Who is Civilian Flight Simulators for PCs

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Ranked #1,179 in Games, #39,317 overall

What are 'Civilian Flight Simulators'?

I want every human being to experience the magic. Throttling up, cruising down the runway gaining speed, pulling back on the stick, getting light on the heels, and the pavement falling, falling out from under them as they do the seemingly impossible.

No matter how well I develop a cognitive understanding of how these machines manage to get and stay off the ground for awhile, there will always be that part of my brain that thinks it's a miracle. It's that beautiful experience that for a second brings back the child in me that I think everyone would like.

Civilian flight simulators are a subset of all games and simulators that involve flying some sort of aircraft. Features that distinguish civilian flight simulators from other games that merely involve flying are a focus on realistic flight dynamics, unstructured gameplay, and all of the globe including airports, cities, terrain, buildings, etc.

Many games where the player flies some sort of craft are a lot more about big explosions and getting a high score, a premium is usually not placed by the programmers on the accuracy of the effect gravity and other forces have on the craft and other objects in the virtual world. The point of flight simulation is to recreate as faithfully as possible the experience of flying an aircraft. To that extent it is important that the plane behave in the simulation as it would in those same circumstances in "real life."

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Ideal weather takeoff from KIND on summer solstice with Downtown Indianapolis in the distance as I fly in the Learjet 45 somewhere near ChaCha headquarters (try texting any question to 242242) in Carmel, Indiana (a northeastern suburb of Indianapolis)

 

Northbound up "the Valley" on 167 with the Grumman Goose G21A, northwest of S50, south of KRNT and east of KSEA, entering south Kent on a snowy picturesque Christmas evening. Kent: They don't not call it the happiest place on Earth for nothing, folks!

 

Look, it's a miracle! How does something obviously so much heavier than air manage to be able to leave the ground? My favorite airliner of all, the Boeing 737, referred to once as the Cadillac of passenger airliners, ascends from runway 4 at KMSP in Bloomington, Minnesota (a southern suburb of the Twin Cities) across I-494 to the north from the precious Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States.

 

The Sphinx at sunset with the Great Pyramid in the background, flying an AirCreation Trike.

 

Taxiing to runway 27L at KATL in overcast skies.

A Quick Note on Hardware 

Setting up the hardcore PC gamer's machine for the ultimate home simulated aviation experience is beyond of scope of this Lens. The average casual flight simmer will be more than satisfied with a decent software package on a typical home desktop setup. The expensive and technical processes of adding hardware to a PC for the most realistic flight experience possible is already covered better than what I could do in the Lens featured below, however, for completeness, a list of some optional hardware follows:

 

featured lens Flight Simulator Games

I have much respect for the power of flight simulator games and those who make good use of it. I'd like to get more in the game, and experience the magic of flying even if just from your home. Read more at my Flight Simulator Games blog.

 

Your Flight Yoke

No matter which software you use to quench your thirst for flight, unless you plan to fly with the keyboard alone (possible but not very realistic), you'll need a yoke designed to plug into a PC to get what many consider a minimally genuine flying experience.
Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44)

Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44)

Amazon Price: $121.99 (as of 11/11/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $164.99
Used Price: $99.00

Release Date: 12/31/1969

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Optional Hardware

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Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick (Silver/Black)

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick (Silver/Black)

LOGITECH Extreme 3D Pro Joystick -- Get your game face on with this specially designed Joystick. Its 12 fully programmable buttons give you an incredible amount of flexibility and performance. USB interface Requires Pentium PC with 64MB RAM, 20MB available hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, USB port, Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP; or Macintosh with USB port running Mac OS 9, OS 10.x or higher0 points

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Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals

The Saitek Pro Flight Rudder 3-axis Pedals maximize flight-sim realism by enabling foot control of the rudder function.PRODUCT FEATURES:Silent, smooth action for optimum control and precision;Self-centering pedals with adjustable damping;Footrests adjust to fit all sizes and include non-slip materials;Precise rudder and braking control;Tension adjustment - choose resistance to suit the way you fly;High quality, part metal construction for long life;Advanced SST Programming.0 points

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Saitek X52 Flight Control System

