Cessna Skylane (C182S) near San Antonio

With each new version of Microsoft Flight Simulator, we seem to get a step closer to reality. There is no doubt in my mind that using Flight Simulator will help you in your primary and instrument flight training. Some of the most significant benefits include:

A thorough understanding of primary instruments - when I took my "Discovery" flight at the local airport, the Cessna 172 I flew in had a cockpit that was - for the most part - already familiar to me. I knew what an attitude indicator and directional gyro was, etc.

Understanding flight navigation - it's easy to learn how VORs, NDBs and GPS systems work to help you fly from point A to point B. For IFR flying, the inclusion of ATC support for instrument approaches makes practicing the approach before your real flight a good "dry run" of what to expect.

Understanding flight dynamics - adding a yoke control and rudder pedals can provide enhanced realism when controlling airplanes in Flight Simulator 2004. You can learn, the hard way, that diving for the runway rarely results in a good landing because of the all too true concept of trading altitude for airspeed...the airspeed you get to contemplate as you float down the last thousand feet of runway trying to slow down! The concepts you learn are important ones, especially during your primary flight training.

Take time to explore the new "Learning Center" in Flight Simulator 2004, where you'll find a wealth of information. You can learn about the history of flight, take flight lessons with Rod Machado and watch some instructional videos by the dynamic duo of flight training - John and Martha King. I hope you've enjoyed this quick review of some of Flight Simulator 2004's new features. Please let me know what you think and share your own experiences with flight simulator programs!

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