Turning over a new leaf

[RRN1988]

Hi all,

Today, some wild desire/motive hit me. I've decided to make a major decision. First, I'm going to get a clean install of Windows XP/Windows 7 (haven't decided yet) on my system. Second, install FSX only. Third, learn to fly once again and lead a ATP style career in FS.

How am I going to learn to fly once again? Simple, use the book 'Microsoft Flight Simulator X for Pilots: Real World Training'. Yes, go through the whole book down to the ATP chapters you can download. In the process, I will also do the checkrides in FSX to get all certificates. Then, I will install FS9 and learn to fly the Flight1 ATR then the 737NG to 747. I mean those developed for FS by PMDG, CS, LDS and PSS.

Lastly, I'll join a VA and move up the ranks and sit there.

This is my most ambitious venture of all time. I myself don't know if I'll stick to it but I'm going to do my best to do so. I want some additional tips, etc. Am I missing anything? Man, I'm feeling: 'This is it. The turning point has arrived'.

[Ragtopjohnny]

JJ - when you're up to it, try Vatsim, online ATC, which will only boost your realism in flying anything that you use in FS....

Also, might want to look at FS Flying School 2010, which gives scores and pointers on how you fly,plus lessons in any FS aircraft...

John Thuot II
A+/Network+

[RRN1988]

JJ - when you're up to it, try Vatsim, online ATC, which will only boost your realism in flying anything that you use in FS....

Also, might want to look at FS Flying School 2010, which gives scores and pointers on how you fly,plus lessons in any FS aircraft...

John Thuot II
A+/Network+

I'm already there on VASTIM. I plan to get back to online flying before joining a VA.

Does FS Flying School 2010 actually teach you to fly the aircraft or does it just evaluate how you fly the aircraft?

[Ragtopjohnny]

I think it tells you when your approaches are too fast, etc, but you might want to fully read what it does on it's site and Pilot Shop - I'm thinking of getting it again, I've been doing overly high approaches lately for some reason, and too fast approaches even with the flaps set, throttle down, etc...

I might need something like this...

If I get it, I'll let you know how it works...

John Thuot II
A+/Network+

[Alexander2012]

I'm already there on VASTIM. I plan to get back to online flying before joining a VA.

Does FS Flying School 2010 actually teach you to fly the aircraft or does it just evaluate how you fly the aircraft?

You might want to try Virutal Continental out, its who i fly for, and they are a great bunch of guys! www.vcair.com

[Constinator25]

Try reading some FAA Handbooks:

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowedge

Pilot's Encyclopedia of Aeronautical Knowedge

Airplane Flying Handbook

Btw, go to Windows 7. It's fantastic.

[NikeHerk67]

Does FS Flying School 2010 actually teach you to fly the aircraft or does it just evaluate how you fly the aircraft?

JJ,

FS Flying School is more critical about how accurate you fly approaches, circuits and touch downs on the numbers. For instance you get more points for hand flying than using instruments. It assumes you know navigation and ATC procedures. I used it in the beginning, but suspect some in there have learned how to beat the system with super high scores. A frustration you don't really need if your competitive goal is achieving the highest scores. The instructor keeps repeating the obvious over and over too much and even unneccssarily at times. Once you learn to tune him/her out it can be a learning experiece and even fun.

The flying lessons in FSX are better as far as the basics of flying and navigation are concerned. There are some flaws in the check rides that can lead to some frustrations you really don't need to deal with, especially if you don't have great frame rates and a very fast computer. As step farther in leaning naviagtion is this site....... http://www.navfltsm.addr.com/

Radar Contact is more advanced than the default for learning ATC, especially when dealing with approach vectoring speeds and distances. For just one example, RC's approach only takes over after you're within 40nm from the airport (as in the real world), NOT 70nm, like the default ATC. Since the maximum ATIS frequency range is 60nm in FS, RC gives you plenty of time to check the weather and assigned RW before approach ATC starts vectoring.

I'm not that familiar with Vatsim to make and educated recommendation. I flew with it a few times and found ATCer just quiting in the middle of a flight without annoucing it. That was enough for me.

Also, I'd recommend upgrading to Windows 7 if you have the choice. Vista was a bust for MS, but they did it right this time.

[RRN1988]

You might want to try Virutal Continental out, its who i fly for, and they are a great bunch of guys! www.vcair.com

Thank you, Alexander. I have no plans of joining a VA for a long time now. Not until I am familiar with Flight1's ATR, perhaps.

Btw, go to Windows 7. It's fantastic.

I have my own doubts regarding the compatibility of FS9 with Win7. I am actually thinking of replacing my Vista with XP.

[tigisfat]

This is my most ambitious venture of all time.

Have you considered doing it in real life?

[RRN1988]

Have you considered doing it in real life?

That's a secret. I wont tell anyone until it's time.