How to Master Microsoft Flight Simulator

The interest in flying has blossomed in the last few years. The career as a pilot is one of travel and, for the most part, fun. The Microsoft Flight Simulator is a program that allows even people who have never flown to get behind the controls of an airplane and soar within the confines of the flight sim. For those who do not fly, there are ways to enjoy and eventually master the art of flying the Microsoft Flight Simulator. We will take a look at a few of them here.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MS Flight Sim
• Joystick with force feed back

1. Study the characteristics of the model you want to fly. Flying in either real life or on the sim uses skills that are learned. The typical "go-at-the-speed-of-sound" approach is not a way to become proficient. Rather, a slow, methodical look at the art of flying is best.

2. Learn the controls of the airplane you choose. Some of the simulators have yokes and some have joysticks. Test the amount of force needed to move the controls. You will find that less is always the best. Slowly take in the instruments. They are set up in a T shape. There will be an altimeter to tell altitude, an airspeed indicator, a "compass" for heading and an attitude indicator to show you where the plane is at in relation to the sky and level surface.

3. Take off by slowly adding power. When the plane gathers enough speed, as referenced in the MS flight manuals, gently rotate the plane and take off. Take the time to use each instrument. See what happens if you turn too much or too little. Try adding or removing power. Navigate by the "compass" for a few minutes, keeping the plane straight and level. Practice all of these until you are able to master flying and landing. Get used to making quick glances in and out of the cockpit, taking in the information of both the instrument and the horizon ahead of you. Keep all of your movements slow and methodical. This will insure that you maneuver the way that you really want to, not by accident.

4. Practice as much as possible. Flying either the sim or in real life is a rewarding experience and best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with the smaller, propeller driven airplanes first. As you get comfortable, move on to jet powered planes.

[wingman747]

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