A Review of Flight Simulation Software
This lens explores popular Flight Simulator software products. Microsoft's Flight Simulator X Deluxe Edition, the FAA approved X-Plane and the open source Flight Gear products. I have taken glider flight instruction and flown in gliders many times but until I can save up enough to complete my training, a good flight simulator helps me keep my skills up to date.
I have mostly worked with X-Plane but just picked up Microsoft's Flight Simulator X Deluxe edition. My first impression is I like X-Planes instrument panels better but Microsoft's product does include some nice flight instruction tutorials. The graphics and terrain in both products have been drastically improved and provide a nice flight experience.
Try demos of the products before you buy. Flight Simulator X, X-Plane, Flight Gear.
Purchasing a helicopter, plane or glider gift flight is a great idea for those that love to fly.
Microsoft's Latest, Flight Simulator X Deluxe Edition
The deluxe edition contains additional aircraft.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X System Requirements
It will not be fun to play if your system is too slow.
Processor 1.0Ghz
Hard Drive Space 15GB
Video Card DirectX 9.0c Compliant with 32MB ram
I have seen a tiny bit of slowness on my 3.0Ghz Pentium 4 Dell E510 with 1GB RAM and a PCI express 256MB RAM video card.
Laminar Research's X-Plane
This product if F.A.A. approved for flight training.
X-Plane System Requirements
Works on a Mac & Linux
Macintosh PowerMac 800+ G4 or G5 or Intel 2 ghz+
Linux x86 any chip, 2 ghz+
RAM 384 meg 1 gig for speed
Disk Space 4 gig 70 gig
CD/DVD CD DVD-DL
3-D CARD OpenGL OpenGL... NVIDIA has been more reliable
VRAM 16 meg 32 meg
Monitor 1024x768+ 1024x768+
Joystick/Yoke USB USB
Joysticks and Yokes
No joystick is required. You can fly with the mouse or numeric keypad. But to really be realistic you need a joystick or yoke. Any modern USB joystick should be fine for both Mac and Windows. You can get them here from X-plane.com.
Joystick/Yoke USB USB
Linux Flight Simulators
- Flight Gear for Linux
- FlightGear is an open-source, multi-platform flight simulator. They even have a boot from CDROM version. I will be testing the Bootable CD version soon and I expect to see much better performance.
- X-Plane
- Works with Linux!
Microsoft Flight Simulator Resources and Add Ons
The Deluxe version contains 17 aircraft, but we always want more!
- FsDome
- A site with many planes and add ons for Flight Simulator.
- Sim Radar
- A Flight Simulator Community.
- A deeper look inside Flight Simulator
- This site provides a closer look at the Flight Simulator product.
X-Plane Resources and Add Ons
- Laminar Research's Main Site
- Check out the specifications of X-Plane. Historically X-Plane has proven to have better flight dynamics than other products.
- X-Plane.org
- A nice X-Plane user community site with many resources.
- Get the full experience
- After you add your flight controls, get a platform to be able to sense the real motion associated with your flight experience.
Best Flight Simulation Software or Game
Please put in your favorite!
Help others know which products are best by adding an amazon link to your favorite flight simulator product, then voting for it.
Thanks...
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight
Flight Simulator 2004: A Century Of Flight celebra more...1 point
Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe DVD
Flight Simulator X will awe flight simulator fans more...1 point
X-Plane Deluxe Including 7 Double Layer DVDs (Mac)
X-Plane 8 Deluxe is the most comprehensive flight more...1 point
Falcon 4.0: Allied Force
Pilot three different variants of the F-16 Fightin more...0 points
X-Plane 8.0 (DVD-ROM)
X-Plane 8 is the comprehensive flight sim availabl more...0 points
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 2: Pacific Theater
In Combat Flight Simulator 2, you'll expereince an more...0 points
Wii Flight Simulation on Amazon
Check for Reviews of Flight Simulator Software
- Game Spot
- Gamespot has well written reviews of software products. Microsoft Flight Simulator X deluxe edition rated 8.4 out of 10. X-Plane version 8 7.9.
Flight Controls
CH products are recommended for flight controls
I can use both my sidewinder pedals as well as my joystick with X-Plane, but I have not figured how to use both in flight simulator.
Experience the Atmosphere - Take a Glider Ride
- Soaring Society
- I have taken glider flight lessons and have flown in a glider 6 times, once with my 3 year old. I hope to get a glider license in the future, but for now I keep practicing with my flight simulator software.
- Mile High Gliding
- This is where I have taken flight instruction and take glider rides with my kids.
Experience the Atmosphere - Helicopter Rides
Flying a helicopter is fun!
- Rotors of the Rockies Helicopter Rides!
- While gliders provide a quiet flight, Helicopters are very cool. Maybe I have seen too many Magnum P.I. episodes.
Helicopter Flickr Plexo
Pick your favorite or add a new one!
Don't forget to vote.
New Quick Flight Poll
Flight Simulator Stuff on eBay
Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2004 was a highly rated product.
Reader Feedback
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jonatham
Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:43 pm | delete
- These are all really amazing simulators but I've got hooked on another simulator after my buddy sent me a link to check out. Its a different style simulator that gives a huge variety of aircraft and terrain he also sent me the review on his blogspot if anyone's interested. Its how-to-master-the-art-of-flight.blogspot.com
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BlenderHead
Aug 5, 2011 @ 7:24 am | delete
- Makes me wanna get my joystick out again! :)
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farebuzzz Jun 20, 2011 @ 4:19 pm | delete
- nice lens....
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Custom Silicone Keypads
Mar 12, 2011 @ 12:48 am | delete
- nice, now I can experience flying with these amazing machines though it is simulation only but at least I can feel on how to fly
Custom Silicone Keypads
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nandun
Jan 10, 2011 @ 3:19 am | delete
- Very useful information. I like this lens. thanks
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Conclusion
Thanks for taking the time to look at my lens. I will add content as I continue to explore these products.What is your favorite flight simulator software? Build a lens and share your opinion. It's easy!
After a long flight simulation, be sure to get some exercise by flying a kite or rocket. Check out my Lensography to see my other contributions to Squidoo if you have time.
--Todd
by Edmands
Todd Edmands is an Engineer with a Masters Degree in Systems Engineering & Information Assurance and an undergraduate degree in Geography. Todd is an Affiliate... more »
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