After putting together a PC setup robust enough to run Flight Sim X well, we loaded the program on a PC connected to a Hot Seat Flight Sim chassis (see "Pilot Products," November 2006 AOPA Flight Training), with yoke, pedals, and throttle console. Upon initialization, that huge terrain database takes a while to load, but subsequent changes took less time. In the background, you see ships moving in the harbor, and cars on the roads--if you have time to look out the window. The automatic scenery-generating feature ("autogen") makes sure vegetation matches the region and type of terrain over which you're flying. Yep, the detail is nothing short of amazing, but the frame rate can lag on all but the most optimized machines. Pay attention to the system requirements for performance. But how does it fly?
Fidelity seems at least as good as Flight Sim 2004, which means that as far as instrument panel realism and basic flight characteristics are concerned, it works and looks like the aircraft it represents. As far as a procedures trainer, instrument proficiency tool, and means of fun escape on a bad weather day, Flight Sim X does the job well.
There are dozens of missions to choose from; you can even collect rewards or trophies for your efforts. The program models the Red Bull Racing pylon course, as well as more realistic challenges such as airline trips and backcountry flights. An enhanced air traffic control function in the Deluxe version allows you to play tower controller; both versions allow users in multiplayer mode (in which you fly with other users via the Internet) to serve as ATC for other players.
Price: $49.95 (standard edition) and $69.95 (deluxe edition, which includes additional aircraft and Garmin G-1000 glass cockpits in three aircraft). For more information: www.microsoft.com/games/pc/flightsimulatorx.aspx
If you're learning to fly in a Symphony two-place aircraft, be advised that there's a student pilot kit developed just for you. The Symphony Student Pilot Kit, available from Aviation Supplies and Academics, is based on ASA's Private Pilot Virtual Test Prep DVD course and The Complete Private Pilot Syllabus. It includes Bob Gardner's The Complete Private Pilot as the primary textbook, as well as ASA's Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual and Private Pilot Test Prep books. Finally, the kit comes with the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards, Private Oral Exam Guide, and Visualized Flight Maneuvers for High-Wing Aircraft, as well as a fiberboard E6-B flight computer, an Ultimate Rotating Plotter, and a standard pilot logbook. All materials are packaged in an ASA tote. --Jill W. Tallman
Price: $249. For more information: 800/426-8338; www.asa2fly.com
You need to have basic instrument fluency in a G1000-equipped airplane in order to get the most out of the program, which makes an excellent addition to a flight instructor's library and continuing education on advanced avionics.
Each volume runs two hours (four hours total); when tested, this program loaded much faster than Flying IFR Like a Pro. You can pause, reverse, and fast-forward the presentation as you wish.
Price: $160 for the two-CD set. For more information: 310/966-7655; www.flyinglikethepros.com
The in-flight footage features several flights that Collins conducted in a Garmin G1000-equipped Cessna 182. He flies several approaches in clear weather to illustrate how flying exactly on published courses is of critical importance because of the terrain and obstructions. He also uses a portable GPS with terrain awareness depiction to show how this kind of device can become a valuable tool in helping you to avoid the terrain. Visual approaches and departures are also discussed and flown.
"Margins vanish in the mountains," says Collins. And that's probably the most important thing to remember when flying in the high country--east or west. The DVD makes an excellent addition to your training, no matter what part of the country you fly in.
Price: $25. For more information: 800/776-7897; www.sportys.com