Which FS for training?

[simonhazelgrove]

Hi I'm new to this website - apologies if I create this post in the wrong area.

I'm new to FS, but not new to flight sims - was into them in the days of 16 bit computers, and I recently started playing with IL2 - the WW2 combat flight sim.

Which version of FS should I go for?  I've seen many posts saying FS2004 is actually better than FSX?

What I'm mainly interested in is doing a basic pilots license within the program (the real world is too expensive for me).  I've heard this is a feature of the game.  Ideally I'd like something as detailed as possible - even down to correct procedure for taxiing (i.e. contacting tower for permission to enter runway etc).  Is FSX better than FS2004 for this?

I'm based in Australia, so I'll be after Australian scenery, preferably Brisbane.  Not sure if that impacts my choice, but I've heard there are more add ons available for FS2004.

Any help would be appreciated!

[BFMF]

It depends on your computer system. If you have the latest and greatest hardware, FSX may work just fine. But if you have an older beast, FS2004 may be what your system can handle ok.

As for addons, yes there are a LOT more addons out there for FS2004 compared to FSX.

But lessons included can be a good learning resource, but there is also a Sim Flight Training  Series down in the flight training board that is an excellent place to learn about the basics

[beaky]

I don't have much experience with FSX, but I'll warn you, as a real-life PPASEL holder, that the in-game lessons in FS9 are not very realistic, and very frustrating due to the limitations of the AI (the "virtual instructor" is a bit irrational).
But you will learn about the tasks required, and if you back it up with the info in the aforementioned lessons found here in the Flight School forum, you will have a pretty realistic experience.
Another smart thing would be to get a copy of the FAA's pilot training manual, and maybe the FAR/AIM (the AIM portion has a lot of good info on airspace and airport procedures).

[Fozzer]

..if you decide on FS 2004, don't forget the VOZ Scenery and Textures, and the beautiful Koorbygen buildings for Australia, (and the rest of the world!).

http://www.vistaoz.org/downloads.html

...it may be available for FSX as well...although I haven't tried it in FSX.....!

Paul....G-BPLF...FS 2004...FS Navigator... 8-)...!

FS 2004 is easy-going on the Hardware...... ...!

P.S. As regards "Training"; be prepared to spend many, many hours in the Default Cessna 172 Trainer, learning ALL the ropes, before going anywhere else!......!

[Brett_Henderson]

P.S. As regards "Training"; be prepared to spend many, many hours in the Default Cessna 172 Trainer, learning ALL the ropes, before going anywhere else!......!

[smiley=thumbup.gif]

[olderndirt]

It's a bit more than getting rid of the parking brake banner, opening the throttle and "look Ma, I'm flying" .

[Travis]

Rotty's got it pretty much on the numbers.

If you aren't interested in absolutely flawless images of the aircraft's exterior and really want to learn how to fly, I would recommend FS9.  It is much easier on system resources.

[simonhazelgrove]

Thanks guys!  My system is a few years old now, and yeah I'm not really bothered about the scenery so much, so FS2004 sounds good.

One question though - is the virtual instructor AI (& the whole training process) improved in FSX?  Mmm, probably a separate question for the FSX forum  :)  That is the important thing I'm looking for - and I can always upgrade my system if it is worth it.

Rotty thanks - I will look up those books.  I presume there would be Aussie equivalents?  But I guess FS is US based.

I had a quick glance at the lessons in the flight school board too - looks like a great source of knowledge there!  

Thanks again eveyone.

And P.S. - many hours spent in a virtual cessna is exactly what I'm looking for

[olderndirt]

I think the Private Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is downloadable in PDF format at www.Faa.gov.

[New Light]

  This program ought to keep you "in check" for awhile:

www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?pr ... ca36727522

  Here's an older, less expensive version:

www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?ma ... ts_id=1350

Blue Sky Wishes,

Dave

[garymbuska]

As for the training while FSX did get a little better than FS2004 it is still not very realistic. What I do is to make up a flight plan and then try to fly it as accurately as possible with out the use of auto pilot. You can be your own judge as to how well you do. I use plus or minus 200 feet for altitude holding and plus or minus 10 degrees for course heading. If you can maintain those then you are good to go. Oh I almost forgot that means making a good landing as well

[Travis]

With my flight instructor, it's +/-100 ft and +/-5 degrees.  And that's just for beginners.

I wish I'd known about that flight training software when I was learning to fly in FS!  It would have saved me countless hours of trying to get those dang training flights to work.

[beaky]

[quote]

Rotty thanks - I will look up those books.

[DenisH]

The comments regarding Ron,  the virtual instructor on FS2004 are interesting since I have been going crazy trying to find out things he neglects to tell you (between jokes).  Just yesterday I was reviewing  his lesson on tower procedures hoping to discover why the tower always includes a mysterious (to me) altitude reading when assigning a runway.  It's usually the same number 2909 or something like that even when the airport is at sea level. Can anyone please explain this?   And forgive yet another dumb question from a relative new boy to FS.

[Daube]

[quote]Hi I'm new to this website - apologies if I create this post in the wrong area.

I'm new to FS, but not new to flight sims - was into them in the days of 16 bit computers, and I recently started playing with IL2 - the WW2 combat flight sim.

Which version of FS should I go for?