Angle of Attack Aviator Pro

Review by Marlon Carter

Introduction

So what is AviatorPro? Well to answer that question and to find out more about this product, I had the opportunity to interview Chris Palmer and I think you will find this conversation quite enlightening.

What prompted you to develop AviatorPro?

After the wild success of Aviator90, it seemed natural to get onto bigger and better things. Aviation has such a large variety of topics, and there is always something new to learn, an old habit to break, or something to refine. We too wanted to get onto more subjects beyond the basics of Aviator90.

Who is AviatorPro targeted at?

AviatorPro is setup for anyone that wants to fly a virtual aircraft beyond a basic, VFR level. That means that anyone who plans to fly in IFR, or on multi-engine    aircraft, or who want to fly on VATSIM and a wide variety of other topics, would benefit greatly from what we offer with AviatorPro. Also, we largely teach all of our instrument flying, multiengine, communication, and other topics, all while doing cross country flights. As pilots we were meant to go somewhere and conquer the world, not just tool around our local area. We feel the greatest experience is gained by having to deal with all the variables on a realistic cross country flight. Couple this with instrument conditions, and you have yourself a very challenging scenario.

Why did you choose the Carenado Bonanza and RealAir Duke 60 to be featured?

Personally, I had a lot of time in the Bonanza and really enjoyed the aircraft. It's made for going great distances while also having great cargo capacity compared to other single engine GA aircraft. It also excels in instruments conditions. The RealAir Duke has proved to be one of the more popular twin engine piston aircraft in flight simulator. Because it is so well modeled and supported by RealAir and the community, it was a natural fit to stick with Beechcraft and use this amazing simulation to continue our training to more complex things.

What aspect of the AviatorPro training would you encourage viewer to pay particular attention to?

Although we'll teach you all about charts, approaches, enroute navigation, and a ton of other instruments topics, AviatorPro, and really any training, should be ALL about decision making and human factors. The cross country flights we have in AviatorPro are very popular, and there's always something new and interesting that comes up.  Pilots should know the details of what they're doing. That almost goes without saying. However, pilots that are constantly watching their thought processes, decision making, and the safe evolution of their flight, do well to make sure that they go beyond just simple knowledge.

Aviation Pro, as mentioned in this interview with Christ Palmer, is a huge step forward in that it continues from where Aviator90 leaves off to help pilots become top notch airmen. A program of this nature is most welcome as I am sure many of you who have aspirations of becoming a pilot, or who couldn’t become pilots but want to fly realistically. This program will benefit you tremendously from the things you will learn and you can put them into practice on your home simulator.

For more experienced simmers and for others who have real world flight experience, AviatorPro has situations and scenarios that will test the abilities of even the most knowledgeable pilots. Either way you look at it, I have found that this is by far a long overdue product that will help both beginners and experienced simmers to achieve an acceptable level of proficiency when it comes to navigation, airmanship and reading charts.

In case you are worried about the accuracy of what you will be learning, I thought you would like to know that this training is provided not just by fellow simmers, but by real pilots and aviation experts.

Here is a section by section breakdown of AviatorPro:

This section is more or less self-explanatory. Within this section you can obtain the AviatorPro Study Guide which can be downloaded in PDF format. The study guide itself is very professional and I was impressed with the design, practicality and the useful bits of information provided therein. Throughout the 100 page Study Guide there are convenient links to the relevant videos that relate to the topic you are reading. This means that any episode of AviatorPro can be accessed at a glance in order to save you the time of searching.

I think that the best place to start your AviatorPro experience is to download this Study Guide since it gives you a detailed view of the training. For those of you who are after the ultimate FSX experience, there are also downloadable EZCA files for the aircraft that are used in the training videos.

Angle of Attack is well known for having amazing camera views throughout their videos and these files will help you to have these views while you fly. In the event that you are not familiar with EZCA, or EZ Camera Add-on, it is a utility for FSX that allows you to get smooth external views and setup multiple internal views. It also has features that create “bumps” that are based on weather and how fast you are either flying or taxiing.

