Build Your Own Sim

Alexander Sack

Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 03:18 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Before building a home flight simulator, clearly define your "mission" or purpose (e.g., practicing approaches, emergency procedures) to guide your software and hardware choices and maintain focus.
For serious pilots, X-Plane is generally recommended as the underlying simulation platform due to its advanced flight model and extensive third-party ecosystem, though Prepar3D and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 are also viable options depending on specific needs.
Prioritize realistic controls (yoke, throttle quadrant, rudder pedals) to engage your "flying brain" for effective proficiency training, but understand that an expensive, high-end computer setup focused on elaborate scenery isn't always necessary for core simulation tasks.
A home simulator is excellent for maintaining pilot proficiency, but it cannot be used to log legal currency unless it is an FAA-approved training device.

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Assume you want to buy an airplane. You wouldn’t just go with your buddy’s suggestion to get a Cloudpuncher simply because he said it’s a good one, would you? No, the prudent buyer will first carefully outline the typical mission, the purpose for the craft. Then, you’d select what you think best meets that mission. Picking a home sim is the same—start with your mission.

Mission Is Important