What is flight simulation? It is reproducing the experience of flying an aeroplane artificially - usually on your computer. The best simulators fly like the real thing, react like the real thing and meet situations like the real thing.
Flight simulation is used for a variety of reasons, including flight training (mainly of pilots), for the design and development of the aircraft itself, and for research into aircraft characteristics, control handling qualities, and so forth.
Dependent on their ultimate use, flight sims vary in design and complexity. Some can be run on a PC, others are used in carefully constructed cockpit reconstructions. In fact they are now considered part and parcel of pilot training facilities.
This article will purely deal with computer-based systems for leisure use.
A newbies guide to flight simulation software.
Want to understand what it's like to be a pilot? Then use PC-based simulation software - but have a lot of fun too into the bargain. Then you will really understand what it means to be a pilot!
Once upon a time you experienced such simulation in 2-dimensional, monochromed, limited radius situations. Today the situation is entirely different with an amazing variation of scenarios and conditions - almost as good as real life!
How realistic are current flight simulators?
In short - very realistic - given the constraints of sitting in a room with a computer in front of you!
A real-world pilot can now practise a simulated flight he's planning to make in the real world using accurate representations of departure and destination airports, flying over scenery that is developed from actual photographs of what's on the ground, navigating with navigation aids in their real-world positions, and flying in real-time weather conditions which are applicable to the flight route. Indeed, many pilots do just this.
As an indication of the realism, it must be said that not only are many pilots now involved in flight simulation development, it's also true that a lot of aircraft captains themselves testify to the uncanny resemblance some of them bear to their real-life experiences.
Want to have the experience of flying a plane without the cost (or the risk)? Then flight simulation is for you! In flight simulation the real-world environment is reproduced on your computer. You meet real-world situations (including emergencies), you meet real-world weather conditions, and you almost feel you are flying a plane in the real-world.
Flight simulation is used for a variety of reasons, including flight training (mainly of pilots), for the design and development of the aircraft itself, and for research into aircraft characteristics, control handling qualities, and so forth.
Flight simulators come in various "flavors" and degrees of complexity depending on their ultimate use. They can be run on your computer, or in a realistic 'mock up' of a real cockpit. In this article we are going to focus on PC based systems used mainly for amusement.
A beginner's guide to flight simulation on your PC
Flying on your home computer using flight simulation (FS) software is accessible, rewarding, great fun and can substantially improve your understanding of real-world aviation.
Once upon a time you experienced flight simulation in 2-dimensional, monochromed, limited radius situations. Today the situation is entirely different with an amazing variation of scenarios and conditions - almost as good as real life!
Are flight simulators realistic?
In short - very realistic - given the constraints of sitting in a room with a computer in front of you!
A real-world pilot can now practise a simulated flight he's planning to make in the real world using accurate representations of departure and destination airports, flying over scenery that is developed from actual photographs of what's on the ground, navigating with navigation aids in their real-world positions, and flying in real-time weather conditions which are applicable to the flight route. Indeed, many pilots do just this.
As an indication of the realism, it must be said that not only are many pilots now involved in flight simulation development, it's also true that a lot of aircraft captains themselves testify to the uncanny resemblance some of them bear to their real-life experiences.