Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Researching Cessna Flight Simulators? Tip's on What to Look For

The best Cessna flight simulators are the ones that give you the most realistic flight experience possible. With that said, you want one that is used by professional flight schools or darn well good enough to be used by them. With the modern advances in simulation technology you should expect nothing less than one that is very realistic. So, Are good Cessna flight simulators just a mere video game? Oh heck no it is not!
A flight Sim is more than just a game. They are often used by real pilots to keep them on his or her "A" game, also someone that has never flew before could train on a Cessna simulator and take those skills learned and use them in flying a real Cessna aircraft. After all it's not a true flight simulator if it's not realistic.
Here are a few things it should train on
Introduction to Flight Training - Introduction to Airplanes and Engines - The Effect and Use of Controls - Ground Operations - Basic Flight Maneuvers - Airport Traffic Patterns and Operations - Takeoffs and Departure Climbs - Landing Approaches and Landings - Faulty Approaches and Landings - Proficiency Flight Maneuvers - Cross-Country Flying - Emergency Flight By Reference to Instruments - Night Flying - Seaplane Operations - Transition to Other Airplanes - Principles of Flight and Performance Characteristics
Here's a good Cessna flight simulator capabilities.
It should be a precise replicate of an actual Cessna's instrument panel and each panel instrument should respond to both control inputs, allowing the user to have full control over ALL I repeat all the controls Simulated weather conditions and fight aerodynamics. A great combination of these elements will provide for a very realistic flight experience.
A Cessna simulator should also simulate various weather conditions. It can simulate how your aircraft would perform in various weather phenomena, such as wind, rain, snow, fog, subzero temperatures, extremely humid temperatures, and even turbulence.
-Control movements and Navigation equipment
Communications equipment, Lighting Fuel management and engine management. Electrical systems and Accurately recreated systems failure. A Cessna flight simulator should be like having a cockpit right at you desk, giving you total control over ever knob and switch in the pit. You will become so immersed in it that it will be like flying a real plane.
So as a cheaper alternative to paying for flying lessons it will allow you to virtually fly all over the world including landmarks. With that said the flight simulator should have thousands of realistic full scenery airports with accurate lighting.
All the things I mentioned above are things to take into consideration when looking for a good Cessna flight Sim. And keep in mind its all about what you are looking to get from your flight experience. Make sure to find one that tailor fits your wants,desires and passions.
After doing quite a bit a research I have found one which I can personally recommend, and can tell you that it is the most realistic flight simulator on the market, out performing other Cessna simulators I believe this one is a winner and I can guarantee it will be the closest you will get to a Real Life Flying experience without actually leaving your house.
If you are really looking for the the best flying experience with out having to leave your house, than this free report will show you how you can get access to the most stunningly realistic plane simulators ever created and help you to discover "real flying" with Cessna Simulators.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5846207

