That's why I feel the product is so amazing and have been involved with it for years. It's sad the future of our hobby is so uncertain...

 

I have wondered if flight sim might have something to do with the decline in GA.  Truly, I can get my 'fix' well enough from the sim at far, far less cost, without collecting my gear and driving to the airport, without wondering if the airplane is in shape to fly.  I'd go up and do a $100 hamburger flight...no where to go, just an excuse to go up and wonder if it was worth it.  If I did, actually, have a place to go then it was great but, if not, it was just, generally, flying out of the same airport to one of the airports that I'd been to many times.  Truth is, I found simming more fun because of all the variety (and I could always sneak out for a burger if I wanted afterward).

You can easily simulate that with a couple of fans.

Even better in winter lol

I have wondered if flight sim might have something to do with the decline in GA. Truly, I can get my 'fix' well enough from the sim at far, far less cost, without collecting my gear and driving to the airport, without wondering if the airplane is in shape to fly. I'd go up and do a $100 hamburger flight...no where to go, just an excuse to go up and wonder if it was worth it. If I did, actually, have a place to go then it was great but, if not, it was just, generally, flying out of the same airport to one of the airports that I'd been to many times. Truth is, I found simming more fun because of all the variety (and I could always sneak out for a burger if I wanted afterward).

 

Interesting take that may be true in many cases especially with high fuel costs. I must say I can identify with this but there's nothing like being there plus your more legitimate with the family if you actually do it for real...

 

 

I have wondered if flight sim might have something to do with the decline in GA.

 

Heya Gregg, 

 

I have a friend in the construction business (architecture/design/build multi-story office buildings) who was twin-engine certified. He stopped flying because it became too much of a burden. One factor is the cost of operation. He still flies a lot, but he lives near Portland, OR and uses Southwest all the time. Southwest is cheaper. Insurance rates were punishing. And he did not want to go through the hassle of getting re-certified every 6 months. For him, the growing mass of regulation and fees just made flying no fun... Sad.

 

I think bureaucracies of all stripes just exist to punish people. Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions committees are where the amateurs make life hell for people - the real pros go into local/state government, and the truly meddlesome go into Federal government... Well, maybe I exaggerate a little, but still.

First of all, I never PLAY FSX (as some refer to it). I actually correct those people I know if they ever refer to it as playing.  I don't think of Flight Simulation as it exists today as a GAME.  It is a true SIMULATION that allows me to travel to the most distant parts of the world daily.  It is totally therapeutic and rewarding to those who follow the distinct rules of aviation, and LEARN the proper techniques that otherwise can be most unforgiving...as they are in real life.  When I travel, I am so much more aware of the airports in which I eventually land, and my trip (always window seat) is that much more enjoyable.  So, it brings more enjoyment to real life. The wonderful addons such as ORBX Global, REX, Active Sky, and UTX are tremendous investments that only ADD to the overall enjoyment of the simulation and the real life experiences.

 

Additionally, how many "games" can actually provide INSTRUCTION that is invaluable to real world participants?  Flight Simulation has been part of my life since its inception, and I look forward to many more enjoyable years of "mind-blowing" fun.

 

Stan

I correct the "game" word too lol

Doesnt cost anywhere near as much as the (Ex) Wife used to,

And sooo  much more fun in the cockpit  flightdeck i meant,

also a great way to relax in the evenings.

 

Regards

Guss, :Whistle:

Sims is a Life Simulator, I don't occasionally PLAY sims either LOL  Simulator or game doesn't really matter.  If you are entertained by it and it brings enjoyment to your life, the only thing I would call it is 'fun' :biggrin:  I think some wealthy folks who own recreational airplanes for fun call their airplanes 'toys' too.

 

In FS we are virtual zillionaires with inventories full of 'toys'.  The reason I do it?  It is fun! :smile:  There is no reason why an entertainment product such as FSX can't be both fun and educational.

First of all, I never PLAY FSX (as some refer to it). I actually correct those people I know if they ever refer to it as playing.  I don't think of Flight Simulation as it exists today as a GAME.  It is a true SIMULATION that allows me to travel to the most distant parts of the world daily.  It is totally therapeutic and rewarding to those who follow the distinct rules of aviation, and LEARN the proper techniques that otherwise can be most unforgiving...as they are in real life.  When I travel, I am so much more aware of the airports in which I eventually land, and my trip (always window seat) is that much more enjoyable.  So, it brings more enjoyment to real life. The wonderful addons such as ORBX Global, REX, Active Sky, and UTX are tremendous investments that only ADD to the overall enjoyment of the simulation and the real life experiences.

 

Additionally, how many "games" can actually provide INSTRUCTION that is invaluable to real world participants?  Flight Simulation has been part of my life since its inception, and I look forward to many more enjoyable years of "mind-blowing" fun.

 

Stan

+1. I am always learning something new every time I roll out an aircraft, and Lord knows the Forum's are a fount of knowledge!   :clapping:

Electric bill is cheaper than fuel and free vacation and puts me to sleep the buzz sound of C-172

Because... because.

It's slower paced, not violent, and totally awsome. I can't articulate the reasons, really.

 Because its just a little bit cheaper than a real plane  :p0504:

It's cheaper than a therapist and much more effective.

Because its just a little bit cheaper than a real plane  :p0504:

True, I figure I have spent at least $10,000 on MSFS in 20 year.

I could buy a Jantar Standard for about 15k. That's the sailplane in my Avitar.

 

$3000 of that $10,000 plus was in the last month on my Haswell build.

 

Actually I guess I could have bought the Jantar Standard for what I spent on MSFS

There you go Dean