Questions tagged [flight-simulator]
Flight simulators are ground-based devices designed to replicates aspects of aircraft flight. They can range from full-motion airline cockpit simulators to relatively simple PC software, and are often used for flight training.
2
votes
0answers
48 views
Compute great-circle track from longitude
The Aviation Formulary defines Clairut's formula to compute the intermediate track (bearing) for a GC based upon latitude, but any given GC (ignoring one passing through the poles), crosses a given ...
3
votes
2answers
158 views
What are the differences between PC and professional simulators?
It looks like there are a differences between the models used in the schools and the simulators you can run in a PC .
I'm curious to know the differences and price of both type of simulators.
I ...
11
votes
2answers
2k views
Does a large simulator bay have standard public address announcements?
We are simulating a "simulator bay" (with simulators) within a simulation and were wondering if there were any announcements made over the loudspeaker audible to people inside or outside the ...
0
votes
1answer
90 views
What does the orange colored text in a SkyVector route indicate?
If you use a pre-made route in skyvector.com, sometimes there will be orange text.
For example: from KIAD to KTPA with default cruise settings, the second route in the list will have DADES6 in orange....
4
votes
2answers
361 views
Can I log PIC instrument time in a sim without a current medical or flight review?
Just wondering if one is on land and in a simulator, if you need a current medical and flight review to train and log PIC time?
1
vote
1answer
199 views
Can an orienteering compass be used in place of a protractor?
First off, please forgive me if this is a stupid question.
I was given a protractor during flight training, learnt to use it and obviously works quite well.
However, I've started using my old maps ...
2
votes
1answer
171 views
First airplane to use a flight simulator?
Icarus, Pegasus, da Vinci's flying machine and Wright brothers airplane probably didn't have a flight simulator, since computer science was not yet developed enough (Antikythera ancient analogue ...
2
votes
1answer
125 views
Can a simulator (FFS) be used in place of a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) to meet the commercial experience requirements?
14 CFR 61.129(a)(3)(ii) lists the aeronautical experience requirements for a commercial certificate. It says:
(ii) 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered
airplane, or a ...
2
votes
2answers
203 views
Is the whole world's airspace covered by ATC? [closed]
I'm an enthusiast and have only flown flight/atc simulators (on the VATSIM network). Obviously sometimes the airspace you are flying in is not covered by any ATC (so I have to set my frequency to ...
1
vote
4answers
208 views
What would be a simple aerodynamics simulation software for a student? [closed]
I have a project due 2 weeks from now that demands we make a glider using Styrofoam. I'd like to simulate the results as I plan my glider before I build it.
Which simple software, which allows ...
4
votes
2answers
313 views
What is a “natural flight loop”?
I'm roughly (edit: very well) familiar with flight simulation, but recently I came across a new term. In this brochure (scroll to the second page) by Airbus about flight simulators, they talk about
...
2
votes
4answers
282 views
Can time spent in consumer flight simulators increase the safety of flying light sports aircraft for licensed pilots? [duplicate]
I've asked this question to my flight instructor, who believes flight simulators do a very poor job of modelling flight physics for very light airplanes, which makes them useless for preventing ...
3
votes
1answer
108 views
Vortex Lattice Method with eliptical panels
I implemented vortex lattice method (or deeper here) into my aircraft simulation program. The problem is that sometimes trailing vortex filaments from Horse Shoe Vortexes of main wing hits panels of ...
1
vote
3answers
401 views
Can a zero hour pilot actually launch a Bombardier Q400 with only simulator experience? [duplicate]
The thief of the Bombardier Q400 at SEATAC stated that he had a lot of simulator flying (I'm guessing like Flight Simulator for the PC?) Some "experts" stated that he must have had more than that to ...
2
votes
0answers
117 views
Is it allowed / legal to produce a Type Rating CBT without the manufacturer's permission?
Pelesys, Navcon, Flyco, CPAT Global - just to name a few companies - all provide and sell various aircraft Computer Based Training Programs.
Is it allowed / legal to program and sell products that ...
1
vote
1answer
565 views
Is the FlightGear sim accurate in 2018, specifically Cessna 172 aircraft? [closed]
So, I fly on FlightGear as I like the fact its free. But is it accurate enough to train to fly the real Cessna 172? Are there any better free flight sims? Please give your honest opinion and please ...
