I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

Hi, I am a Mechanical Engineering Student at Ohio Northern University. I am a partial leader of an AIAA group (the other is a senior with a lot of homework/groups, so I am basically in charge).

We have an electric plane (Found in group closet :D, adviser said it was from members 3-4 years ago) that has everything but a Transmitter and batteries. It has a channel 18 receiver in it, but I don’t know if it works. Also, the motor is a Cobalt 40 Geared Motor, and I can’t find the speed control...

Anyways, I have noticed that a lot of people seem to be using flight Sims to train or at the very least supplement training. I think this would be the easiest way to teach the whole group how to fly (without mass producing parts...).

I have looked at G3 and reflex, but before I spend the groups very limited money, I want to get some input from the community. Which would I be able to use best for training and also for messing around with designing?

We have a .61 FX O.S. gas engine that could be used in another plane. I have plans for a plane with the engine mounted in back, and want to mock it up to see how it would handle with different airfoils etc. (we have an idea about mass produceing parts for it)

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks,

Wanderlust




I understand the math (Mechanical Engineering Student), it is just the flying part I am new to...

RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

First, WELCOME TO RCU Wonderlust!!
I like the G3 sim. I don't have much experience with the others, but I like G3 because the planes are harder to fly.(not floaty like others) It also has virtual flight instructors in it.(vids including stick movements with instructors talking while flying) The trainers fly well and when you want something more advanced, the new Red Bull Extra is hard to beat.


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RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

AFPD has the most user created models on the commercial sim market today and for a good reason. Also if you wanted to give it a try for 15 days to see if you guys like it we can do that for you. Just send an email to [email protected].

RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

G3 also has this technology. Only a few people can make models for it though, but soon, everybody will be able to do it free.(ability to use a free program for making planes, the technology is free)


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RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

G2 & 3 also have a free download page where you can go & download planes that other users have created.

However, I think OMP's offer of a free 15 day trial is very generous. I have G2 because I got it for free, but I liked what I've seen of Aero Fly Pro Deluxe, I think it is called. I would certainly take OMP up on their offer. Who knows maybe they'll even give ya a break on the price since it is a legitimate school project with limited funs, hint hint good PR for OMP!:D

RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

i'm also an educator in aviation for children ... so i know where your going. i'll hook you up.

email [email protected]

RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

I taught myself to fly using G2 to learn the controls and deal with the orientation problems. I'm guessing I put 15 - 20 hours on the sim before flying the trainer. My first flight went very well with no severe surprises. The next 10 - 15 flights went just as well except for a few landings that may have done a bit of damage to a wood airplane (I was using an Aircore trainer, made of plastic). I can now take off, fly, and land with little or no problems with the trainer and my newer Spectra Select sailplane. It's been about a year since I started and I'm going to try to step up to a low wing this spring.

Learning on a sim and successfully flying a trainer can be done, as I have done it. If you use G2 or G3, use the flight instruction feature to learn the basics. And practice the landings extensively, that's what I had the most trouble with on the trainer. After you learn the transmitter controls, spend time learning orientation with the sim plane coming toward you, as turning is opposite. And use the "Look at ground" view, it's more realistic. Hope this helps!

RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

Thanks for all of the input. I will let you all know how it ends up.






The one group on campus that has found out that the roof access to the engineering building is unlocked ;).

RE: I need a flight sim. to teach an AIAA group (and also myself) how to fly
 

Oh, and STLPilot, have you recived my response? I am not sure if my email is working right now, there seems to be a bug with my schools email system.