I have personally found that this tool is very valuable in achieving full situational awareness while you are in the cockpit and I would highly recommend it.

Flying VFR has always been my favorite type of flying. There is nothing better than flying over scenic terrain and appreciating the gift of flight, whether it is in real life or on your computer. While VFR may also be your favorite, there comes a time when visual flight rules will no longer apply. Flying IFR can be a bit of a challenge if you are a beginner since it requires heavy dependence on your instruments. Knowing how your instruments work and how to read them correctly is crucial to proper navigation when flying IFR.

The first episode in this section focused on Engine Power. At this point you may be wondering what does Engine Power have to do with flying IFR? Well apart from the obvious fact that you need a working engine to fly to begin with, there are cockpit instruments that are powered by the engine and knowing them can mean all the difference in the world when faced with an engine failure. By extension, you will also learn about the four-stroke cycle and the importance of the magnetos.

Another related topic that you might find interesting is the episode that features a discussion on Complex Single Systems. This topic discusses at length various aspects of a single engine aircraft such as constant speed propellers, retractable landing gear and turbo engines. Knowing your aircraft to this depth is essential to being a good airman. As a result of this knowledge you will be better able to make good decisions when faced with difficult situations.

The following episode nicely transitions into a discussion of the Pitot Static & Vacuum Instruments. The information found in this video is very in-depth as to how these instruments work and how to correctly use them. Paying close attention to this lesson will help you significantly to better understand the basic instruments of an aircraft and it will also help you to be more confident in solving erroneous readings on your instruments.

There are many other topics that were discussed in this section of the training and it would take quite a long time to discuss them in this review individually. What I can tell you however is that the lessons are very well presented and it felt almost as if you were in an actual aircraft with a friendly flight instructor.

Out of the 16 episode in this section, the lessons that I particularly enjoyed and would like to highlight finally are the lessons on VOR Navigation, Glass Cockpit and GPS Intro.

VOR Navigation is an essential part of flying and it is important that you fully understand what is a VOR and how do you correctly navigate to a VOR. What I liked about this video was the thorough and practical examples that were provided in how to intercept radials and how to track specific radials. The use of EZCA and perhaps TrackIR significantly helped in making this a reasonable and an enjoyable and experience.

The Glass Cockpit video was quite a surprise and I think you will be impressed as well. While I was expecting to see a presentation of the glass cockpit in an FSX aircraft, I was quite impressed to see that this video feature a REAL LIFE video of a Bonanza equipped with a G1000 during an actual flight. As the flight progressed the pilot took the opportunity to explain many of the functions of the PFD and MFD.

The GPS intro was also a treat since it focused on a step-by-step explanation of the various pages of the GPS. What made this even better is that AOA did not focus on the FSX Default GPS. For the purpose of these training videos, AOA has chosen to use the Reality XP Garmin 430. There is also a link that was provided to a GNS 430 WAAS Trainer that you may also find extremely useful.

The advantages of the Reality XP Garmin 430 over the FSX Default GPS are quite extensive and for this reason, it is highly recommended for this training. If you don’t have this add-on then all is not lost since the GPS that comes with the Carenado Bonanza isn’t half bad.

With all of this information at your fingertips, it would be useless unless we can put it into practice. For this reason there are 7 Flights that feature the Duke 60 which demonstrates many of the concepts you would have learned from the previous videos.

For example, some flights feature NDB, GPS and Vector procedures while others focus on the Duke 60 and flying by the checklist. The videos that I enjoyed the most were the ones that featured NDB procedures. Navigating by NDB is becoming a dying art in many regions but it is quite an interesting aspect of navigation that everyone should be familiar with.

The flight videos are by no means short and some of them are bordering near the 2 hour mark. Two hours of a cross country flight video can easily become boring at some point but it is amazing to see that there is never really a dull moment. Our pilots keep the viewers constantly on their toes with interesting facts and tips during the flight. All in all, this section is definitely a highlight of the AviatorPro Training Program.

