Using Proficiency Sims

Where all aviation has its classic ABC of aviate - navigate - communicate, instrument flying has its own twist. We could call these maneuvers - procedures - communications. They are the building blocks of instrument flying and they atrophy just like any other flying skill. While you cant practice them completely at your desktop, you can keep at least the first two basically in tune. That is, so long as you treat this non-loggable desktop time as serious IFR practice.

IFR Staff

Thursday, April 02, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Desktop flight simulators are valuable tools for maintaining and improving instrument flying skills, particularly "maneuvers" like instrument scan and "procedures" such as complete approaches, departures, and holds.
Effective sim practice requires treating it seriously, focusing on disciplined instrument scanning and "flying by the numbers," practicing full procedures from start to finish, and integrating realistic elements like failures and weather.
Several software options exist (e.g., On Top, X-Plane, FSX), varying in realism and avionics fidelity, often benefiting from third-party plug-ins for accurate GPS simulation; essential hardware includes a basic yoke and throttle quadrant.

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Where all aviation has its classic ABC of “aviate – navigate – communicate,” instrument flying has its own twist. We could call these “maneuvers – procedures – communications.” They are the building blocks of instrument flying and they atrophy just like any other flying skill. While you can’t practice them completely at your desktop, you can keep at least the first two basically in tune. That is, so long as you treat this non-loggable desktop time as serious IFR practice.