Q. What is the Pro Flight Simulator minimum requirements?
A. The game will run on all windows based computers with minimum system requirements of:

• Windows 2000/XP/ME/Vista/Windows 7 And supports Macs.
• Pentium 2 CPU Processor.
• 256 MB Ram and 16 bit color.
• Desktop Resolution of 1024 x 768.
• 128 MB Ram Basic Graphics Card.

Q. Is there a demo trial version available?
A. At present you are only able to purchase the full version of the game. However, the Pro Flight Simulator suite does come with a 60 day money back guarantee so you can test the game and
request a full refund if you are unhappy within the 60 days of downloading the game.

Q. This will be my first time with a flight simulator. How difficult is it to learn and get started?
A. The game comes with an in depth instruction manual as well as easy to understand video tutorials to help get you started and taking to the skies right away.

Note: Do not expect to be an expert pilot straight away. Pro Flight Sim as been designed to be as realistic as possible so it may take some time before you become an expert with the game.

Q. How can I get the game?
A. Once you have made your purchase, you will be instantly be sent an email with your receipt and a link that redirects to the member’s area where you get instant access to download the game, help documentation and video files.

If your internet connection is slow or you would prefer to receive the DVD set, then this can be ordered from the member’s area which will then be shipped out to you.

Q. How do I start using ProFlightSimulator once I have downloaded it or received the DVD set?
A. ProFlight Simulator is an already pre-configured software which requires a simple install, just like you would any other software or program on to your computer.

You will find an easy to follow step by step video in the member’s area which will show you how to install and start playing the game and controls. You can also contact the support team with any issues or problems you may encounter with getting started.

Q. What if I am having problems with the software or having difficulties or stuck on how to play the game?
A. You can create a support ticket in the member’s area where a member of the support team will contact you and help to resolve any issues or problems with the game.

Q. How do I get a refund?
A. You can log a support ticket in the members section to request a full refund within 60 days of your purchase. If more than 60 days have elapsed, you may still request a refund but it would then be up to the discretion of the support team to grant you a full refund.

The most effective way of getting yourself exposed to this world of aviation without spending so much money is through an introductory flight. An introductory flight will help you step by step enter into the flying world and let you enjoy it to the fullest.

What is required

• A list of the fly schools in your neighborhood
• The yellow pages could also help you find a number of flight schools
• A number of hours of free time, preferably a whole day

Instructions

The first thing that you should do when you want to get into the world of flying is to get yourself into a reputable flying school. To do this, you can search the internet and also flying information websites, which should return a list of reputable and long standing flying schools. Many of these schools will be Cessna Pilot Centers that could be located close to where you are. A large number of the current pilots got their training from Cessna aircraft thus you will be in trustworthy hands.

The second step would be to physically visit each of the flight centers that are in the list so that you could get to know their pricing and location information. Actual contact with them will help you get more clear and clarified information. Some schools may have special promotions which aren’t available online, so you could save yourself a bit of cash doing it this way.

The moment you get the flight school that will be most convenient for you, call them and book an appointment for your introductory lesson. Under normal circumstances, they have a special price so ensure that you inquire for it. This could be very beneficial to you in terms of saving a bit of the money that you have set aside to get the training.

In the event that the weather is conducive, the company flight instructor will greet you and bring you into the whole new and beautiful world of flying.

Additional Tips

The introductory flight will give you exposure to a certified flight instructor who is an expert in the field who will be able to answer all the questions that you might have.
A large number of flight instructors will allow you to manipulate the controls in the course of your initial flight including your initial take-off but this will depend on how comfortable they are with you.

You will have a better idea of the flight training magnitude in the event that you first take this flight. Statistics have shown that these instructional flights are among the safest of all flights.

You may find it confusing at first because of the wide range of features available on the market today. Knowing what features to take into consideration will help you find and choose a game that will definitely meet your expectations.

These games are based on actual real life flight controls thus you have to find a flight simulator that will provide you with an excellent experience. The flight controls might also take a bit of time to get used to and learn how to fly.

