Simulation Options

The level of sophistication in flight simulators and training devices available to the general aviation and consumer markets has increased dramatically over the past few years.  This has put highly effective training opportunities within reach of countless pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Hardware - When we refer to a simulator in this course we are talking about underlying software platforms or an 'aviation training device' (ATD).  Technically, most of us train on and fly ATD's, not simulators as defined by the FAA.  

ATD's can range from a 'basic aircraft training device' (BATD) to an 'advanced aircraft training device' (AATD).  The amount of training credit allowed is dependent up an LOA from the FAA.

Personal computers configured as PCATD's do not qualify for formal credit from the FAA but are among the most popular and effective simulation trainers.  And it is what Doug uses to fly the course scenario.

Software -  The dominant flight simulator software for general aviation is consumer driven.  Pilots, aviation enthusiasts and gamers use the same platforms for training and entertainment.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X:  popularly known as FSX, was released in 2006.  It is the most current but last installment of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series introduced in 1982.

In 2014 Microsoft granted development rights for Flight Simulator to Dovetail Games and they have since released their FSX Steam Edition.

Lockheed Prepar3D:  In 2009 Lockheed Martin purchased the intellectual property for Microsoft's commercial version of "Flight Simulator X" and developed their own flight simulator called Prepar3D.

X-Plane:  is a flight simulator produced by Laminar Research and is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.  A mobile version is available for Android, iOS, and webOS.

Digital Combat Simulator:  is a relatively new flight simulator developed by Eagle Dynamics.  Although the platform is limited to combat theater it is supported by the PilotEdge community.

See the Resource section in Lesson 6 'Course Scenario' for more information on these and other simulator products.

Doug's ATD

Type:  PCATD - 8.00 GB RAM | Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU | 2.67GHz | 64-bit OS

Display:  Single 25" monitor.  HP 2511x 

Graphics Card:  NVIDIA GeForce GT 230 

Simulator Platform:  Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX)

Virtual ATC:  PilotEdge

Peripherals:  Logitech Exterme 3D Pro Joy Stick | Turtle Beach PX24 MultiPlatform Headset

ForeFlight Data Link:  GpsVR - Mindstar Aviation  

Microsoft FSX and Lockheed Prepar3D

X-Plane 10

X-Plane 10 is designed to work with ForeFlight and other EFB's without the need for additional plug-ins or hardware.  

To enable GPS positioning with X-Plane 10 first make sure your iPad and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, then open X-Plane, select Settings > Net Connections, and then choose the iPhone/iPad tab.  Scroll to the bottom and check the box next to Send data to ForeFlight Mobile.

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