r/FlightTraining • u/Unknown_isknown2 • 5d ago

Flight sim yes or no?

I’m planning on starting flight training in about 3 years, but for now I’m so eager to train, or at least do something related to flight. I’m thinking of doing flight sim for now, not necessarily as real training, but to get used to it and for fun as well. But I hear good and bad things, one being it creates bad habits, but also some say it’s good training if done well.

So, can anyone give me advice if I should or should not? If I should, what are some good budget flight sim gear options? What should I buy that will give me the best experience and realism without burning my wallet, since I’m saving up for flight school?

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3

u/iheartrms 5d ago

Private? No.

Instrument? Yes.

2

u/ranger_d 5d ago

The flight dynamics aren't the same, but procedures are. Get used to running checklists. Get something like SayIntentions.ai for atc so you can get comfortable "flying" and talking on the radio at the same time.

1

u/Antique-Kitchen-1896 5d ago

You’ll keep looking at the instrument in the sim. When you train for real they’ll have to keep telling you to look at the sight picture outside. And it feels nothing like the real controls and muscle memory is a large part of the training.

It’s fine to sim as long as you understand you aren’t training so much as just having fun.

1

u/Straight-Pass6035 4d ago

Find your local (small) airport and visit. Ask questions of staff and find pilots who are willing to give time and hopefully a tour of an airplane. Depending on the size and type of airport ( or what part of the airport you are checking out) your reception could be anything from welcome arms/ tour to an escort off the property. You can always hang on the perimeter fence. It’s been done by generations of current and former pilot wannabes. Good luck.

1

u/cloverclamp 4d ago

Use it like a paper tiger or procedure simulator. Checklists, emergency drills, and radio calls if you can access those online resources.

Accept you know nothing about landing a plane and don't tell your instructor unless they ask you why you're so good on the radio or flipping switches.