The Best Flight Simulator Computer Game

The Realism of Flight Simulation
Lately I have been posting an awful lot of business stuff and it seems I have been neglecting my EzineArticles account for a few months now. I thought today I would write about something more fun and compelling, as opposed to the same old boring business jargon. I decided to write about flight simulation and which games I prefer that provide the most realistic flight simulation experience.
You will find several different types of flight simulation games, some are designed for just 1 or 2 specific aircrafts, some are online games, some don't need to be online, and others provide their own equipment and use separate gaming technology that does not run on your PC.
I prefer computer flight simulator games. The things to look for in a flight sim game include things like feature support... It is not a good game if it does not support your pedals and yoke equipment. Games that don't adapt professional equipment usually aren't worth the money in the long run, and usually are much more limited. Do you want a game you will master too quickly that only features a couple of aircrafts? Chances are not, so it is definitely better to have a flight sim with hundreds of real aircrafts to choose from.
Are you looking for a fake sim game just to have fun? Or do you want a simulator based on real life terrain, with tens of thousands of real airports, and which offers you the ability to change all weather settings and make the game as realistic as possible? I would say it's the latter for me. If you are interested in a realistic game I suggest you keep reading.
I was informed about "Pro Flight Simulator" by a good friend of mine. He recommended the game not only for it's 120+ aircrafts, 20,000 airports, 3 bonuses including a combat game, scenery designer and flight planner. He also recommended it because you can add your own custom graphics!
The graphics in the game are open source, it does come with great graphics, but if you are an artist and/or photoshopper this really comes in handy, as you can virtually replace whatever graphics you want with your own better ones. Thus completely customizing the game.
Some features I really enjoy myself regarding "ProFlight Simulator"
  • Awesome Helicopter selection.
  • Old and new Aircrafts.
  • Military Jets.
  • World wide scenery, fly over your own house.
  • Realistic controls, night lighting, full weather conditions, extremely accurate schools.
  • ProFlight Simulator is used in professional flight training.
  • Support all kinds of equipment, like yoke, foot pedals, throttle, and most everything else.
  • Full support for Windows and Mac systems.
  • Thriving community. Since the game is open source, it's always being upgraded. Free updates are provided with a one time subscription payment at a reasonable price for all that you get.
  • This is the only flight simulator you need.
  • 3D Cockpit views.
  • Real time Integration with Google Maps.
  • Scenery based on Actual Military Data.
  • Multiplayer (up to 32).
  • Flight combat bonus.

Just to name a few of the best features. This already beats out any other flight simulator I've tried, including the pain in the butt Microsoft Simulator, which after years of development should be a better game but is not. Similar to the security of their operating systems. Not to say I don't like Microsoft, I am just very critical, when I found ProFlight I simply came to realize that there were better games out there and that I had been a bit blinded by Microsoft since it was one of the first major simulators.
By now it should be fairly obvious why I chose to review ProFlight Simulator. I have had the game for a month, I'm still having fun just toying with aircrafts. The game is years and years of entertainment, a learning resource, fun, strategic, and more.
All the things I was looking for in a flight sim game covered in one piece of software and a few bonuses that come with it. Realism, educational value, customization, joystick, yoke, peddle and throttle support. Flight training. A huge selection of aircrafts, jets, planes, helicopters, military, and various types of them. Over 150 aircraft... Combat, scenery design, and flight planning.
This concludes my review, so now you know what I will say if anyone asks me what the most realistic flight simulation computer game is.
Check out my official ProFlight Simulator Review to find out even more and download the software.
Rod MacCallum


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5458475

The Guide To Modern Flight Training With Flight Simulator Games

Frequently figured as the most technologically advanced video game system, flight simulators enable future and present pilots and cabin crews to practice real flight experience in a variety of different circumstances without ever having to leave the ground. It attempts to bring a realistic flight encounter in with a simulating aircraft.
Because pilots can experience a whole variety of unusual emergency situations while in the zone, various types of flight simulators are usually used in order to help them practice flying and successfully avoid life threatening situations. When pilots enter into a simulator, they get the experience of what it is actually like to enter into a real life-size cockpit complete with visual systems that represent the outside world and everything that pilots would normally find in a real flight. As flight technology continuous to develop robotic sensors and actuators, modern flight simulators demonstrate more accuracy, credibility and genuine lifelike speed.
A modern flight sim, which supports wide-ranging features of an aircraft or its peripherals, and which illustrates lifelike external environmental facets, guarantees a comprehensive simulation interface for superior quality training. The ability of the latest software and hardware tools to integrate in a simulation system all the necessary components produces an effective training experience and advances dependable knowledge and skill.
Working with a simulator proffers significant convenience of reducing actual exposure to risks and outdoing the threats of weather and air traffic situations. Though prices of fuel and other petroleum products continue to rocket, modern flight simulators pose further advantage in having a fuel-free operation.
Not only does operating a simulated aircraft reduce the operating expense, modern flight simulator offers inexpensive strategic training that proposes a realistic experience of what it actually feels to fly the same type of aircraft. Trainees and pilots need not run through several aircraft to learn and master the technical procedure of individual systems because with the capability of a flight simulator to emulate numerous flight situations, they are able to achieve equivalent level of expertise.
The three most common types of simulators are the Part-Task Trainers (PTT), Cockpit Procedures Trainers (CPT), and the Full Flight Simulators (FFS). The PTT simulator is the most basic which mainly helps the pilots familiarize themselves with the aircraft system while the CPT is used to for practice drills and checks. However, the FFS is the most advanced type of simulator which is used to give the pilot the real-life flight experience without ever having to leave the ground.
Announcing: The *MOST REALISTIC* flight simulator game for Windows and Mac.
Click the link to visit ProFlightSimulator below:
- combat flight simulator
ProFlightSimulator features over 120+ aircrafts to fly and 20,000 real life airports with 100% freedom to explore!
Take to the skies with the most realistic flight sim today!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5345753

