Flight simulators for the PC have been around in one form or another since the 1980’s. Most of them can provide the virtual pilot with either a ‘game-like’ atmosphere, wherein the plane is just pointed in the right direction, or a true flight ‘simulation’ that requires the ‘pilot’ to understand flight dynamics, weather, navigation and aircraft communications.
Types of Computer Flight Simulators
Flight training simulators are broken down into two broad categories as witnessed in some of the best online casino australia and New Zealand websites: “Military” (think goggles, dogfights and the “Luftwaffe) and “Civil” (think Cessna and 747).
For those people who love the idea of flying, but can’t because of the cost or time commitment, flight seems in either category provide the opportunity to fly “virtually” anywhere around the world, in an atmosphere as close to the real thing as one can find on the ground.
Getting Started in Flight Simulation
Getting started in the flight simulation hobby can be as simple as purchasing a basic program for the family PC or laptop. A mouse and a keyboard are all that are required to start ‘flying’ immediately.
However, be advised that the newest versions of aircraft flight simulators – of which Microsoft is the top-selling brand – are so advanced that they can make even a high-end computer struggle to keep up. Those just starting out in the hobby, who may not have the most advanced gaming computer on the market, may want to start with software that is a few years old to avoid frustration.
Flight Simulator Software and Hardware
Although a basic program can get the virtual pilot off the ground, the ad-on market for flight simulator software and hardware is huge. The basic setup mentioned above can be expanded with extra computers and monitors, yokes or joysticks, headsets, microphones, throttle quadrants, rudder pedals and even realistic airplane flight instruments and flight computers.
Even motion platforms are available that mimic the movements of a real flight. Software can be downloaded that will allow the pilot to fly over his own house or her favorite vacation destination.
Virtual airports can be enhanced to that the current air traffic at the local airport can appear in the virtual world.
Software can even update the virtual weather to match what’s happening in real life. And for those who dream of best high roller casinos carrying passengers, programs are available that fill the virtual plane with passengers, some of whom aren’t shy about voicing their opinions on the competence of the pilot!
Online Communities for Computer Pilots
Many different groups can be found online that cater to virtual pilots. For those who enjoy a challenge, there are Internet-based groups that allow one to fly under the direction of virtual air traffic controllers, with the same rules and regulations found in the real world.
These web-based virtual airlines shuttle virtual passengers or cargo around the world. Flight times and performance are recorded and a pilot can advance through the ranks for the chance to fly larger airplanes and longer routes.
Flight simulation is truly a hobby that offers ‘something for everyone’, with little risk, other than the temptation to advance to bigger and better planes and an ever-more-realistic flight experience.
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