Saitek X52 Flight Control System

The Saitek X52 Flight Control System is for control freaks. It has the very best in Precision engineering & ergonomic design for maximum aeronautical authenticity. It's got advanced Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming, with enhanced gameplay through intuitive Multi-Function display (MFD) -- with illuminated buttons for low light environments. Partial metal construction gives it rugged durability, while the rubber grips and ergonomic deliver increased comfort and fatigue-free gaming. Includ...0 points

FlightGear 

Open-source, multi-platform, cooperative, and best of all free! With a long-term goal of becoming FAA-certified for pilot training to boot, FlightGear is positioning to give MSFS a serious run for its money.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 

The most popular is not always the best. Since they have the vast majority of the market share they don't have to care. This product and its previous versions have always been riddled with bugs and user interface annoyances that, had it been developed in an open-source environment, would've been elegantly fixed a long time ago. Nevertheless, for the longest time it was the only option for the PC aviation enthusiast.

Despite its shortcomings, it has a strong and loyal following, which makes it even more perplexing that in late January 2009 Microsoft announced the closure of Aces Studios, the division that publishes MSFS, with the promise to "continue to produce, sell, and support the latest version of Flight Simulator as we plan for future versions of the franchise."

MSFS fans have reacted by signing an open letter to Microsoft in an attempt to get them to come to their senses and reverse their decision.

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Flight Sim X-Gold

Flight Sim X-Gold

Amazon Price: $36.99 (as of 11/11/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $39.99
Used Price: $25.00

Release Date: 09/23/2008

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Books by Amazon

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Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training by Jeff Van West, Kevin Lane-Cummings

Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training by Jeff Van West, Kevin Lane-Cummings

Get ready to take flight as two certified flight instructors guide you through the pilot ratings as it is done in the real world, starting with Sport Pilot training, then Private Pilot, followed by the Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Air Transport Pilot. They cover the skills of flight, how to master Flight Simulator, and how to use the software as a learning tool towards your pilot's license. More advanced topics demonstrate how Flight Simulator X can be used as a continuing learn...0 points

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Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid: A Guide for Pilots, Instructors, and Virtual Aviators by Bruce Williams

Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid: A Guide for Pilots, Instructors, and Virtual Aviators by Bruce Williams

PC-based simulations, though touted by many in the aviation community as excellent flight training aids, are not being used to their full potential. This guide and the accompanying CD illustrate how to get the most out of Microsoft® Flight Simulator with general suggestions, specific advice, and practical tools. Student pilots can use the comprehensive information to review specific concepts and prepare themselves for formal flight instruction, while certified pilots can upgrade their navigation...0 points

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Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Master the Experience!: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides) by Bart Farkas

Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Master the Experience!: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides) by Bart Farkas

A Pilot's Guide for Gamers

·All 50-plus missions and tutorials are outlined and examined
·Learn the basics of flight, from taxi and takeoff through challenging landings
·Learn how to combine the stunning power of the Learning Center and Free Flight Ability with real-world flight situations
·Explore exciting new ways to use Flight Simulator X, from flying air rallies to functioning as an Air Traffic Controller
·Quick reference hotkey insert card included0 points

X-Plane by Austin Meyer 

MSFS's only commercial competition, X-Plane's website claims their product is the most advanced, accurate flying experience for the home airplane driver.

 

X-Plane for Microsoft Windows

X-Plane v 9.0

X-Plane v 9.0

Amazon Price: $23.75 (as of 11/11/2009)Buy Now
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Used Price: $7.89

Release Date: 04/01/2008

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X-Plane for the Mac

X-Plane 9

X-Plane 9

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 11/11/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $49.99
Used Price: $34.50

Release Date: 03/25/2008

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Ground School 

Even career pilots could use a brush up on the basics. The constant laws of physics mean resources in this category need not be too recent to be of use to the new pilot.

