reality vs fsx?

[dvir1161]

hi guys i want to know how much is fsx give the real feeling of fly does it reflects the reality what do you think?

[Daube]

It depends of the plane.
The default planes are not so realistic. Especially their internal systems are extremely limited.

Some very rare freeware planes can offer some very realistic experience, pretty close from reality, for the flight model or the internal systems that are simulated.

For payware the choice is obviously bigger, but nevertheless not all paywares are really realistic. Some of them are even really bad ! But fortunately some of them are extremely good. For example, the planes made by A2A with the Accusim system are extremely close to reality in terms of flight model, simulated systems and handling of engine damage. The editor nammed PMDG is another very famous example, just like VRS and their famous Super Hornet. There are some more but my knowledge in this area is limited, so hopefully other members will complete the list

However, FSX has a great limitation to realism when it comes to flying out of the "normal" flight domain. Spins and aerobatic manoevers are 99% of the time completely flawed, far away from reality. Some extremely rare addons manage to simulate a believable stall and flat spin, but that's all. This is due to how FSX computes the flight model of a plane, the technique that is used gives very bad results for "exotic" cases, but on the other hand this technique can give extremely precise results for common flight.

[Pablo]

hi guys i want to know how much is fsx give the real feeling of fly does it reflects the reality what do you think?

A Piper Warrior at your local airfield v FSX.
Afghanistan v Call of Duty.
A punch-up on a Friday night v Kick Boxer.


One is real life, (and likely to end in tears?)...the other is a fun Computer Game.

[xtp]

As a retired professional aviator, here's my two cents worth...

Even if the aerodynamic model and the cockpit displays etc are as realistic as possible, the lack of motion and the variability of the 'feel' through individual joysticks together with variable limitations imposed by the computer hardware being used makes it impossible to give a single, simple, answer.

MFS with a well-engineered 'aircraft' on a powerful host computer can be a great procedural trainer for operating the aircraft and, within limitations of scenery, for visual flying and familiarisation with major geographic features.  It can also be very useful for practising instrument departure and approach procedures and en-route procedures.  This can all contribute to preparation for the real thing.

But although the illusion of real flying can be quite strong, it falls very short of the fidelity of full-motion full-mission simulators costing millions.  There is also some risk for anyone who has no real flying experience that bad habits that seem to work with FSX can get ingrained and then be very difficult to eradicate when learning to fly for real.  For example, excessive reliance on instruments to the detriment of looking outside.

The realism of aerobatics, in particular, suffers greatly from the lack of motion cues and G forces although the basic 'shapes in the sky' can be recreated with enough practice.

That said, given that I get very little real flying nowadays, I find MFS very useful in keeping the basic skills alive as well as a good way to while away the occasional spare moment working through the various missions.

So enjoy it for what it is and accept that there is no substitute for getting airborne for real!

[packercolinl]

I agree with XTP.

Go to your local airport and get an instructor to take you out for a few basic manoeuvres. Anything you thought you knew goes out the window.

Col.

[Brett_Henderson]

I've always believed that 80% of being a pilot has nothing to do with in-cockpit tasks,,

[Brett_Henderson]

I agree with XTP.

Go to your local airport and get an instructor to take you out for a few basic manoeuvres. Anything you thought you knew goes out the window.

Col.

As I mentioned... this depends on HOW you've been simming. If you've gone about it realistically, you actually find a lot of real flying is quite familiar to you.

[packercolinl]

......and not to belabour the point but to reinforce it and others comments,the instructors I have talked to say that while they appreciate the knowledge that FS gives the people they see actually coming out to an airfield and trying real flight,there are two things they make comment on.

1. FS 'Pilots' don't get their focus out of the cockpit.

2. They do not have the perception that a mistake at a critical time will kill them. There is no reset button. You die!!

Having said that,they are quite happy to see you and introduce you to the joys of flight--and be assured,it is a joy.

Col.

[olderndirt]

XTP has it, spot on.  If you've been there, done that, FSX is a fun way of keeping the juices flowing and, as Brett says, excellent for keeping those IFR muscles toned but it's still just a game  . 

[packercolinl]

Hi Brett,didn't read your post before I put my extra up but I thought the question was more about applying  very basic knowledge in FS as regards applying it to real life.

With all respect to you and your experience the impression I get is if someone shows up at an airfield and says,

"I do MSFS and I want to fly." Then the instructor will take them aside and say,

"This is how it is kid!"

As a tool for flying,fine. As a beginners entre into the world of flying well maybe I'm looking from the wrong perspective.

Cheers mate,
Col.

[dvir1161]

thanks guys very much for all of your reply. i can tell you one thing that i know for sure i know a pilot that trainee with home cockpit and the fsx here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8pL5S6rdfU&feature=related
so i think that there is some of reality on the game

[Daube]

A good game though.
I remember when I went to an airfield for a glider test flight. The pilot asked me if I had any knowledge about how to pilot an aircraft, and when I told him I was practising on simulator, he just laughed so hard at me telling that there were nothing in common.

When we were in the cockpit flying next to a hill (catching some ridget lift), he gave the controls to me. The behavior of the glider was just EXACTELY the same as in FS, and I was feelling comfortable with the controls. Of course, the pilot didn't make any comments afterwhile...

[Daube]

1. FS 'Pilots' don't get their focus out of the cockpit.

Really ? I spend more time looking at the surrounding scenery than looking at my instruments.

2. They do not have the perception that a mistake at a critical time will kill them. There is no reset button. You die!!

Sure, but that just depends on how much you immerse yourself in the "game".

Having said that,they are quite happy to see you and introduce you to the joys of flight--and be assured,it is a joy.

Col.

Not all of them though, as I said in my previous post. Some of them get pretty pissed when you tell them that the simulators are getting quite realistic nowadays.

[dvir1161]

guys so why are we plying on that game if it doesnt reflects the reality at all? if is not gonna help us to be a pilot when we grow up im 14 and i play on that game cause i tough that it gonna help me when i grow up to be a pilot. does this game help me??

[Brett_Henderson]

[quote]Hi Brett,didn't read your post before I put my extra up but I thought the question was more about applying