"Hi all, & Merry Christmas",I feel slightly embarassed in asking this question as you all seem like experienced flyers in this forum. I`ve had FS9 for awhile now, but only used it as a "game", just a quick flight in GA type aircraft. Having recently been made redudnant from work (due to ill health), I`ve suddenly got the urge to learn to fly (on pc). I want to learn to fly the "heavies" on IFR. I find all the terms bewildering (s.t.a.r.s, VOR, GPS, DME, etc). My question is, "where do I start ?", any advice on where to go from here would be very welcome. Eventually I like the idea of joining a Virtual Airline !!! but at the moment they would only employ me as a tea-maker.Thanks for any advice. Rob

Welcome to the world of the virtual pilot, Rob! You want to learn to fly the heavies. I would highly suggest starting at the beginning, just like real world commercial pilots have to do. I am not certain (since I use FS2002) but I believe there is an Instructor mode in FS09 which can help you get started. You need to become comfortable with the small, single engine, fixed gear GA aircraft first. Then comes retractable gear; then multi-engine. Somewhere in the mix you learn IFR.If you can swing it, go to your local airport and take a "get acquainted" flight with an instructor. He/she can give you a quick and accurate explanation of the instruments, radios and such. Plus you'll get a chance to actually fly 'hands on' for a taste of what you'll strive for in the simulator. There are plenty of folks here who could probably give you step-by-step instructions. I'm not one of them, unfortunately! :-hah My real world flight experience ended with single engine, fixed gear GA planes; I did get my pilot's license, though. Avsim has a Flight School forum; you should check that out.You can make your virtual pilot experience as detailed and "real" as you like or you can jump right into the "big iron" and decipher all those switche and knobs........... that's the beauty of a flight simulator. But half the fun is getting there. And you may just discover that flying the GA aircraft, really learning from the ground up, so to speak, is a VERY satisfying experience.Good luck and have fun.-Lindy :-rotor:-wave

Have you noticed the "Learning Center" section on the left side of FS9's startup screen? It contains a lot of information. There are articles on the different types of planes, on radio navigation and GPS.VOlker :]

Thanks for the advice Lindy, been to my local library & got a book which covers basic flying with GA aircraft. You are right, must start at the beginning (although I`m a little impatient sometimes).Thanks Volker too, good idea to start on FS9`s learning program (found it). Merry Xmas all, Rob

It's one of those things that many simmers skip past, but those Learning Centre features are actually very, very good. They are a bit simplistic for real pilots, but there are are nuggets that will teach even seasoned real-world flyers a thing or two. I know most experienced simmers never bother with the tuition and the lessons, but the FS9 version, with interactive video is VERY informative and a great basic reference source. I find the Kings` televisual attitude more relevant to a six year old mind, but maybe that's just me! I do like to sit back with a cup of coffee and just watch some of those tutorials. After all, we've paid for them! Allcott

If you really want to fly & master the heavies, you should spend some money for commercial add-on packages... Those FS default aircraft are rather simplified and easy to use, but the excitement starts IMHO with a PSS 747 or A340.So complete the learning center, get used to the default aircraft and if you're still not scared by all the procedures and limitatiosn, try a professional add-on - extensive manual studying required ;-)Holger.

Firstly, never worry about asking questions here.They are a great bunch here, and very helpful.The tutorials are helpful, and when you add in the homework + reading material, there is a lot in there.A lot of the IFR and other advanced stuff can be worked on one bit at a time.Work on the radio navigation system, or the ATC calls, or ILS controls etc. one by one. Don't worry about being late, turning too steep or any thing like that - it's training after all.It takes time, but it'll all start comng together after a while.And if it gets too much, just buzz the grand canyon or something for a bit of light relief.

I just sort of learned by doing. I can get most anything off the ground, but I do read up on speeds for that aircraft before I take off. I stabilize by using autopilot and autospeed, and then learn the airplane in the air. Becoming familiar with ILS landings is a must, and I did that with smaller aircraft and a lot of practice. That starts by putting the specific runway ILS frequency in the Nav 1 radio, and using the Autopilot and Autopilot "APR" button/mode to zero the localizer and glide scope needles, and make the landing.Learning to land these airplanes is then not to difficult, if you use the correct speeds and make approaches from a long way out so that everything is well stabilized. I come into the glidescope at about 2500 to 3500 feet (and from below, which is required in FS).I increase flaps as I get closer, and I get my speed way down to at, or below, recommended setting. You must turn off autopilot and autothrottle/speed controls late in the approach and land manually, where (at this point) aircraft speed is somewhat critical.You can then use this to build upon other skills, knowing that you can get the airplane up, fly it, and get it back down again.Hope this helps...Bob (Lecanto, Fl.)

I found the following two sites very helpful when I was (still am , actually) learning.The Aviation/Flight Simulator section of www.stoenworks.comandhttp://www.navfltsm.addr.com/index.htmhttp://mysite.verizon.net/tjrush/avsimfsg.jpg------------SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS------------ Dell Pentium 4 at 3.2GHz with 800MHz FSB 1GB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz 128MB DDR ATI RADEON 9800 Pro 21 inch P1130 FD Trinitron CRT Monitor 120GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive Sound Blaster Audigy 2 with DVD Audio WindowsXP Home Edition with Microsoft Plus!

I've found this really helpful, both for the sim and real world:http://www.av8n.com/how/It's fascinating reading... and it's amazing how many misconceptions there are out there.