Can anyone recommend a flight instruction/training add-on? I looked into FS Flying School, and tried the demo. It's pretty darn cool, but it doesn't actually teach flying, it just evaluates what you do and corrects you and grades you. Are there any others that teach you to fly?

The lesson in FSX do a pretty good job, especially if you combine those with the readings in the Learning Center.

The lesson in FSX do a pretty good job, especially if you combine those with the readings in the Learning Center.

Thanks, Jim. I tried them. Most of them are broken for me, if you're referring to the Machado lessons. They start up and part of the way in, Machado just stops talking. It says he's in control of the plane, but the plane just starts stalling.

Thanks, Jim. I tried them. Most of them are broken for me, if you're referring to the Machado lessons. They start up and part of the way in, Machado just stops talking. It says he's in control of the plane, but the plane just starts stalling.

I think that means you didn't do something correctly. It supposed to say failed but mine just keep going....

I think that means you didn't do something correctly. It supposed to say failed but mine just keep going....

I wish that was all it was. In my case, they quit (as in nothing happens) when Rod is still talking and has control of the plane.I'm looking for 3rd party quality payware stuff in this case anyway. :(

If you're open to options that aren't literal add-ons, I would suggest:Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training - This is a very well-done book, intended for student pilots who want to supplement their training with FSX, but just fine for sim pilots as well. It's a hefty book that goes from instrument orientation up through twin-engines. The initial flights are all in the default Cub, in order to get you focusing on the visual cues outside of the cockpit. Flights, flight plans, etc. are available via a web site download.Training videos at Aviator90 - A nicely produced series of training videos

Thanks Jimmy, both of those look great. I will check them both out more in-depth in the morning.

If you just want 'circuits and bumps' lessons and a bit of info on general PPL handling and navigation, I'd recommend going to amazon.com and typing in 'pilot's manual' on the books section. There are plenty of them to be found. I used one of those when learning to fly for real, so I daresay it would do for a simulator too.If you want to learn flying the 'heavy metal', I would recommend something like Mike Ray's 'Flying the Boeing 700 series simulators' book, which is aimed at novice sim pilots, with the intention of teaching them how to fly a decent payware add on Boeing airliner in FS properly (that'd be anything from a 737 up to a 747). A very entertaining, clear and informative book that is well worth the price.Al

There are those of us who consider having Machado shut up as a good thing.:(

If you're open to options that aren't literal add-ons, I would suggest:Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training - This is a very well-done book, intended for student pilots who want to supplement their training with FSX, but just fine for sim pilots as well. It's a hefty book that goes from instrument orientation up through twin-engines. The initial flights are all in the default Cub, in order to get you focusing on the visual cues outside of the cockpit. Flights, flight plans, etc. are available via a web site download.Training videos at Aviator90 - A nicely produced series of training videos

I ordered that book. That looks like a good one at a reasonable price. And geez, I ended up staying up till 1:30a watching the first 6 or 7 of those Aviator90 lessons. Those things are very nicely done, and easy to understand. Chock, I'll definitely consider the Mike Ray book on the 700 series when I advance to those. I'm sticking with the smaller GA stuff for now, but I did bookmark the book on amazon. Thanks again to all for the suggestions!

I ordered that book. That looks like a good one at a reasonable price. And geez, I ended up staying up till 1:30a watching the first 6 or 7 of those Aviator90 lessons. Those things are very nicely done, and easy to understand. Chock, I'll definitely consider the Mike Ray book on the 700 series when I advance to those. I'm sticking with the smaller GA stuff for now, but I did bookmark the book on amazon. Thanks again to all for the suggestions!

I too ordered the book along with another that caught my eye - "Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid: A Guide for Pilots, Instructors, and Virtual Aviators" so I'll be busy in a week or so.Thanks for the tip.