Taking Off with MS Flight Simulator X

I’ve decided to go for my instrument rating so I’m in the process of upgrading my Microsoft flight simulator software and hardware. Okay, I admit it – it’s just an excuse to buy some new toys. At least, it started out that way.

I’ve decided to go for my instrument rating so I’m in the process of upgrading my Microsoft flight simulator software and hardware. Okay, I admit it – it’s just an excuse to buy some new toys. At least, it started out that way.

The rudder pedals and joysticks I had didn’t work on any of my current machines so they were the first things to go. I bought myself a brand new set of rudder pedals and a joystick. With all of their buttons and whistles, they are more complicated than any real airplane I have flown. I originally intended to stick with my old version of Microsoft Flight Simulator. That was a great plan too, right up to the point where I downloaded the demo for MS Flight Simulator X.

After I played with MS Flight Simulator X, my old version just didn’t seem so exciting anymore. How can I not give myself a crack at flying an aircraft like the deHavilland DHC-2 Beaver floatplane? There have been so many times I have dreamed of getting behind the stick of an Extra 300S… The only way that scenario will ever be affordable for me is by climbing into the cockpit of my computer. And if I crash, well hey, I can still take the trash out. I’m happy, my family is happy; it’s a win-win.

By the time I have finished paying for all these toys, I will have to start saving up all over again for my instrument rating. Oh yeah, the instrument rating.

One of these days, after I have won several lotteries, I want to buy my own personal FAA certified level 10 simulator. That is purported to be the most realistic simulator available and it is the same simulator that commercial pilots use for their ground-based flight training.

I’ll probably have to construct a separate building just to house the simulator. Something tells me this sim project won’t be over anytime soon.