XPlane Setup

[Whoop_whoop_pullup]

Hi Everyone,

I am a private pilot(VFR), who has not flown in over a year, but I would like to use X-Plane + pilotedge to help me get back into flying. Since I've never really used a flightsim, I am curious what sort of shortcuts should I be using or where can I look at other peoples' setup? I tried using x-plane to fly around a bit but even with my basic joystick I had trouble with looking around. Also I am not sure how people maneuver in the yaw axis or if that's even necessary? I mainly want to practice emergency procedures and VFR navigation. I am not sure if doing VFR maneuvers (circles around a point, steep-turns etc.) would be useful in a sim.

Any tips are appreciated,

thanks!

[Kyle.Sanders]

Hello!

Welcome to PilotEdge and to the community of X-Plane users. As with anything, reading the manual is always the best but if you want to jump straight in at first, I suggest chapter 5:
http://www.x-plane.com/manuals/desktop/#flightinx-plane

"Using the Views" is a section with Ch 5.

[stealthbob]

To start I am not a RW pilot but that being said I think I can offer some thoughts here that may help...

First thing is that I would not use the home sim much for primary control training, it can be quite close for simulation but from what I have read the sim does not provide a lot of true value in that area.

Where a sim does really shine is in the procedures and navigation training, add in a service like Pilot Edge and you are fully immersed with real world procedures combined with the task load of dealing with ATC.

If this is something you are interested in you would do well by purchasing some rudder peddles for the Yaw axis control and start a Pilot Edge free trial by flying this flight:

http://www.pilotedge.net/pages/first-flight.

As far as short cuts, for Xplane setups (only one I know)....Google is your friend, many YouTube and Twitch streams to enjoy and learn. As for procedures, the Pilot Edge ratings program is the way to go. Each one progressively moves you through all the basic procedural requirements you would face in RW...

Many will chine in here that will have better information...this community is amazing as it pertains to support.

Welcome and enjoy!

[Kyle.Sanders]

You may also want to consider TrackIR technology. Google some videos with flight sims using TrackIR and you will see what I mean.
https://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/products/trackir5/

[griffordson]

I second the recommendations for TrackIR and Rudder Pedals. Along with TrackIR you should also get the X-Camera plugin which integrates with TrackIR perfectly and allows you to set up fixed views that automatically disable TrackIR for you. See this for a good overview of using X-Camera:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaCM3gYU35I

Switching between TrackIR to fixed views makes manipulating dials and buttons easier and less disruptive.

Also, I recommend a couple of payware aircraft that have the best GA flight models in X-Plane at the moment in my opinion.

REP + the Carenado CT210M
http://store.x-plane.org/Reality-Expans ... p_396.html
http://store.x-plane.org/CT210M-CENTURI ... p_227.html

SoulMade Simulation's DHC-2 Beaver
http://store.x-plane.org/DHC-2-Beaver_p_395.html

I'm sure others will chime in with other recommendations, but those are currently my two favorites.

All the cheap(ish) rudder pedals seem to have their own sets of issues, so definitely read lots of reviews to get a sense of what you'll be dealing with before you buy. But even troublesome rudder pedals are much better than nothing. You'll definitely want something with toe brakes since some aircraft require differential braking for turning on the ground (the REP CT210M is one such aircraft).

This PE Workshop discussed the use of Flight simulation for primary and instrument training:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXr4L8O ... Sq7F4wi0JV

They discussed the things you're likely to encounter in great detail.

[Whoop_whoop_pullup]

Thanks everyone I will checkout these links. I hope to have everything setup this weekend.