2
votes
1answer
216 views
Has anyone built a paragliding simulator?
I am searching for a manual on how to build a paragliding simulator, where you can practice controlling the paraglider. My idea of the project is that you sit in a paraglider seat and you can ...
3
votes
2answers
244 views
Why do light taildraggers swirl uncontrollably on runways in a simulator? [duplicate]
When a pilot chooses to run at a speed way above its takeoff speed on the runway in a simulator without taking off, the plane begins to skid and spins 360 uncontrollably around the yaw axis, what is ...
0
votes
2answers
90 views
What types of data can be extracted from a non-motion flight simulator?
What are the types of data that can be extracted from a non-motion flight simulator?
Based on the type of data I want to do:
A comparison study between flight simulator data and ground-based systems ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views
How should I read these climb and descent profile notations?
I use a tool called SimBrief to build virtual flight plans for a desktop flight simulator. As I've been getting more familiar with procedures, I've also been exploring more advanced settings in the ...
3
votes
3answers
404 views
How do one day simulator courses work?
There are companies such as this that offer one day full simulator experiences where you take several attempts at landing a 747 or something similar. Some people report success after a couple of ...
2
votes
2answers
307 views
Which simulator is appropriate to learn the minimum to land an airliner?
If one has zero flight training, but wants to learn the basics, so that they might be able to land an airbus in a Helios 522 type scenario (or any double pilot incapacitation for that matter), what ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
Why do pilots cut the reverse thrust below 40 km/h?
In a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 Boeing 747 landing tutorial, it was said to cut the reverse thrust after decelerating to 40 km/h.
What happens if that was ignored all the way to a complete stop? ...
34
votes
3answers
7k views
What's the appropriate course of action if an airliner bounces 5-10 feet on touchdown?
I regularly fly in a PC flight simulator, and I'm currently trying to refine landings in medium-to-large airliners in various weather conditions.
A problem I've faced in some conditions while flying ...
12
votes
3answers
4k views
Is center tank fuel required to start the 737-800 engines?
I have been doing some flights with the 737-800 and when there is no fuel in the center tank, the engines won't start. Is it like that in real life?
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Can I log simulated instrument time in a simulator as a CFII?
I started working as a flight instructor and have a couple of questions about logging sim time as a CFII:
If I fly a sim session with my student can I log the sim time as dual-given time?
If the sim ...
47
votes
9answers
10k views
Is this opinion on personal computer flight simulators too strict or is it actually true?
A couple of days ago I had a discussion with a commercial pilot and his opinion on personal computer flight simulators were a bit surprising to me.
He said that flight simulators, even with ...
1
vote
1answer
179 views
Are lessons available for FlightSim X? [closed]
I have Flight Simulator 2008, and there were some really good lessons for student pilots.
Are there flight lessons in FlightSim X, either part of the software, or available from external sites?
The ...
0
votes
4answers
939 views
How to calculate altitude in a flight simulation?
I guess altitude from sea level in the real aircraft is read from barometer, while for the altitude from ground a radar is used. For the purposes of very simple simulation, and assuming aircraft is on ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Why does X-Plane 11 show the SR-71 at 200 knots but Mach 3 at 80,000 ft?
So I noticed on X-Plane 11, the SR-71 reaches Mach 3 at 80000 feet, but the equivalent airspeed is only around 200 knots. What explains this difference between the mach number readout and the EAS ...
24
votes
4answers
6k views
Do airline transport pilot trainees ever fly a passenger-less aircraft?
Do airline transport pilot (ATP) trainees ever fly an empty aircraft? Consider the example where a pilot is under training to operate a 777. Would the pilot ever fly the real aircraft without any ...
31
votes
7answers
10k views
How can I avoid flight simulator software reinforcing bad habits?
While looking into getting into flying I've seen in several sources that using flight simulator software typically creates and reinforces bad habits. Most articles say that it reinforces "instrument" ...
6
votes
3answers
607 views
What happens if the pilot tries to do a loop in a full-motion simulator?
I know that full-motion simulators, typically used to train pilots on commercial aircraft, have limits to how much they can tilt. They can't go upside down, for example. What happens if the pilot goes ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I log simulator time in my logbook as a CFI?