 

Books by Amazon

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Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying by Wolfgang Langewiesche

Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying by Wolfgang Langewiesche

In the early 1940's, Wolfgang Langewiesche wrote a series of articles in Air Facts analyzing the various aspects of piloting techniques. Based on these articles, Langewiesche's classic work on the art of flying was published in 1944. This book explains precisely what pilots do when they fly, just how they do it, and why. These basics are largely unchanging. The book applies to large airplanes and small, old airplanes and new, and is of interest not only to the learner but also to the accomplishe...0 points

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Pilot's rules of thumb: Rules of thumb, easy aviation math, handy formulas, quick tips by Art Parma

Pilot's rules of thumb: Rules of thumb, easy aviation math, handy formulas, quick tips by Art Parma

The only book of its kind! A collection of helpful rules and tips useful to the weekend bugsmasher and jet fighter pilot alike.0 points

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Mental Math for Pilots (Professional Aviation series) by Ronald D. McElroy

Mental Math for Pilots (Professional Aviation series) by Ronald D. McElroy

For pilots looking to improve their math skills in the cockpit and easily perform math calculations in their heads, this book offers numerous tips and invaluable tricks to help in all areas of cockpit calculations. Pilots are guided through basic and more advanced formulas with explanations on how to perform them without needing paper or electronic calculators, step-by-step instructions, practice exercises, and personal advice from experienced pilots. Easy and quick methods for calculating airbo...0 points

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Pilot's Pocket Handbook: Flight Calculations, Weather Decoder, Aviation Acronyms, Charts and Checklists, Pilot Memory Aids by Art Parma

Pilot's Pocket Handbook: Flight Calculations, Weather Decoder, Aviation Acronyms, Charts and Checklists, Pilot Memory Aids by Art Parma

The next best thing to having that brain chip implant! A handy collection of useful everyday aviation facts, figures and neat stuff for pilots.0 points

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Beyond The Checkride: What Your Flight Instructor Never Taught You by Howard Fried

Beyond The Checkride: What Your Flight Instructor Never Taught You by Howard Fried

Asserting that a flight certificate is a pilot's ``license to learn,'' this unique book offers valuable lessons learned by veteran pilots. Using the anecdotal style that has made his Flying magazine column so popular, Fried bridges the gap between pilot training and in-flight experience with his advice on vital but often under-emphasized areas of: maneuvering speed; weight and balance; aircraft control; prop safety; night flying; altitude.0 points

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Avoiding Common Pilot Errors by John Stewart

Avoiding Common Pilot Errors by John Stewart

This important book brings an air traffic controller's perspective to the mistakes pilots commonly make in controlled airspace. Veteran controller John Stewart has spent years observing pilots display their lack of education, lack of flight preparation, inability to communicate effectively, ignorance of resistance to regulations, and other dangerous flaws. This book is his attempt to help pilots fly more safely in controlled airspace and to introduce them to new and coming air traffic control te...0 points

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The Killing Zone: How & Why Pilots Die by Paul A. Craig

The Killing Zone: How & Why Pilots Die by Paul A. Craig

This literal survival guide for new pilots identifies "the killing zone," the 40-250 flight hours during which unseasoned aviators are likely to commit lethal mistakes. Presents the statistics of how many pilots will die in the zone within a year; calls attention to the eight top pilot killers (such as "VFR into IFR," "Takeoff and Climb"); and maps strategies for avoiding, diverting, correcting, and managing the dangers. Includes a Pilot Personality Self-Assessment Exercise that identifies pilot...0 points

Radio Communications 

Air Traffic Control has a special language all it's own, it is practically a field within itself. The solitary PC pilot can safely ignore this stuff for now, but if you plan to log into a flight sim network or learn how to operate an aircraft in the real world, you will need to study up on this.

 

Books by Amazon

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Say Again, Please: Guide to Radio Communications (Focus Series) by Bob Gardner

Say Again, Please: Guide to Radio Communications (Focus Series) by Bob Gardner

Providing a clear, conversational approach to radio communications, this sourcebook for pilots and aviation specialists features typical transmissions in order to explain how the air traffic control (ATC) system works and presents simulated flights to demonstrate the correct procedures. Topics cover every aspect of radio communication, including basic system and procedural comprehension, etiquette and rules, visual flight rules, instrument flight rules, emergency procedures, ATC facilities and t...0 points

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Aviation Radio Communications Made Easy: IFR Edition: Talk Like a Pro with Templates That Function as a Script for Your IFR Flights by Hugh C. Ward

Aviation Radio Communications Made Easy: IFR Edition: Talk Like a Pro with Templates That Function as a Script for Your IFR Flights by Hugh C. Ward