Part of IFR flying that may intimidate beginners is the interpretation of IFR Charts. This section of AviatorPro zeros in on this important topic in great detail. The first video has a breakdown of each section of the approach chart in a very easy to understand manner. Other videos focus on the differences between Precision and Non Precision approaches, Approach Phases and practical examples on how to brief and fly various approaches at some of the most difficult airports around the world.

One airport that may peak your interest is Innsbruck which is well known for its unique approach due to surrounding terrain. The explanation of this approach chart shows that even seemingly difficult charts can be easily understood provided that you become familiar with basic concepts.

As is the case with other sections of AviatorPro, there are many flight videos that incorporate the previous lessons learned. The flights covered in the IFR Charts section focuses on the Bonanza and Duke 60 and the use of your checklist and charts. After getting use to the checklist and normal operation of the Duke 60 and Bonanza, you will benefit from a wide range of flights that teach you how to how to properly prepare for a flight with the use of airport, departure and arrival charts.

Once again, one of my favorite videos in this section discusses the NDB in far greater detail than in other sections. Lessons like these are priceless since you would only find this level of instruction at a flight school. Understanding the NDB and the various ADF Cards and the RMI can mean all the difference when your last hope of navigating safely to a destination is based on NDB navigation.

Apart from understanding the fundamentals of the NDB, you will also learn how to intercept NDB headings in situations where there is no wind (which never really happens) and situations where you have strong winds that may cause you to incorrectly “chase the needle.” While the NDB is becoming less common in the US, in other parts of the world they are still widely utilized and it would be of great benefit to you as an airman, to have a handle on how to properly navigate using an NDB.

If you want to have a truly rewarding experience while flying in the real world or on your simulator, flying an NDB approach or departure is the way to do. If you are not fully competent to navigate using the NDB, then these videos will surely help you.

Other approaches you will learn include LOC, GPS, VOR/DME and the LPV Approach. Learning how to read these various approach charts is an invaluable ability that no virtual or real world pilot should take for granted. Having a full grasp of how to read these charts will take you out of your comfort zone and allow you to explore the world while flying to the highest degree of accuracy by following the relevant approach charts for your destination with confidence.

In the real world, commercial pilots ALWAYS have an approach or departure briefing and if your quest is to simulate the realism of real world flying, you will be falling short if you do not have a handle on reading charts. If this has been a problem area, then you will definitely enjoy these lessons.

Overall, this section is packed with some of the most useful information you can find outside of attending a flight school. If you are keen on flying by the book and you are interested in using approach charts but you are unable to read them confidently, then I would highly recommend that you spend as much time as you need to understand the basics of IFR Charts. The lessons are all very well presented and the graphical presentations aid in understanding various concepts quite clearly.

The Cross Country section of AviatorPro is really the “meat” of this training program. The number of presentations goes well past 30 and they range from both virtual to real world flights, yes you read correctly, there are also real world flight included in this section!

The real world flights feature flights from KMGY to KLEX, KHND to U42 (near KSLC) and KMKC to KCYS. These flights feature your very own Chris Palmer flying a Garmin G1000 equipped Beechcraft Bonanza similar to the one you will likely be flying virtually. Each flight is unique and captivating, making it easily the best segments of AviatorPro.

During these videos you will see real world IFR flying procedures in action which is really no different to what you will be learning for your virtual flying. This in itself speaks to the quality and realism of AviatorPro and apart from the practical examples in these videos, I am sure you will enjoy some of the stunning views from the cockpit!

The virtual cross country flights feature a wide range of flights to many destinations. Each flight is unique in its content and challenges and I hardly imagine that anyone will be easily bored by these videos. While some of these videos are well over 1 or even 2 hours long, the flights and instruction provided makes it all worth the while.

