Flight Simulator Software

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004

Well its been a few years since i had my initial lessons (oooh at least 7) and the flight simulators (MS Flight Simulator in particular) seem to have progressed very nicely. I decided that it would be a worthwhile investment to go and buy the 2004 version to practice some of the techniques and procedures learnt in my lessons. I know it doesn't feel anything like flying but it does help in remembering and learning what to do when and how.

So i picked up a copy of MS Flight Simulator 2004, and also a copy of VFR scenery discs for the local area (midlands and in particular East Midlands airport). These discs are great, a little blocky at low level, but you can certainly fly along the major roads and spot your house. The downside is the airport isnt that well mapped, the basic layout is ok, so ive managed to order a copy of British Airports for the central area. Im hoping to load this later and get an ultra realistic East Mids airport - at least thats what it says on the box :)

The Yoke:

Have you tired flying a flight sim with the keyboard - arghh! No good, i dont have a joystick either so back on the internet to pick up a decent yoke - CH USB Flight yoke, looks very similar to the Cessna control column.
Has all sorts of controls on it, three throttle type controls on the top, two toggle switch on the front of the base, and a whole host of buttons on the column.

The training software:

Another purchase of software - can you tell im desperate to get up in the air :) Heres hoping these will all help me and i dont just keep them on the shelf after loading them once.