Total newb here. Is the way to get started with a sim, or just jump in with a beginner's plane? I like the idea of getting used to the controls without having to wreck anything, but do sims really prep you for the real thing?
They really do. After "ample" simulator time, my mad friend Noah successfully completed his club checkout, burning only a quart of fuel in the process, using an Ultra Stick .40 (completely bypassing a high-wing trainer).
Provided you have a setup that allows you to use your radio, or a radio-type control unit, they're invaluable for getting started. Depending upon how good the sim is, they're also very useful for advancing - like trying out new moves before risking the real thing.
JoJo-
But even with plenty of stick time on a FSim, get with your local club,and an instructor with a buddie box. Good luck!
Swede
Sims are an excellent way of learning to fly. However, they are limited by how well they simulate real models. They'll get you used to right/left reversal when the plane is coming toward you, and they will allow you to try things without incurring the cost of a new plane if you screw up. I've found it's easier to land the real thing than it is to land on a sim because your field of vision is limited on a sim. Here are a few:
FMS is freeware, but you need to buy an interface to go between the computer and your radio. The graphics are good, but the flight characteristics of many models aren't very close to how the real ones behave. However, you can download models off the Internet.
I have RealFlight G2, and it's pretty realistic. The downside is that it's pricey and if you want to fly a certain model, you're going to have to buy it, provided it's available in one of the add-ons. G3 is out, and I've heard that it's still buggy and it takes a pretty high-end computer to run it.
Those are the two that I have experience with. There are several others out there that are supposedly good.
Morris
Thanks to all who replied. I've contacted a local club member and hope to get started soon. Should be a blast!
Well worth it.
Ebay has quite a few Realflight G2's for sale now G3 is out. Its good enough to eliminate about 85% of newbie crashes.
I use FMS with a logitech rumblepad - it has twin analog joysticks. The twin sticks are not like on a remote, but at least it is closer to the real thing than a joystick or keyboard. FMS works fine on my low powered 850 mhz pc with low end video card.
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