Out of all the sections of AviatorPro, this is probably the section that you will spend the most amount of time viewing. Many of the lessons that have been previously covered are now put into practice as we fly the virtual skies in sometimes very unpredictable circumstances.

A constant feature throughout many the cross country flights is a comprehensive flight planning section that is always impressive no matter how many times you see it. Flight planning is an essential part of cross country flying and it is often neglected in virtual flying. For me, I had always assumed that getting charts and adequate weather information to carry out proper flight planning would be next to impossible. If you are also of this opinion, then rest assured that there are many tools available to the general public that can be used to plan a flight to a high degree of realism.

For example, if you would like to find enroute charts, you may want to check out Skyvector which is an unofficial online source for aeronautical charts and flight planning. It is not encouraged that you use this for real world flights, but to simmers it can be a very useful tool. Other websites that be can use include Airnav, Aviation Weather and many others that are shown throughout the videos.

The 20+ flights that are flown either offline or on VATSIM have a wide range of scenarios that are designed to prepare YOU as the aviator for almost any situation. Flying by instruments can be quite a challenge, but when you factor in actual IMC conditions, following a checklist and talking to ATC while hand flying, you will quickly see that becoming a proficient pilot is not an easy task and it requires a lot of practice. These videos give you the perfect perspective on how you can methodically manage all of these tasks and with time, carry them out smoothly and professionally.

As far as cross country flying goes, it is never always picture perfect. Flying cross country presents many other challenges when you factor in emergency situations. For example, what if you lost communication? Lose pressurization or your electrical systems? Some of these very topics and more are covered in this section and you will be just as impressed as I was on how these situations should be handled.

Another feature of these videos I think you will enjoy is the actual navigation to and from various airports. Most of you are familiar and perhaps very comfortable with loading your flight plan into your FMS and allowing the aircraft to do most of the work. AviatorPro takes you out of this comfort zone and brings you back to basics.

The only hi-tech tool at your disposal is a Garmin GNS430/530 and this is not exactly a simple device to use. The default GPS that comes with Carenado and RealAir aircraft are very well simulated but lacking in some essential functions. For this reason, AOA has opted to use the Reality-XP GNS430/530 which can easily be integrated into these aircraft. The functionality of the Reality-XP GPS is very in-depth and it allows you to have a much more realistic and involving experience while flying.

In order to follow these flights correctly, I would also recommend looking into the GPS units offered by Reality-XP. If you choose to use the default GPS, then you should be able to follow the flights to a reasonable degree of accuracy but quite honestly, you will be missing out on a lot of real world procedures related to the use of a GPS.

As you make your way through the cross country section of AviatorPro, you may have ideas on what may be a good flight or scenario to have featured in a video. If you do, then you are most welcome by the team at AOA to submit those ideas and they may become an actual video. Some of the videos you will see in the cross country section were user submitted videos and there is much more to come.

Ultimately, this section will not only teach all that is involved with flying IFR, but it will also instil within you a love for general aviation aircraft.

Throughout the training there were many GA aircraft featured and I would strongly encourage you to obtain them. While the primary aircraft was the Bonanza and the Duke 60, there were also many other aircraft from Carenado and RealAir who are proving themselves to be top-notch developers. These aircraft were all a joy to fly (perhaps more so than flying airliners!) and I think you will agree with me that there is nothing better than going back to basics at times.

Being realistic, if you can’t fly a GA aircraft proficiently, you will never be allowed to fly a 100+ seat airliner. It is therefore essential that you be able to successfully plan and fly cross country IFR flights using these aircraft and this section of AviatorPro will help you to do that!

In this section you will learn quite a lot about communication while flying. In the series of videos and mp3s you will be immersed in a great deal of information that will help both beginners and advanced simmers/pilots get a proper handle on how to properly communicate while flying. Since the default FSX or X-Plane does not feature vocal interaction between the user and Air Traffic Control, this topic is best suited for you if you are thinking of joining a network such as VATSIM.

