Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training

Comment: This book is a learning guide structured for individuals wanting to use FSX as a training device (flight simulator for pilots) to become real pilots, flying real airplanes. For existing pilots, the book covers things already old hat. However, I found that it was better to start at the beginning and quickly go through the topics so that I could learn how to use FSX in a realistic setting. Without this book, it would be a significant pain, using the very limited instructions that come with FSX, to get set up in a realistic environment. For that reason I would recommend it to anyone who is a pilot and wants to run FSX as a simulator training tool.

The ideal book, would be like this book, but including only the later chapters and beginning with a start up and configuration guide to get the real pilot ready to use and understand FSX quickly. I guess what I am talking about is an FSX user manual for actual pilots, not gamers.

There are some strange things, such as reference to appendices that are not in the book. It turns out that these appendices can be found at the book publisher's web page. (The book suggests that the web page is used to augment the book, and there are various downloads that are needed as training material referenced in the text.) Somewhere, up front, it would be nice if the authors provided an FSX user guide listing the various menu settings, and controls. You have to skim through the various lessons to glean this info.

My criticisms are minor, and all in all, I would recommend this book to any would-be or existing pilot wanting to use FSX for training.

Jack

Comment: I "was" a private pilot, instrument rating, approx. 800hrs with both multi-engine (Twin Comanche and Cessna 310) and jet (Lear Jet & Citation II) time; the last time I flew a general aviation airplane was April 1, 1986. I've always loved flying and decided to satisfy the urge with using a flight simulator- I presently have Flight Simulator 2004, that I bought 5 yrs ago, but used it sparingly. I read about Flight Simulator X a few months ago, decided as a refresher to use 2004, brought the "Flight Simulator X for Pilots Real World Training" as a companion piece and off I went into the "wild blue yonder". The organization, and thoughtfulness in the presentation of the book is exceptional, compared with the training mannuals of the early 1970s. Because of the book and other research, I decided to buy FSX, upgrade by computer and add the new Cessna Mustang and Beech B60 Duke as add-on. If I stick with it I'm sure it will give new life to these old eyes and reflexs.

Comment: Years ago I took my first orientation flight in a Cessna 140 tail dragger and my instructor wanted to know if I wanted to do some simulated crop dusting - I said yes - and from then on I have been "hooked" on flying. I then enrolled in ground school and private pilot instruction and flights. I wish I would of had the additional information and exercises and computer and MS Flight Sim X available today to better prepare me for my actual training flights. If you are an aspiring pilot or want to take Flight Sim X beyond just a game - this will be a good book for you. The more knowledge of what is expected of you during your flight instruction will result in a more enjoyable and productive experience when training with your flight instructor - and will give you more confidence when you get out on your solo flights.
Pros. Instruction by real Flight Instructors. Systematic approach to learning aircraft maneuvers, flying techniques, avionics, etc. There is a real world approach taken by the authors that I like - and their tips are great!
Cons. The publisher opted to print the book in black and white, but allow you to download large files that have the colorized version of photos and charts that are in the book. I don't have the fastest internet so it was very tedious. A tip - download the lesson files and then the first couple of chapters to get you started. Then you can download the remaining 20 or so chapters at your leisure.
Wishing you an exciting and safe flying adventure!

Comment: I ordered a paperback book as specified in the Amazon Ad: Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training (Paperback), and received:
1.A box of Flight Simulator X DVDs.
2. A box holding Flight Simulator 2002.

I would've returned it but the effort is not worth the trouble.
I will not order again from this supplier.

Comment: This book is a great training aid and reference for anyone interested in the technical aspects of actually flying a real plane. As a primer and a learning aid it is much more comprehensive and usable than the alternative by Bruce Williams. I just started with the simulator in preparation for training for a motorplane and glider private pilot license. It makes everything so clear. Combined with MS FSX its an incredible head start for the real thing. It also helps in understanding the complexity of instrument flight and why it takes so much time and $$ to achieve it. I read a previous review that didn't like that the color picture were not included. This is a very minor issue if your using with FSX. The training "missions" provided by wiley on FSX will give you an interactive "picture" that renders the the pictures in the book as simple facsimiles to let you know your in the right place in FSX.