Flight Simulator Joystick

What is a flight simulator joystick?
It has many uses for example training of pilots making aircrafts and also in the entertainment world. Flight simulator can give an exciting experience on currently available hardware and other hard wares to come in the future. It has stimulated hardware developers to keep inventing more modern devices to use on modern hard wares.
The component hardware to use on a flight sim may depend on a number of factors including the kind of a hardware that you are using; of course if your hardware is better you get a better experience with your simulator.
A flight simulator is an input device with a stick that can be attached to the base of hardware in such a way that it can swivel or rotate around. It can be used in many ways for example training pilots, developing aircrafts or in the world of entertainment especially games where flight sim controls the movement of the characters in the game.
How the simulator fits to your hardware is an important factor. It should rotate freely in such a way that it make 360 degrees, the grip should therefore not be too firm that the simulator cannot move freely. If it's too loose it might not give a good result because it will jiggle around. It should be attached in such a way that t it allows you to operate from any side for example from left or right.
Adding other devices to your simulator joystick so that it is more convenient to use is an easy task that you can undertake on your own. Some of the things that you can add include a pedal which makes the experience more interesting. Another feature could be a hat switch which allows you to change the player's views and look around the world of your flight simulator.
When using it in an aircraft you may need hardware to control your aircraft in flight simulator joystick. There are many types of controllers available in the markets today. If you of the type of a controller to use you can visit a computer shop and try the various types so that you can choose the one that will suit you. The various types include the mouse and the keyboard, game pads, simple joysticks and rudder pedals.
The functioning of the flight simulator joystick depends on the Central Processing Unit of your computer because the CPU is main section that deals processing, it could slow or fast depending on the type of your hardware. The images could also vary also depending on your computer. Some computers which are however highly customized for games will allow better performance of your flight simulator.
With the current improvement in technology and high innovation power in the modern times the simulators have been improved from time to time to attain the modern flight simulators which give you a great and enjoyable experience. The latest flight simulator joystick is of course the best.
For more information about flight simulator joystick and other Flight Sim Hardware and the best Software please visit http://bestflightsimulatorsoftware.com/flight-simulator-joystick/