Some of the interesting things you will learn include topics such as the aviation alphabet and phraseology. For example, have you ever wondered why pilots say “Niner” instead of simply saying nine? Well if you said “nine” while flying in Germany, it could easily be interpreted as “nein” which means no! Another interesting topic that I found so very true was the apprehension experienced by new pilots when it comes to talking to ATC.

A few years ago when I did my PPL training, the most difficult part of that training was talking to ATC and not have other pilots on the frequency laugh at me if I said something stupid because you’re nervous! (I have actually heard of one individual who gave a position report stating that he was on the right side of the aircraft………..)

Talking to ATC in real life can be a daunting task if you are not confident about what you are doing. Apart from having confidence, we should all expect that at some point due to our imperfect nature we will make mistakes. Some have held back from using networks such as VATSIM for this very reason thinking that they will be a nuisance to ATC or other pilots due to their lack of knowledge. If this describes your situation then you will definitely want to give some attention to this aspect of AviatorPro.

Another interesting segment includes a discussion with a VATSIM Air Traffic Controller who describes the process of training to be an online ATC and what they really expect from virtual pilots whether they are new or experienced. This section is quite valuable in yet another sense since it encouraged new simmers to start small.

What does that mean? Well if you are flying an airliner and you are not familiar with basic flying procedures and communication, you may be biting off more than you can chew. In a sense, you are really giving yourself bad habits that may affect your overall flying experience. By starting off with a smaller aircraft, you are able to learn how to properly fly your aircraft and follow ATC instructions correctly. This is an essential skill that all simmers should master if your aim is to be realistic and professional. In the end, I think you will enjoy and learn quite a lot from this section.

Moving away from communication, it’s only fitting that we discuss a little more about VATSIM since it is likely that many of you will eventually join this or similar networks. The section of AviatorPro that focuses on VATSIM is very entertaining and informative. If you are apprehensive about joining or you just want to see what it is like, this section will definitely be beneficial.

First of all, there is a very interesting introduction to VATSIM that explains nearly every feature of this network. Throughout this discussion you will learn not only about the features but most importantly how to connect to VATSIM and the benefits that VATSIM provides in using your flight simulator in the most realistic manner possible. The fact that VATSIM utilizes real world flying procedures shouldn’t be intimidating to you if you are a beginner. The folks on VATSIM are often very helpful and VATSIM itself has an abundant supply of information that will help you in getting started. Connecting to VATSIM is not very difficult and the videos that are provided include step-by-step instructions that will guide you to flying the virtual skies in no time.

The videos you will enjoy the most, are the flights that take place while on VATSIM with live ATC and traffic! In my previous commentary on communication while on VATSIM, I mentioned that many beginners are often afraid of making mistakes. During many of the videos under VATSIM Training, there is a good example of issues that can arise while flying online, as well as the do’s and don’ts when flying in controlled airspace.

In one of these videos, even our well qualified pilot has a run in with ATC. What I liked about this incident was that it clearly shows that no one is perfect and misunderstandings do occur. The key to resolving these issues is to always be willing to accept help and always be respectful.

While flying online, it is always good to know that ATC may be there to give you guidance. However, this does not mean that a virtual pilot or any pilot should solely depend on ATC for the safety of their flight. In the end, the pilot in command is the one that makes the final decision on what he or she does with their aircraft and this is stressed throughout this section of AviatorPro.

This means that there may be times where ATC may issues instructions that you simply cannot comply with. Even in the real world I had a personal experience with this when a controller in training cleared me to land my C172 on a 1 mile final behind a 757. If you know anything about the B757, it is the one aircraft you do NOT want to mess with when it comes to wake turbulence. For this reason, I had to tell ATC that I was unable to comply and opted to extend my downwind leg.

While incidents like this may not matter in a simulator context, it shows that you as PIC are ultimately responsible for your safety. It is therefore imperative that as a pilot, you should be fully aware of all aspects of flying in controlled airspace and know your rights!

