Changing simulation speed... ever appropriate?

[brianshell]

I understand that changing the simulation rate can probably really mess with controllers... but is there ever a time where this might be allowed/appropriate? It seems like if training is the goal, there ought to be a way to eliminate the boredom normally associated with actual flying. =)

Since I mostly fly VFR, I suppose the obvious solution would be to cancel the flight following when I want to increase the simulation rate.. and then pick it back up again when I'm getting close to my destination. But I'm open to more realistic suggestions on how to cover large portions of terrain without my wife complaining that I'm disappearing for 5+ hours at a time. =)

[bruce]

As you mostly fly vfr perhaps you would get more bang for your buck by doing short hops thus eliminating the "boredom".
Why not try a vfr sight seeing trip round the SFO bay area trying not to violate the "B" or short <60nm hops.

Changing your sim speed or slewing would very quickly gain you many friends amongst the PE controllers (NOT)

[Steven Winslow]

But I'm open to more realistic suggestions on how to cover large portions of terrain...

The realistic solution would be to plan shorter flights. What's the difference between flying a shorter distance in real time versus speeding up the sim to cover more distance? Realism. I've always thought of speeding up the sim is a bit like cheating and inappropriate if you want to keep it "real." That's just my opinion.

[Keith Smith]

when I want to cover some ground, I fire up a jet, but if you want to use time compression while talking to atc, just make sure you coordinate it.

I think it can be useful if you want to fly a particular departure and an arrival without much interest in the enroute portion.

[JN_]

Boredom? Are you kidding me? I have a hard enough time keeping ahead of the airplane.

Suggestions:
- Fly shorter flights. For example, limit your trips to no more than 40-50 miles in a 100 kt aircraft.
- Use less sophisticated equipment. Instead of GPS navigation, use VOR/ADF. Don't use DME.
- Fly a faster airplane
- Fly in a congested area where navigation is critical for keeping out of trouble (such as near/under/around LAX class B airspace)
- Fly in an area you are unfamiliar with