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5195306

Looking For the Best Flight Simulator? Here's What You Should Look Out For

The best flight simulator should not only offer you a realistic flying experience but should teach you how to actually fly a plane right? That's if you are serious about the flight simulation and want more than just entertainment. So before you got out and buy flight simulation software, since there is a lot of stuff out there, make sure you keep in mind the following 5 points.
1. What are the system requirements of the flight sim download?
You must check your OS against the system requirements of the flight sims software. If you can try to check reviews on the product to see what problems other people were having with the particular air plane game they purchased, then do. You will soon get a good idea of how the game functioned on different personal computers.
2. Does the software allow for flight simulator yokes and other accessories to be plugged in via a USB point?
If you really want to simulate flying, then you might as well get away from the keyboard. Eventually you will want to consider getting some flight simulator hardware, so make sure your download accommodates these extras.
3. Can you go online and play against or with other members of the software?
This is an increasingly popular option so make sure that your software has the option of going online and fighting or playing with other flight simulator "pilots" out there.
4. Are the flight SIM controls identical to a real aircraft?
If you are just in this for entertainment then you don't need to concern yourself with this, but if you really want to fly or to take your flying skills to a new level, then research to find a full motion flight simulator that mimics the real thing. Once again reviews by real pilots of certain PC flight simulators will give you a great indication if the software passes this test or not.
5. Is there a full customization option of aircrafts and in flight conditions?
To continually challenge yourself and improve on the flying skills you are going to have to learn how to fly in different conditions and in various aircrafts. Make sure that the game is not just a pre loaded game with a set number of games, but that you can set and plan an adventure for the flight.
Remember that the most sophisticated software for graphics is not necessarily the best flight simulator.
Look for a combination of both a realistic flight sim as well as those that model real life flying.
Click here for reviews and information on online flight simulator software.
onlineflightsimulator.net


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3444794

Real Flight Simulator - Just A Game Or A Serious Learning Tool?

For a significant segment of the flight simulator user population, the use of a real flight simulator is strictly for entertainment purposes. For them, you "play" a simulator as you would play any other video game. But for active members of the aviation community, the use of flight simulation software is more than just a video game. It is a learning tool. It is a tool to help them learning how to fly, learn to improve or refine their existing skills, to maintain their proficiency as pilots, or to help them take their aviation skills to the next level.
In the early days of computers, flight simulators were rudimentary programs, which at best were able to simulate the basic fundamentals of flight aerodynamics and instrumentation. But as software technology has evolved, so has the technology that drives the development of flight simulation software. Faster microprocessors, more sophisticated graphics cards, the use of USB flight controls that simulate the yoke, instrument panel, and rudder pedals, and the ability to download real-time weather and airport data from the Internet into the simulator database, have all contributed to the evolution of real flight simulator technology, making the experience all the more realistic.
In fact, some flight simulation software programs are so true to life in their depiction of the actual air craft piloting experience that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has even approved the use of certain simulator programs to earn credit toward the pursuit of an actual pilot's license and other advanced pilot ratings. This works to the student pilot's advantage in a number of ways:

  • Practicing flight maneuvers in a simulator is a lot less expensive than actually renting an aircraft to fly. Once you buy the simulator software, it is yours to use over and over again, an unlimited number of times. You don't have to pay for the consumption of fuel. You don't have to pay any aircraft rental fees. If you are going to be using the simulator alone, you don't even need to pay for an instructor to sit alongside you.
  • Practicing flight maneuvers in a simulator saves you a considerable amount of time, since you don't have to wait for the weather to cooperate, for an airplane and an instructor to become available, and you don't have to use up time preflighting the air craft. In fact, if you are looking to practice only certain maneuvers, then you can even program a simulator to start your session in mid-flight, rather than by taking off from the ground, thus saving you several minutes. Plus you can always pause, rewind, and replay a flight, for later study and review.
  • You can spend more time practicing maneuvers and reviewing certain concepts over and over again in your spare time, above and beyond the time spent in the actual cockpit of a real airplane. If you only fly once or twice a week in a real aircraft, for example, then you can get even more practice and become even more proficient, by practicing with a simulator program during your spare time in between actual flights.
  • You never have to worry about getting out of practice due to downtime in between flights due to the weather, due to scheduling conflicts, due to lack of fitness for flight, or due to budgetary constraints, or any other reason that might keep you from being able to actually going flying.

In fact, many pilots can attest to the fact that controlling a flight simulator is identical to piloting a real air craft. So, while for some people, a simulator is just a game, for many others, it serves as an actual learning tool to help you become a proficient pilot.
Download your very own real flight simulator software today.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6099815

Is Microsoft's Flight Simulator a Simulation or a Game?

