Build Your Own Sim, Pt. 4

Alexander Sack

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:13 AM ET

Verified

On-screen images of avionics can be replaced with more realistic actual bezels like this from RealSimGear.

Key Takeaways:

Flight simulators like X-Plane require extensive third-party add-ons to become effective and immersive training platforms, enabling users to customize nearly every aspect of the virtual flying experience.
Crucial customizations include replicating real-world instrumentation panels for scan practice (e.g., using Sim Innovations Air Manager) and integrating accurate avionics (like Garmin GNS/G1000) via plugins, apps, or hardware for practicing buttonology.
Enhancing environmental realism through improved weather engines (e.g., X-Plane 12's new features or prior add-ons) and detailed scenery (e.g., OrbX TrueEarth, custom ortho, community airports) is vital for realistic IMC and VFR pilotage practice.

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You can think of your sim like a desktop operating system: By itself, it’s not extremely useful; only when you install third-party applications on top of it are you truly enabled to do real work. Same is true for X-Plane.

The fact is most simulators rely on a vast array of third-party add-ons to provide a more immersive flying experience. But navigating this ecosystem is not only a daunting task in itself, but also risks falling down a rabbit hole that can (read: will) waste both your time and money. Again, repeat after me, think of the mission.