[djschaut]

Guys,

When I learned to fly, my instructor would always offer to let me accrue hours on his simulator--a professional tabletop model. I may have worked on it maybe four times. Yes, I have a computer simulator which I infrequently use.

I think simulators are good for recognizing unusual attitudes, such as spins, dives, basically out of control situations. But for actually learning how to fly, there's no substitute for the real thing. I think the feel of G-forces, yaw, wind, and the control surfaces is critical in learning to fly.

I suppose a computer can be set up so simulate most situations, but face it--you're bedroom or den isn't moving through space. I don't know if a computer can simulate the 1000fpm downdraft I encountered on short final at an airport once--or landing into a 45kt headwind at another. And then there's the instrument approach in heavy, pelting rain down to minimums in IMC. Not to mention three hours of instrument flight in snow. And what about an instrument approach with turbulence so bad most of your time is spent trying to keep your eyes focused and hands on the controls? Combine any of these scenarios with Class B airspace and being sent from center to approach to tower to ground among thirty other planes--mostly commercial. Actually, once you've learned to fly, the most interesting and challenging things about it are radio communication and navigation.

I suppose computer simulators are fun, and I use mine occasionally, but there's just no substitute for the real McCoy.

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DJSchaut