New to flight sim

[DJC-kMYR]

Hi everyone I am very new to the flight sim world. I just ordered flight sim x and was wondering what the best setup or easiest one for a newbie to use. from what I have read saitek and CH seem pretty good. I wasn't looking to go to in depth for my first time just something to add to the experience. Just to introduce myself my name is Derek I live in Myrtle Beach i work for US Airways.

[NikeHerk67]

Hello Derek and welcome to the message boards.

Let me give you an idea based on what I did. We'll just call it the diary of a (old timer FS fanatic). :)

When I first started flying MSFS I had a cheap flight stick with a couple of buttons and knobs or wheels or whatever. I don't remember exactly what it was, but I'm thinking it was a Wingman.....not exactly their top of the line one at that. It was good enough until I knew this was going to be more than another Atari game or a simple race game, which I soon tired of those as years passed. Once I decided this was a series hobby, some eight years or so ago, I had to have better controllers. That's when I purchased the CH Yoke and Pedals, and thankfully it was just after they came out with the USB types. If not they'd be obsolete like this computer is getting to be. I love the CH's, but that's because they're the only yoke and pedals I've ever had. At one time I thought I'd get interesting in flying the combat simulators again, but it didn't last. I actually have the Saitek X52 controllers sitting on a shelf, but after flying for so long with the Yoke and Pedals I was spoiled and didn't even use them enough to judge them.

I hope this helps. I'm sure others can shed some light on the Saitek controllers, or whatever they use.

It's interesting to see you here since, being from the Pittsburgh area, half the people I know, including relatives, have or had worked for, Allegheny Airlines, Pediment Airlines, US Air, or US Airways at some point in time, which was/is all one and the same. Just in case you're interested in some history of your employer. :)

I hope this helps.

[hhdawrs]

Nels helped me during early train sim days, I am glad to see he has deservedly become a legend in his own time, and just wanted to say 'hello'. I shall try to not be too big a nuisance.:D

I have just gotten into FS2004 with a Saitek AV8R-01 controller, with which I can successfully and repeatedly crash the training plane into the back of my monitor.

I need younger brain and eyes and some runway train tracks, but am loving it.

Aloha,

Herb

[alastairmonk]

Hi Derek,

welcome to the addiction ! Unless you have some real-world flight experience I'd suggest that you start out like the real trainee pilots and begin with something small and easy to fly like the Cessna 172. Once you've mastered the basic flight controls you can progress to something more complex and eventually fly the big jets.

There's a lot to learn, so ask if you want to know something.

Alastair

[InsyleM]

Hi everyone I am very new to the flight sim world.

Welcome Aboard :)

[Flying Officer Jevans]

Welcome!

The Saitek X52 controller is good for me, as I fly a lot of 'stick' planes. It had to get replaced once under warranty (shorted out when you moved the stick), but otherwise, if you've got the cash, go for that.

On the other hand, if you just like pottering about in GA, or flying the Boeing heaves, a yoke might be a better choice.

[TheAviatorMag]

Welcome Derek...I can not imagine what it must be like starting fresh from this point. The amount of info that is out on the web....the countless amounts of topics and such in all the forums. But hey it is also refreshing to know that we as a community keep growing every day. Welcome and if you need any help I am sure there are many many flight simmers willing to help...myself included.

BR

[ppgstf]

Hi DJC

Welcome from me as well, I have been simming now for over 5 years (started late in life) and love every minute of it.

You will find that everyone on this site is very helpful. If I may give you one tip and that is, before posting a question, check via the Search facility that it hasn't already been asked a thousand times before; some people get a little prickly about this but apart from that you will be good to go.

Happy simming!