Flight Simulators

[HappiestSleeping]

Does anyone have any experience with flight simulators please?

I'm thinking of having a dabble, so any recommendations as to which one, basic equipment etc would be welcome. What are the differences between MSFS and X Plane. That sort of thing.

I'm thinking of a yoke, throttle quadrant and rudder pedals as a start point.

My son has msfs with some kit. I'll update post school if you haven't had much traffic, as I have zero expertise.

Have you tried the game with a basic controller just to see if you actually like it yet? If not I'd try that before shelling out on the physical equipment.

I had a friend spend nearly 3k on a full set up only to try it and find it very boring and never use it again.

Yes, I have. Admittedly, a long time ago. But I am learning to fly in real life, so there is an added dimension. I get what you mean though, I don't want to spend loads at this stage. From what I've seen, sub 1000 should give me a very reasonable start point.

I am hoping someone can tell me "don't buy these, they're rubbish", or "for an extra £20 you need this, it's way better. "

That sort of thing.

@HappiestSleeping

I am learning to fly in real life, so there is an added dimension.

Ah, good luck with all this, just be aware that PC level sims can be very very useful as procedures, nav and IF trainers but be careful of picking up what I'd call "sim habits" (especially around attitude flying, control handling, trimming etc) that might have to be unlearnt whenever you jump in a real machine....

As I'm sure you know something that really replicates anything close to proper aircraft handling is probably going to be outside most people's budgets...

Of course. It is more about getting familiar with where the buttons are than anything else, programming the FMS, working the autopilot, and getting used to the visual layout of the ground around the airfields I want to go to.

I am definitely not expecting the feel or behaviour of the actual flying bit to be anything other than an amusing time waster. A fun one mind you.

Blimey, since you've mentioned using FMS and autopilot I'm guessing you've got the basics squared away already and are going for this seriously..

Good Luck...

Thank you. I flew when I was younger, but never got as far as getting my PPL. Notwithstanding age, and the passage of time, I am hopeful of it being fairly straight forward if time consuming. Fortunately, I now have time available, and would like to get to IFR and night rating relatively quickly to be able to fly to the places I want to fly to. Multi engine would be useful, but a single turboprop will get me where I want to go.

Wouldn't even need a turboprop other than it shortens the journey time to be within bladder limits.

Sounds great,

Even a quite basic sim, as long as it has a decent database with all the navaids etc can be an absolute boon when it comes to the fun and games involved with the procedural IR.,.so having one sounds like a good plan.

ATB