How to Fly Flight Simulators
Flight simulators allow you to experience flying various aircraft in realistic scenarios. The primary purpose of a flight simulator is to recreate what it would be like controlling an aircraft while applying appropriate flight procedures. There are a number of commercial flight simulators available (including Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane) and they all include numerous aircraft, detailed terrain and training options. In-game tutorials generally start you off with small, single engine airplanes and progress naturally to more complex aircraft and flying procedures.
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Instructions
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Apply the most comfortable control settings. Most flight simulators recommend using yoke, throttle, and rudder pedal accessories to control aircraft as you cannot manipulate aircraft easily with a mouse and keyboard. Precision when turning, applying headings and controlling airspeed are a pain when using only the mouse and keyboard.
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Set the recommended graphical settings as determined by the flight simulator. Most modern flight simulators offer very detailed environments and require a powerful computer to run at the higher settings. The flight simulator will usually apply the recommended settings automatically, although you can always manipulate the settings yourself in the "Options/Settings" menu.
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Go over the checklist for each aircraft. Some flight simulators use an on-screen checklist for quick reference. Others require you to print out one unique to the aircraft you are flying (see "Resources"). Checklist ensure that you have the aircraft running at the recommended settings and do not forget necessary procedures. You will use the checklist during startup, taxi, run-up, take-off, level flight and landing.
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Select the mode you want to play (such as free flight, missions or tutorials). Free flight mode allows you to fly around the game world without restrictions while following (or disobeying) as many rules as you want. Missions are generally geared toward players who can at least start and maneuver their aircraft and can range from simple landing challenges to more advanced rescue missions. Tutorials offer detailed instructions (usually accompanied by a voice over) on how to operate aircrafts and how to fly in VFR -- or "visual flight rules" -- and IFR -- or "instrument flight rules" -- conditions.
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