How To Choose Flight Simulator Games

With the advancements of technology these past few years, flight simulator games are constantly evolving so that it becomes more realistic, and continue to have more features which adds to the enjoyment and excitement of the person playing it. A lot of video games are constantly updating their software to stay with the competition and to address the growing demands of this type of game. Here are some of the key components that you must look for when choosing between the various flight sim games.

Naturalness of the game: When choosing a flight simulator game, you have to ask yourself if it feels right for you. However, you won’t know unless you try them out. It is vital to first try out a sample of different flight simulator games before purchasing one. When trying the game, you have to consider the authenticity of the flight simulator game and if it offers a natural feeling. If you are one of those who really want to have a realistic experience through this game, you might want to take this component into consideration.

Graphics and scenery: It is vital to look for flight simulator games that have amazing quality of graphics and scenery. If the graphics and scenery are not very attractive, you might get bored easily, or become disappointed with your purchase. When the flight simulator game doesn’t have high standards of graphics and scenery, all you will see while flying are blue skies and the views may be so bad, that you won’t be able to tell the difference of various locations.

Aircraft: The most vital component of flight simulator games is the availability of various aircraft. It is always better to have a number of different aircraft to choose from. There are flight simulator games that have over 120 planes and helicopters to choose from, so make sure the particular game you purchase features this.

When choosing between different flight simulator games, you also have to read buyer and gamer reviews. These reviews are a comprehensive analysis of different flight simulator games and will help you get an idea of the program’s game play, performance, and graphics. These computer games are not cheap, so you have to make sure that you purchase the one that will satisfy you and are able to reach your standards.

Joysticks are used with a lot of flight simulator games, as many planes, like the Airbus, have a joystick type control. As joysticks are used in a wide variety of other games, most avid gamers will already have one, making it one less control to purchase when getting into flight simulators. A joystick can be used in flight simulation for planes that are actually controlled by a yoke, such as Cessna’s or Boeing jets, but the experience will be less than authentic. Nevertheless, they are a decent alternative for those who can’t splurge for a yoke right away.

Calibrating your joystick:

Your virtual aircraft can be controlled well with a joystick, particularly if the proper adjustments are made. You’ll want to calibrate your joystick before beginning simulation. For accurate control of the craft, the flight simulator must be able to accurately detect all joystick movement, as well as be able to read that the joystick is centered. If not properly calibrated, users will have to keep nudging the joystick up or down to maintain level flight.

Next, the buttons on the joystick will have to be calibrated. The joystick will have a variety of switches and buttons that can be assigned to the controls of the aircraft. Joystick control is preferred to using the keyboard or mouse, which can be distracting, and is an inaccurate representation of flight control. Joystick buttons can be assigned to all controls such as the throttle, landing gear, brakes and flaps.

What to look for in a joystick:

When selecting a flight simulator joystick, there are some things you want to look for. First, make sure the stick moves freely on a 360 degree axis. Secondly, make sure the stick is firm, and doesn’t jiggle randomly during flight. I recommend an analog throttle with fuel input controls. Joysticks attach to your PC through a USB port, so be sure you have one open. For an extra touch of realism, get a joystick that comes with pedals, and be sure it has a variety of programming options.

Purchasing a Joystick

Before purchasing a joystick, especially one on the pricier side, you’ll want to actually use it first. For this reason, I don’t recommend purchasing one online sight unseen. Go to the store and try several joysticks to get a feel for which you prefer. Joysticks come with a wide range of capabilities, and can be as cheap as $20, or run as much as $200. Be sure to hold on to the warranty information in case anything goes wrong with your purchase.

For the pedals to function correctly, the other hardware in your virtual cockpit must be optimized to work well with them. As with any flight simulation equipment, I recommend testing them out with your setup before purchasing. Compatibility between peripheral devices can be somewhat hit or miss. The right rudder pedals will make a nice addition to your cockpit, and are usually priced rather reasonably. There are several reputable brands that make them, so enthusiasts can test several pieces of equipment to determine which they like best.