If we ask the dictionary what a simulator is it will tell us that it is "any device or system that simulates specific conditions or the characteristics of a real process for the purposes of research or operator training". A game is defined as "an amusement or pastime diversion or a contest with rules, where the result is determined by skill, strength, or chance". Using these definitions, we'll try to answer our opening question.
Microsoft's flight simulator program is used by many flight schools to teach the basic principles of flight. It also uses the simulator to familiarize the student with the various instruments and operations of an aircraft. It even allows them to learn how to communicate with air traffic controllers and create flight plans. Even though they are flying an airplane on their computer screen, they are simulating a real process. And it's this real process that makes learning to fly at your computer a simulator.
Some people take their flight simulation very seriously. It's these people who are looking for an "as close to real" experience. These people don't see it as a game mainly because there is no "chance" involved. The results of their experience will definitely depend on their skill, their knowledge and their ability to follow the rules of flight. This also means following the rules of the road, so to speak, from an air traffic controller.
Another reason why these people don't see Fight Simulator as a game is because there's no opponent. Whether they are flying a predefined mission or have created their own mission, they are usually flying solo. Their enjoyment level is most often defined by how well they fly the flight simulator and achieve the goals of their mission.
Many computer games require more than one player. In the early days of Microsoft Simulator, it was difficult to fly with someone else in multiplayer mode because the Internet was so slow. Dial-up connections weren't fast enough to provide a realistic experience. Today, with high-speed Internet, multiplayer mode can be more easily achieved. 1, 2, 3 or even more desktop pilots can get together and do a fly-in. One of the participants can act as the air traffic controller at a specified airport and manage or marshall all the other participants about safely. It's really kind of cool! And, it's as close as it gets to being a game because there are multiple participants. However, these participants aren't playing against each other. Rather, they are working individually to achieve a collective success.
And now, let's take a look from the gaming point of view.
For some, flight simulator is an amusement or pastime diversion. I can't count the number of days I would be working at my desk and have the flight simulator flying from airport to airport. I would create a flight plan, verify the flight plan with ATC, follow the ATC instructions to take off and then put the plane on autopilot. Every once in a while, just like in the real commercial airline business, I would make flight adjustments and radio frequency changes to keep the flight on course. ATC would advise me to start the aircraft descent as we approached our destination airport. By following the headings and altitude requests from ATC, I would land at the airport and taxi to the gate. If time permitted, I would make a new flight plan and do it all over again. So for me, it was a diversion from my day-to-day work and it amused and occupied me. It was great fun!
Gamesmanship is defined as the "art of winning games or defeating opponents by clever or cunning practices without actually cheating". As a gamer, flight simulator doesn't offer opponents to challenge. You are actually challenging yourself more than others. However, from a gaming point of view, you can do things over and over and not pay the price of actually crashing an airplane. When it comes to the laws of aerodynamics there is little forgiveness. If your plane is not flying, then it's like any other object that will eventually succumb to the law of gravity. And, it's much less expensive crashing a computer model than the real thing.
As for clever or cunning practices, flight simulator does allow the user to practice and refine their flying technique. Like any other skill, the more practice time you put in, the better you will become at that skill. The more time you put in on takeoffs and landings the more proficient you will become. That's why pilots in training do circuit after circuit practicing their takeoffs and landings.
I believe that flight simulation software is not a game. There are no real opponents and "chance" is not involved. In fact, it is the "as real as can be" experience that makes flight simulator so enjoyable for me. I remember when a new version was released that added jetway movement. It was so cool because when you landed and pulled up to the gate you could use a keystroke to have the jetway move to the door of the plane. It was such a simple thing and yet it was so cool.
Thanks to the Oxford dictionary for providing the definitions for today's article.
This article was written by David Browne who is an 'armchair' Flight Simulator enthusiast. His website http://www.playflightsimulator.com/ is a resource for people like himself to learn more about the current options for Computer Flight Simulator programs.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5946206