While on the topic of controlled airspace, many of you will also enjoy Episode 7 which discusses Airspace in great detail. Airspace is one of those things that we as virtual pilots tend to dismiss while flying. However, knowing the reasons why Airspace and the reasons for the different classifications of airspace exist will help you to stay out of trouble both in the real world and in the simulator when flying on VATSIM.

Throughout this video you will learn the general layout of different classes of airspace which can seem very daunting. I remember back when I first started learning how to fly, understanding the various classes of airspace and the rules associated with each class was quite a challenge to grasp. If you find it frustrating to understand various classes of airspace, it is perhaps comforting to know that even real pilots have difficulty fully understanding it also.

While this video is not the one stop shop for knowing all there is to know about Airspace, the lessons provided are sufficient in order for you to understand the basic concepts behind Airspace.

Can understanding Airspace really make you a good pilot? Well as you will see in these videos, flying in certain classes of airspace requires precision flying. If ATC instructs you to fly a certain heading or altitude, you are expected to do so with a very low tolerance level as it relates to deviating from your altitude or course. This is where your hand flying skills will come in handy which you would have covered in previous videos. Admittedly, flying on VATSIM and adhering to these rules can be difficult, but with a lot of practice you will be at the top of your game and navigating your way through various classes of airspace should be a breeze.

For all pilots, flying a twin-engine aircraft is a milestone achievement. This section focused primarily on multi engine operations and it zooms in specifically on the operation of the Duke 60 and the Turbine Duke.

To begin with, there is a very in-depth presentation on the features and cockpit layout of the Duke 60. A presentation of this nature is extremely important given the fact that handling a multi engine aircraft required much more attention to detail. In an emergency situation, it is important to know your aircraft inside and out in order to safely and effectively carryout the required procedures.

Apart from the general presentation on the Duke 60, there are other presentations that deal specifically with various systems of the aircraft. For example, there are presentations on the Icing, Avionics, Pressurization, Propeller & Fuel system and much more.

As a private pilot you are required to have at least a basic understanding of how the systems of your aircraft are operated. As a pilot flying IFR this more so essential since you rely heavily on your instrumentation to get you safely from point A to B. In a multi engine aircraft, the systems may be somewhat different to a single engine but in many cases the same principles may apply. A detailed explanation of single vs. twin-engine aircraft is discussed in one of the videos and it is very informative.

One of the lessons I appreciated the most was the lesson on pressurization. We all fly at high altitude in our 737 or 747s and we give little thought to pressurization issues. In a much smaller multi engine aircraft, an understanding of these systems is crucial. Also important is the human factors side of the issue which many may dismiss an irrelevant but essential if you plan on flying above 10,000ft in a twin engine aircraft.

In recent years there have been a number in incidents where pilots flying at high altitude lost their lives after Hypoxia set in. There are other human factor terms that you should be familiar with and understanding them will give you a new appreciation for the pressurization unit we sometimes forget to set correctly.

Also included in this section are full-length flight videos that feature various procedures involved with flying the Duke. These videos can be lengthy but I found them to be very informative. As with all flight videos, there is hardly a dull moment and I think you will gain a lot of insight from them.

The final highlights of this section are the aircraft performance videos. Calculating aircraft performance in a twin engine aircraft, as with any aircraft is always important! Not only will you learn how to perform these calculations, but you will also see a practical exam of how realistic these charts can be when compared to the performance of the aircraft within FSX in various situations.

These videos were very impressive and it speaks to the integrity of the RealAir Duke in comparison to the real one. This doesn’t mean that all performance charts are accurate but learning how to use them is advantageous. This level of realism in an aircraft is exactly what is needed if you plan on flying by the book.

The final area we will talk about on the matter of performance is the ever-popular engine failure scenario. This is also presented in a very detailed video and it helps viewers to see the aerodynamic effects of an engine failure and how these issues are correctly dealt with.

In the end, I think that this section was very well presented and there is a lot you can learn whether you are a beginner or experienced.

