Benefits of Microsoft FSX

Microsoft FSX lets you fly a virtual plane via your PC.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X is a computer application that puts you in the cockpit of an airplane and lets you maneuver through real-world flying situations. The application includes an actual three-dimensional cockpit and the ability to take off, land and communicate with virtual air traffic controllers. Microsoft FSX also lets you fly in a variety of weather conditions and review your flying performance at the end of your flight.

Navigational Aids

Microsoft FSX includes an array of navigational aids, including Instrument Landing System, VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range and Non Directional Beam, which relay information to you while flying from one location to another. These navigational aids, also known as navaids, warn you of objects that may be in your flight path, dangers and conditions for landing. Microsoft FSX includes the global positioning system database Jeppesen NavData, approach lighting systems and aids related to flight intersections and low- and high-altitude airways. The application also includes Garmin 500- and 295-series GPS systems with color maps, terrain displays, airport and facility information and 3-D graphics. Microsoft FSX Deluxe, an advanced version of Microsoft FSX, includes an integrated avionics system that includes additional navigational aids and communication tools.

Various Aircraft Models

The flight simulator lets you choose the type of aircraft you want to fly as well as the airport you want to fly from or in to. Aircraft type ranges from jumbo jets to single-engine airplanes. Microsoft FSX also lets you choose from more than 20,000 airports -- both domestic and international. The airports include runways, lighting systems, signs and markings.

Flight Planner

Microsoft FSX includes a built in flight-planner component that lets create real-world instrument flight rules and visual flight rules procedures as well as flight navigation logs. The application also includes a flight recorder that plays back your flight and observes key flight data, ground track and vertical flight profiles.

Weather Situations

Microsoft FSX lets you select the type of weather you want to fly in and learn how to navigate through. The weather component offers true 3-D clouds that change position, disappear and reform. Microsoft FSX also connects to METAR and FD weather services and provide you with real-time weather updates.

Multiplayer Support

The application also lets you place another pilot in the cockpit or you can the place additional player in an air traffic controller tower. The additional air traffic controller position is only available in the Microsoft FSX Deluxe version though. Microsoft FSX includes an interactive air traffic controller component, unmanned, that provides you direction in taking off, flight, precision and non-precision approaches to multiple runways and landing. The component also provides notice of altitude changes en route, Class D transitions and Class B clearances.

References

• Microsoft: Microsoft Flight Simulator - Information For Real-World Pilots
• Microsoft: Microsoft Flight Simulator - Information For New Users

Resources

• Microsoft: Microsoft Flight Simulator - Support
• Microsoft: Microsoft Flight Simulator - Downloads