Simviation Forums

Hi all. I was wondering if it is normal/accepted practice to use the ap to get you to your assigned altitude, or are you supposed to engage it just when you are at said altitude?  Thanks

Real flying ?

Yes.. If the plane I'm flying has an altitude selectable auto-pilot, I'll most ceratinly use it,, especially flying IFR.

In the sim ?

No.. I can watch a youtube video if all I'm gonna do is be the auto-pilot's  passenger, in front of the monitor..

[quote]In the sim ?

No.. I can watch a youtube video if all I'm gonna do is be the auto-pilot's

It is funny, but there are people who do just that. I've never understood the thrill...what's the point if you're not actually doing the flying?

OK, thanks Brett. Gonna say tho, I never use ap in the small planes--only when I 'fly' the 737, and then just for the altitude aspect on IFR flights. Makes it easier for my sightseeing lol.

I think everyone has there own reason for liking flight sim.

For example, my room mate here at school will set a flight plan up in a nice passenger aircraft, take off, set autopilot, go to his classes/do homework/get something else done..., then come back in when he is near his destination and land.  It is what interests him.  He likes to sim himself as an airline pilot and he is taking passengers to their destinations all over the world. It also helps him by forcing him to stay off of his computer until he gets his work done.  

I enjoy flying smaller planes. I started taking the FSX lessons as well as following Brett Henderson's tutorials, and I have a much greater appreciation for self navigation.  I enjoy getting out there in a C172 or a Baron and navigating via VORs and making ILS approaches. I like to see the countryside at low altitudes so I can take in all of the scenery.  I can't remember the last time I flew a passenger jet other than in a FSX mission.  
To each his own, I guess, as long as you enjoy flying flight sim.

To each his own, I guess, as long as you enjoy flying flight sim.

I agree, absolutely. To some, the most important and fun part of simming; is to be able to download all the different different models..