's Manual
The fourth edition of William Kershner's The Flight Instructor's Manual continues to help aspiring certificated flight instructors build a solid foundation for themselves and their students. The manual has been updated to include recent task additions to the Practical Test Standards for commercial pilots: the 180-degree accuracy landing and the steep spiral.
The strength of Kershner's manual lies in its heavy emphasis on the basics, something he has found lacking in recent experience with today's instructors. Case in point: There is little reference to global positioning system (GPS) workings and procedures in the chapters on cross-country instruction. Instead, the fledgling instructor finds detailed information on pilotage and dead reckoning.
There is also a significant section on aerobatic instruction - since CFI confidence is based on being able to handle the training airplane in any attitude a student gins up, this section is worthwhile for every CFI.
Chapters on complex aircraft, multiengine instruction, and instrument training round out the manual, making for a robust reference. Coupled with the specific avionics tutorials for the aircraft you'll be training students in and whichever knowledge-test preparation materials you prefer, The Flight Instructor's Manual provides a solid course of instruction for the new CFI. Published by the Iowa State Press, the manual runs 480 pages.
Price: $39.99. For more information: 800/862-6657; www.iowastatepress.com
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