Who doesn't dream of the extraordinary feeling of taking to the air like a bird?
While that sensation can only be simulated in this life, we are fortunate to live in a time where air travel is commonplace.
But even though people CAN fly, I think it is safe to say that I will never pilot an aircraft. I am forever relegated to passenger status.
However, one of the earliest computer games I ever played put me behind the controls in the cockpit. For many years, I was hooked on flight simulator games.
The earliest was simply called "Flight Simulator" and it was created by a company called subLOGIC.
Incredibly primitive by today's standards, the game was played on my TRS-80 Model I computer.
Little more than an 8 x 8 grid of black and white lines with a rudimentary runway and makeshift mountain range on one side, I would by lying if I said there wasn't a thrill in my first simulated flying experience.
And over the years I have been amazed at how the detail and functionality of the game continues to improve.
The controls and experience have become so realistic that many flight schools use the program to train wanna-be pilots.
There's nothing like the thrill of starting the engines, releasing the brakes and taking off from the runway of your choice.
For some people, it's all about the attention to detail in the cockpit. They love how the controls are accurately based on real airplanes. They love the challenge of landing the aircraft. And many will partake in real-time flights, marveling at the entire experience.
As for me, I prefer to take off and enjoy the scenery. I love to hop on a runway in any major metropolitan area and circle about the landmarks. Using the keypad, I can easily look left, right, behind, or in front of me.
Whether its a flyby of The Statue of Liberty, The Eiffel Tower, The Great Pyramids of Egypt or The Washington Monument, I'm always amazed at the attention to detail that is put in this game.
You really need to have a high-end processor and graphics card to truly appreciate its beauty.
Still, I have a teeny-tiny confession to make.
I can't land a plane to save my life.
And you know what? I don't care.
With Flight Simulator, you can crash your plane and take off again without a scratch.
I've now got every release of Microsoft Flight Simulator in my collection. I don't fly as much as I used to, but from time-to-time I still take the controls, enjoy the scenery and wonder why I still can't land the plane.
But for me, it's not about the landing. It's about flying.
Steve Miller once said it best. "I want to fly like an eagle... to the sea".
For those who want more info, Wikipedia has a page detailing the History of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
And just as I finished writing this entry, I discovered that Microsoft will be coming out with a new version in the future. They have retitled it to simply be called "Flight".
Are you a flight sim fan?
You got that right. Flight Sim was and is one of the few things that Microsoft should be proud of making. Heck of a lot better app than Windows, that's for sure. If you ever come to WI, I will show you how to land. peace out. Donovan Moore, LoneRock, WI
I've played a bunch of flight sims over the years although I always end up behind the wheel of a racing sim for most of my gaming time.
The IL2 series was wonderful and a lot of fun, with the added excitement of dodging bullets and enemy planes.
Ahh them memories.
Thanks Joel.
Shane
Landing... hmm... It's not the best technique, but you can try this for starters. Reduce the RPM to about 1900. Try to stay in level flight. When the air speed indicator drops to within the white arc, add all your flaps. Aim at the numbers for the runway you are trying to land at. When you are at the numbers, reduce your throttle all the way. Try to keep the airplane just above the runway without ballooning back up (you'll have to pull back more and more as your airspeed decreases to keep it off the ground). When the plane just can't stay in the air anymore it will simply settle onto the runway (which is why you want to do this "flare" just above the runway -- you don't want to fall very far).
With a little practice you should be able to knock out fair enough pinch-hitter landings consistently. Then you can work on technique.
Louis
(private pilot)
Anyone want this great thing but many of us can't do it. It is rely pleasure to fly in the sky like birds. To imagine and to have a dream want to put it into real. Is this something impossible????
I often think about playing this game... and taking lessons in mixed martial arts.
Then, one day, I will save a cabin full of passengers on a REAL airplane from terrorists... and then land their plane safely.
Yeah, I'm a dreamer.
It's the nearest I will ever get to flying a real plain. Use your imagination and it's a really exciting way to spend some very interesting time.