I'm a CFII at a 141 flight school, and when I give instrument instruction in our AATD flight simulator I'm kind of confused on how to log it. Should I log "As Flight Instructor" time even though it's ...
30
votes
6answers
13k views
What simulation software do airlines use?
What simulation software do airlines use for training purposes? Do they use software like P3D, FSX, X-Plane, or FlightGear? Or is it a custom? What about aircraft? Do they source them from groups like ...
21
votes
2answers
5k views
How were pilots selected and trained before the introduction of simulators?
I wonder, how were the pilots selected and trained before simulators were introduced.
The simulators allowed to test the coordination and reaction time of candidates. And they allowed the students to ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
Why would a pilot want to land with less than full flaps?
So for example if I am flying the Boeing 737-800, the FMC gives me three flap settings and approach speeds.
Why would a pilot want to fly with anything less than full flaps where possible?
1
vote
1answer
593 views
Are there any simulators around to simulate ADS-B data (TIS-B & FIS-B)?
I am trying to find a simulator like the Spirent GPS Simulators. Are there any Simulators out there which can simulate and generate random traffic and weather information for TIS-B & FIS-B testing?...
2
votes
0answers
756 views
DIY switch panel [closed]
I'm looking to build a switch panel as a present for a friend who's found of flight simulation games.
The coding and interface to the computer is no issue, but I'm completely unaware of how an ...
6
votes
6answers
2k views
Is it really cost effective to put a motion system underneath a Full Flight Simulator?
Civil full flight simulators are mounted on top of a motion system. It is an expensive system, requires higher and therefore more costly buildings, and requires greater structural integrity of the ...
15
votes
3answers
1k views
Did any aircraft ever use stick twist for rudder control?
Did any aircraft ever use stick twist for rudder control like some joysticks for video game flight simulators?
6
votes
3answers
2k views
How to fly to an uncharted airport?
I'm learning X-Plane 11 and started to use an add-on called FS Economy.
One of its missions is to fly to small airports that I can't find on skyvector, so I'm unable to plan a direct flight.
I ...
0
votes
1answer
223 views
How do I use the GNS 620 Trainer provided by Garmin? [closed]
I downloaded the Trainer for the Garmin GNS 620 here.
I installed and now have a few programs. I can open the GNS 620, the touchscreen GPS and boot it up, plan a route and so on.
There's also a ...
4
votes
1answer
773 views
How to program an FMC if the database is missing the arrival airport?
Let's say you are in a 737 flying to Geita, Tanzania, as you can see this little airport/airstrip has an IATA code, but not an assigned ICAO code. What should you enter into the FMC if I want to fly ...
7
votes
1answer
307 views
When to disconnect the A/P on approach in an airliner?
I've looked at the other question asking about when to disconnect the AP on an airliner and I get that it's very situational depending on the pilot and conditions.
I've found I'm too reliant on the ...
1
vote
2answers
531 views
How to use wind currents for constant elevation in gliding?
I am using X-Plane learning some basics in aviation. Currently, I'm using the glider so I can focus on flying and not engines.
I've heard of gliders being able to catch drafts so as to keep ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Can Flight Simulators (FSX P3D) give you the expecience you need to fly a RW plane? [duplicate]
So I am flying on the sim for about 7 years now, which 3 years on the (PMDG) 777 and 737NG. Flying on the sims is almost like the real world right now, you can download multiple addons (PMDG, Aerosoft ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
Where can one buy old 737 parts? [closed]
I'm trying to build a home cockpit for the PMDG 737-800. I'm looking for some landing gear position indicator lights but I don't know where to get them from. I've tried ebay and amazon, but it ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
What are the (new?) FAR Part 141 rules for simulator hours for private pilots?
My son has started on his own at a Part 141 school in Vacaville CA that claims that mix of 18.9 hours flight and 36.3 simulator hours both with instructor will allow him to check-ride. (Note that 18....
1
vote
1answer
5k views
What is a good flight simulator for a beginner? [closed]
I'm in the UK and I wish to learn to fly starting with a home computer simulator.
I have never flown and I am only interested in light aircraft. I need instruction from scratch: what the instruments ...
