Gaming to Keep the Dream Alive

A private pilot introduces his virtual world and the benefits of flight simulation.

Sean Siff

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 02:26 PM ET

Verified

[Courtesy: X-Plane]

Key Takeaways:

Inspired by his family and early experiences at an FBO, the author pursued aviation, eventually earning his private pilot certificate despite interruptions.
To maintain his passion for flying amidst family life, he built a home flight simulator, finding high fidelity and immersive training through software like X-Plane and live air traffic control services like PilotEdge.
The author advocates that flight simulators provide an invaluable and accessible way for pilots to practice skills, navigate complex scenarios, explore aviation, and keep their flying dreams alive when real-world flying is less feasible.

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I picked up my first copy of FLYING at the Concord Aviation Services FBO in the late 1990s, where I worked part-time to help pay for my flight training. My mom would dutifully drive me to work on the weekends since I began my employment there before I got my driver’s license. Concord Municipal Airport (KCON) in New Hampshire was an exciting airport in the summer, busy with general aviation activities, weekend flyers, and the occasional World War II aircraft.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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