Can we fly the real plane??

[faztech]

I think, if FS can also simulate the adrenalin rush and the 'inertia feelings', that would make the gap closer a bit.  ;)

[casey_rose]

I have playing flight simulator just since 98.  I currently am 30 hours into my PPL and in 4 years should have my instrument, commercial, multi and CFI/CFII.

This discussion has been quite interesting.  I recently got a chance to land a full motion 737-400 simulator at Alaska Airlines Flight Training Center in Sea-Tac Washington.  

He had us setup on a ILS approach to Anchorage, Alaska.  Basically the computer/autopilot brought us all the way to the runway.  All I had to do was set the IAS to 140 knts, set the ILS frequency, set the autopilot to follow the approach nav.  Then as i was about half a mile from touch down point (not much at that speed).  he told me to disengage the auto-throttle - which was done by double clicking a button on the throttle, and finally disengaging the approach autopilot by double clicking a button on the actual yoke.  Then you just slowly reduced power to idle and kept a nice steady pitch and it touched down quite smoothly.  

The actual approach I believe could be communicated step by step over the radio, it would depend on the actual person at the controls if they could get their head together to remember all they had been told and act on it.

"good day"

It was relatively easy to land

[hbshawaii]

I can't believe this discussion...

If, while contemplating this question, you have to ask...

The answer is no.

FS 2004 is the next best thing.

Aloha,

H

[Ridge_Runner_5]

My flight school uses FS9 to assist in training. They fly Mooney M20s. The instructor had me do a flight in the game's Mooney, had me takeoff, fly a circuit and land. I did it to specs! He said he could solo me the next day, if I wanted to!

[hbshawaii]

Thanks to all the comments on this post.  The pictures of big jet cockpits really hammer the point home.  Could we, as simmers, land the real thing? I guess the concept scares me.  I stand by my opinion.  If we have to ask, the answer is no.  Here's why...

Taking over the controls real-life in a 172 introduced me to an immediate horror, GRAVITY!  Now we all realize that there really is no such thing as gravity, it's just that the Earth SUCKS!  You know I'm kidding...

There is something that takes getting used to when you are airborne and you descend at 1000fpm in real life.  It's as if your innards are looking for a way out your throat.

I'm in agreement with those that say that we could probably do fine in a single engine prop like a cessna.  But, I have no illusions that I could jump in the hotseat of a passenger jet like the movie Airplane! and save the day.  I'd do my best, but I'd be lucky to put the plane on the runway, let alone do it without loss of life and perfectly good aluminum.  Like I said in another discussion, "if it was so easy, everybody would be doing it".

My wife is constantly reminding me that I'm not really flying an airplane with FS2004, I'm just playing a game.  That really irritates me, because I put so much into this.  But in some respects, maybe she is right.  I don't personally think I could land anything other than a small plane in an emergency.  But even once I get my PPL, I doubt I'll feel differently.

Happy Holidays!

H