ORIGINAL: cubmaster126
Thanks for the point of view.
I too know a guy or two who has got a shotgun start from the sims. It seems the in between so far is that The type of plane or setup is important in that it reflects the experiences and expectations of the would be pilot.And that the instructor apply that information to the lessons as applicable. I've learned from my two boys that video games give a large advantage in hand-eye cordination and muscle memory. Wish this wind would lay off all day just once so i can start teaching them landings.[&o]Any other points welcome guys,later
Yeah, the sims are an interesting addition to the hobby.
There's absolutely no question in my mind that they are valuable aides for teaching the basic muscle memory, or even "advanced" stick movements. I've seen a HUGE difference in the length of time it takes to get a new student flying respectable patterns with and without the sim...the "control reversal" of oncoming flight is almost non-existant with students who've spent a lot of time on a sim...and lord knows, they're wonderful for learning to do the latest, greatest 3d maneuver.
Where, imo, they "fail" is SPEED. Regardless of the aircraft OR the software...RealFlight, AFPD, whatever...helis, warbirds, trainers, big birds...doesn't matter...EVERY single one of them, to ME at least, seems to move more slowly than the real thing. Things just happen FASTER out at the field than they do on the sim, for some reason.
In either case, a valuable training tool, imo, and something I strongly recommend to most students.