Are rudder pedals necessary?

Some may initially forgo the rudder pedals as an unnecessary expense, but once you fly with them you’ll see that they do allow for a much more authentic flight experience. For purists who want to feel as if they’re really in a cockpit, as well as serious pilots in training, they are an absolute necessity. The point of using a high tech flight simulator is to replicate the experience of piloting an aircraft as closely as possible without incurring exorbitant costs. As manipulating rudder pedals is required in flight, they should be part of any respectable flight simulator cockpit. Make sure the pedals you purchase fit your feet comfortably and offer the right feel.

What do rudder pedals do?

The rudder pedals control the forward and backward sliding motion of the aircraft, and allow the break controls to be manipulated with heel and toe motion. Getting a feel for how to work the rudder pedals is one of the foundational skills of piloting an aircraft. While mouse and keyboard controls can approximate the functionality rudder pedals offer, they certainly lack in authenticity. Springing for a decent set of rudder pedals adds a true-to-life element to the simulated experience.

How do I choose the right software?

When choosing flight simulation software to purchase, you’ll want to confirm that the software supports any peripheral equipment you plan on using with it. Most will, but some of the less expensive options lack some important functionality, so read the specs carefully before pulling out your wallet. Keep in mind, as you spend more time in your virtual cockpit, you will want the ability to upgrade your equipment and add new peripherals to deepen the authenticity of the flight experience. Choosing a program that supports these peripherals from the get go is a wise choice, as it will save you the hassle of having to buy another program when you outgrow the functionality of the more budget friendly but less feature rich software.

Finding software that meets your current needs, as well as those you may anticipate in the near future can be a challenge. You’ll want to spend some time exploring and testing the available options, as well as any additional hardware you plan of purchasing. Reading reviews can be helpful, but in the end you want to purchase the software and hardware that you most prefer.

Control Systems and Yokes

There are two ways gamers can pilot their simulators, the first consisting of dual joysticks, one to control thrust and the second to control direction. Many of these joysticks can be programmed for a variety of other functions, and some even feature small displays.

The second option is a flight yoke, which is similar to a steering wheel. Yokes are controlled with both hands, as a steering wheel would be, and offer a more intuitive way to pilot. You can use yoke brackets to attach the yoke to your desktop for realistic positioning. Yokes often include a thrust quadrant with a number of levers to control the engines.

Rudder controls make up the final aspect of flight control, and are typically controlled by foot pedals linked to the flaps of the aircraft.

Switch Panels

Switch panels can be programmed for a variety of in-game functions, and replicate the multitude of secondary controls in an aircraft. Some panels even include buttons that replicate radio equipment. Serious flight enthusiasts add one or two switch panels to their virtual cockpits for a more intense and realistic simulated experience.

Visuals

In actual flight, pilots have a minimum of a 180 degree field of vision. This cannot be replicated with one monitor, but using a multi-monitor display with correct positioning can come much closer to replicating the view. Eyefinity, made by ATI, can spread your desktop across multiple monitors for a super-realistic visual effect.

To take it one step further, one can use a desk with winged attachments so the pilot can be positioned more accurately in the center of screens. Large gyroscope panels that mimic aircraft information panels can also be purchased.

Other Flight Gear

There are additional pieces of equipment that can be purchased to take the realism of your simulator to even higher levels. Headsets very similar to those used by pilots for communication can be purchased. Of course, any headset will work for in game chat, but an appropriately styled headset is an option for greater authenticity.

Buying a customized flight chair is among the most expensive upgrades to a flight simulator system. Only hardcore enthusiasts go to this length, but those that do have the option of having instrumentation or controls affixed to the chair as they would be in an actual plane.

Conclusion

How far you take your virtual cockpit is up to you (and your wallet). Most enthusiasts start simple and build up their cockpits over time, which is the more budget friendly option of eventually building the perfect simulated flight experience.

