Does one really need a simulator?
 

AInt nothin like the real thing baby.........

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

I think it's all about stick time however you can get it.

Obviously the real thing is best, but depending on your style of flying it can get a bit expensive. :-)
For me 3D training rocks on the Sim because it's all about repetition and programming your fingers to react to orientation.

I have probably flown 200-300 real flights in the last 6 months, but I've flown thousands on the sim.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

3 year olds don't understand the fear of broken balsa.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Does one really need a sim? no

However, the $200 that I spent on G3 was worth every penny and then some IMO.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Yea, you don't need it, but I certainly have saved twice what my Blade CP is worth in parts by using the sim.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

AT $200, it sure has saved me alot of money, and I can fly when the weathers crummy:D

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Ain't nothing like a real crash either.

We get simulators to try things we would not otherwise try, get extra stick time when it's available (bad weather, at night, when you only have 1/2 hr).
Try a slope soar, try 3D, try a Heli.

If you are a perfect pilot or have an infinite # of craft, time and money, you don't need a simulator.

It's to make the most out of the real flying time, not to replace it.

You can also use the flight sim to *help* check out *not eliminate* your radio programming too.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

I've been flying RC on and off for 30 years. I also wondered just what use I might have for a sim. Well the LHS had the XTR on special for $100 and I just could not say no. I thought my kids might have some fun with it.
They are GREAT.....I get use my TX and practise what ever I want to for as long as I like. I've already started learning new things and putting them into practise at the field. With the amount of fun I've had with it I can only imagine how much help it must be to those flyers yet to solo for real.
I think that if they ever reach a better price point ($200 ish is too high) most flyers will have a sim in their fleet.

Barry

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

No, they are not absolutely necessary, and can actually cause more damage. It's definately not uncommon for people to have more confidence that skill because of a flight simulator and how well they do in it. Then they go out and fly the real thing and crash and burn.

It's a good thing for learning the basics and orientation and ingraining muscle memory as well as trying out new maneuvers, but nobody should be under the false impression that if they can fly in a sim, they can fly in real life.

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Why? It's not a "false impression". Are you living in the dark ages or have you ever seen a pilot who learned on a flight sim and came out to the field for the first time and soloed? It's not at all uncommon anymore. I've never seen a sim pilot overcocky and crash his plane trying to do something that he couldn't do either.

50%

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

Yup I'm one of them!

RE: Does one really need a simulator?
 

no, you don't need a sim but it will help you learn.