I am a flying enthusiast and getting started with MSFS. As you all know Lessons included in the software can never replace a real person sitting next to you and showing the ropes. Unlike other games, with MSFS you need to acquire real knowledge about flying. I I searched around desperately online and couldn't find any one teaching how to fly with MSFS. Only other alternative seems to be actually going to a real flying school and become a real pilot only if i can afford. And then, I came across this flyer http://www.charityflight.com/school.pdf (actually the front page news item on this very avsim website) about instructor led training on MSFS . This is exactly i am wishing for. The curriculum sounds great. On top, they are doing this for a charity. Too bad i don't live anywhere near where this is happening. So my question is - Do you know any similar school/programs happening in United states (particularly around boston)? If not, why not you experienced pilots (real or simmers) start one for a better cause while helping novice enthusiasts like myself! thanks

I'd also like to attend something like this in my local area. But I'm really curious about how his class differs from the software's lessons. I've done the lessons for private pilot and they seem to be pretty decent, but flying the lesson is somewhat difficult on certain lessons because what they tell you to do something that doesn't quite line up and you get off course. But I think I'm pretty much stuck with the FS9 lessons for now.

I don't know about actual sim flight schools but the canned lessons that come with MSFS are pretty good if you stick with it.Another approach is to forget it's a sim and use the same materials that a beginning private pilot would use. There are a lot of books out there that will walk you through the basics in a small GA aircraft. Your local pilot's shop or even a good used book store will have what you need.TonyDigital-Flight