Yoke

The yoke is essential to the flight simulator experience, and is very similar to the actual airplane yokes. It’s also called control column or wheel, and is akin to the steering wheel in a car. The yoke is pushed, pulled, or turned to steer the plane. Turning the yoke causes the plane to roll to one side. Pushing is used to pull up, while pulling causes the plane to dive. Yokes are used primarily in civilian simulators, as they don’t allow for the maneuverability of a joystick, which is used in conjunction with a yoke in combat simulation. Learning to control the yoke in a civilian simulator first is recommended before attempting combat simulation.

The yoke is typically mounted on the desktop, and is used to monitor and control primary engine functions. The yokes in most simulators function with startling accuracy when compared to the yokes in actual planes.

Rudder Pedals

Rudder pedals, not surprisingly, control the rudder on the aircraft. They are used primarily for braking, and typically allow for right braking, left braking and toe braking. In games that support the functionality, pushing harder or lighter on the rudder pedals controls how hard the brakes are engaged. The rudder pedals used for flight simulation games can also be used for driving games.

Throttle

The throttle can, which is often sold together with the yoke, controls and monitors the power of the engine and the fuel levels in both civilian and combat simulators. Typical throttles have three controls used for these functions, and are an essential component of flight simulators.

The ‘Hands On Throttle And Stick’ Control System

Using the keyboard controls when playing flight simulators can be slow and distracting. The Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick is the answer to this problem, as it can be used in the place of keyboard controls. These systems, called HOTAS, make any flight simulators better and more fun to play. There are many different options available with various designs and manufacturers.

Twist Stick

The twist stick is an alternative to using pedals, as it is basically a twistable joystick that also controls rudder function. Most prefer the twist stick to pedals, but some avid players still use the pedals. I personally use the twist stick, but I recommend trying the pedals and the stick yourself to see what you prefer.

Conclusion

To master flight simulation, you must master all of the controls used to pilot the plane. Each control must be manipulated in conjunction with the others. Practice makes perfect. So get well acquainted with your set of controls and train with them until flight procedures become second nature.

The deluxe edition also features additional appliances like aircraft with Garmin flight decks and an on-disk software development kit. The gold has all of the features of the other editions and offers more available missions to fly. Some brand new features of Flight Simulator X include helicopter and combat flight simulation.

All editions fully support the required peripherals like yokes, rudder pedals, switch panels, joysticks and flight chairs. Investing a few hundred dollars into a life-like virtual cockpit can bring the flight simulation experience to a level beyond that offered by previous versions.

Other notable features are:

• Improved graphics and multi-media offer more realistic sound and scenery, built in GPS support, improved visibility and weather device, improved ATC features, improved altitude, improved versions of aircraft, and flexible wings for realistic flight feel in turbulence.

• A more exciting and realistic simulation experience due to more advanced gadgets and much improved weather condition rendering. Improved ground visibility including buildings, moving cars, forests and mountain ranges.

• More aggressive and challenging combat missions (50 missions in all).

There are a plethora of new assignments and test missions. Players can put their chops to the test by flying timed obstacle courses. Hyper-realism is featured in challenges like piloting through severe storms or going on a rescue mission to aid the survivors of a plane crash. There are also many straight combat missions involving the targeted dropping of bombs and stomach twisting dog fights. Other exciting challenges include visiting the Amazon, landing on a moving truck, and taking part in a flight race. Assignments also offer upgrades allowing pilots to earn more advanced aircraft and special missions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X also features exploratory missions to search out hidden rewards. Players can man the control tower and guide planes on other missions. Chatting with other players and communicating with airports for emergency landings makes missions more interactive.

One of the most popular features among flight simulator enthusiasts is the number of available aircraft to pilot. Any plane from a jumbo jet to a small glider can be commandeered. Players can even customize their aircraft with hardware, emblems and paint finishes. You can compete against other pilots in hauling challenges or timed events, putting yourself and the aircraft at risk. Microsoft Simulator X offers everyone from the novice to the experienced pilot exciting challenges and cutting edge realism.