Conclusion

In summary, AviatorPro is really a hidden gem within the flight sim community. I can liken AviatorPro to being the “King Schools” pilot training course for the virtual pilot. The wealth of knowledge you will obtain, can only be compared to the finest instruction you will receive from a flight school.

While AviatorPro does not substitute for flight school training, it can certainly serve as a compliment. After viewing AviatorPro, you will surely be a much more confident instrument pilot with a desire to always achieve the most realistic of experiences when flying virtually. General aviation has long been on the back burner within the FS community due to the more complex airliners that most tend to focus their attention to. I have also been guilty of this in the past and really there is nothing wrong with wanting to fly a B777 or a B737. The real problem arises when a virtual pilot hops into the cockpit of his favorite B737, figures out how to program the FMS and then automatically thinks he is a “good pilot.”

Being an aviator is much more than knowing systems and knowing how to program a computer. Being an aviator means that when all of these systems fail, you as the Pilot In Command will be confident about what you should do to ensure the safety of both yourself and your passengers. AviatorPro perfectly fills this gap in our knowledge of what it really takes to carry out a realistic flight that take into account many of the variables that real world pilots have to deal with.

It’s my belief, that if programs such as Aviator90 and AviatorPro were to be utilized by newcomers and experienced simmers, the entire outlook on flying by the books may change completely. In addition to this, the thrill of flying GA aircraft may also regain its appeal!

As a private pilot, I have always had a love for GA aircraft but I have often found that virtual renditions of these aircraft were severely lacking in quality. These days, we thankfully have a small group of developers who are churning out top notch GA aircraft that are not only visually appealing, but their handling and systems simulation is also some of the best out there.

The aircraft that were featured in AviatorPro included the RealAir Duke and Lancair Legacy while from Carenado; we had the C185, C172, F33, A36, Malibu PT46, C90 and SR22. I was fortunate enough to test most of these aircraft and I was extremely impressed with their performance and level of detail. Since the majority of individuals who join the AviatorPro training program will eventually buy the aircraft featured in the videos, I can definitely say that they are worth obtaining.

The sensation of being able to confidently navigate the skies with these aircraft is simply infectious and rewarding. It goes without saying that AviatorPro is definitely worthy of an AVSIM Gold Star due to the amazing quality of instruction, high quality presentations and overall value.

Should you choose to give AviatorPro a try, membership will cost you $19.00 per month and it can be cancelled at anytime. As a bonus, you also have access to HD videos of the Aviator90 series which I would also recommend if you are new to flying. Other bonus material includes a Study Guide, Duke Checklists and much more! Another important bonus is that joining AviatorPro puts you in contact with other friendly and helpful members through the AOA forums.

The best part is that AviatorPro basically has no end in sight, as long as there is something to learn or to talk about, AviatorPro will continue to provide helpful insight to pilots desiring to be at the top of their game.

With all of these added benefits to joining the AviatorPro program, It is hard not to be intrigued by this offer. As an AVSIM exclusive, Chris Palmer is offering a 20% discount on AviatorPro to the first 100 persons using this coupon:  AVSIM20

Additional Links

For the benefit of persons interested in GA aircraft used in the training

Carenado
RealAir

GPS upgrade

Reality-XP

Other sites with great GA aircraft

Flight1

Eaglesoft

Flight Planning & Charts

Skyvector

Airnav

Aviation Weather

Myairplane

Navigraph

What I Like About The Aviator Pro

• Instruction that is easy to follow for beginners
• Comprehensive explanation of IFR flying procedures
• In-depth explanation of various systems onboard GA aircraft
• Stunning presentations from a graphical perspective
• Great support and forum
• Reasonably priced for the overall package
• Mix of interesting high quality GA aircraft
• In-depth presentation and use of the GPS
• Fantastic real world IFR flight presentations and presentations on the G1000 system
• No end in sight to the list of videos and possibilities to AviatorPro.

What I Don’t Like About The Aviator Pro

• Nothing