Pilots learn to speak effectively and efficiently-and take the stress out of communications-during flights in the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) or the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) environment with these instructional guides. Whether used as a training tool and memory aid on the ground or as speaking notes in the cockpit, these 32 script templates and accompanying instructions take the guesswork out of what to say to whom and when. Versatile enough to accommodate any IFR or VFR flight, reg...0 points

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Aviation Radio Communications Made Easy: VFR Edition: Talk Like a Pro with Templates That Function as a Script for Your VFR Flights by Hugh C. Ward

Aviation Radio Communications Made Easy: VFR Edition: Talk Like a Pro with Templates That Function as a Script for Your VFR Flights by Hugh C. Ward

Pilots learn to speak effectively and efficiently-and take the stress out of communications-during flights in the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) or the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) environment with these instructional guides. Whether used as a training tool and memory aid on the ground or as speaking notes in the cockpit, these 32 script templates and accompanying instructions take the guesswork out of what to say to whom and when. Versatile enough to accommodate any IFR or VFR flight, reg...0 points

IFR: Instrument Flight Rules 

If you're serious about learning what it's really like to be a pilot, for that truly authentic experience, you must learn IFR flying. It is how pilots navigate in situations of low visibility like bad weather and the darkness of night. A pilot unable to fly in IFR conditions is limited to only flying in near-ideal weather and is hardly a pilot. Don't forget to check the Lens featured below on the history of IFR flight.

 

featured lens Cloud-eeze: the Evolution of IFR training

This lens will tell you the highlights of the most comfortable and functional IFR training device on the market. Our Cloud-eeze view limiting device is more comfortable than foggles or jeppshades at a fraction of the cost.

 

Books by Amazon

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Instrument Flying by David Hoy

Instrument Flying by David Hoy

This book is designed to supplement the instruction a student receives during his or her course. The Instrument Rating is a test of not only the student's ability to fly accurately on Instruments, the foundation, but also the ability to cope under a number of pressures. Instrument Flying is intended to help prepare the student to pass what is regarded as probably the most demanding flight tests in the world, the JAA Instrument Rating. It will also provide some useful tips and reminders when the....0 points

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The Pilot's Manual: Instrument Flying: A Step-by-Step Course Covering All Knowledge Necessary to Pass the FAA Instrument Written and Oral Exams, and the IFR Flight Check (Pilot's Manual series, The) by Ltd. Aviation Theory Centre

The Pilot's Manual: Instrument Flying: A Step-by-Step Course Covering All Knowledge Necessary to Pass the FAA Instrument Written and Oral Exams, and the IFR Flight Check (Pilot's Manual series, The) by Ltd. Aviation Theory Centre

All of the aeronautical knowledge and skill needed to earn the Instrument Rating certificate are covered in this guide, from basic flying and navigation techniques to meteorology and instrument flight rule (IFR) maneuvers. Thorough review sections help hone knowledge in preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Knowledge Exam, while detailed text and illustrations prepare pilots for the oral and flight tests. The knowledge and skills required for preflight preparations as well as...0 points

The Future 

I foresee an open-source software package that will be easy enough for the layperson while being sophisticated enough for training purposes. It will seamlessly and elegantly go from a first-person shooter (FPS) like GTA to the cockpit view of a flight sim, to who knows what else. You'll be able to fly planes, drive cars, or walk down the street anywhere in the world or other worlds and see accurate buildings and other scenery even in small, rural places. You'll be able to fly to other planets or other towns with the same accurate physics engine. You'll be able to prototype physical things inside this virtual world and see how they behave in various circumstances. If you want to help me build this let me know.

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This lens will tell you the highlights of the most comfortable and functional IFR training device on the market. Our Cloud-eeze view limiting device is more comfortable than foggles or jeppshades at a fraction of the cost.

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I have much respect for the power of flight simulator games and those who make good use of it. I'd like to get more in the game, and experience the magic of flying even if just from your home. Read more at my Flight Simulator Games blog.

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About Me 

Lensmaster dotcomboy, aka Rodney Lewis, has been a member since February 22 2009, has rated 135 lenses, favorited 46, and has created 38 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Civilian Flight Simulators for PCs". See all my lenses

My Bio

Ignorance is our only enemy. No matter how much of a burden some philosophers may reason knowledge is, I believe it is ultimately our friend. Its proper application has the potential to better our lives in so many unpredictable ways. I hope my Lenses inform, educate, entertain, and enlighten.

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