Airline Pilots Home Simulator Setup | How To Help Keep Current
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- I've been using a Flight Simulator at home to help with Flying Training ranging from before getting my Private Pilots License (PPL), to my Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME-IR) and all the way up to getting my first job as an Airline Pilot. Since we're on lockdown I've been wanting to keep current as best as I can. In this video I show you the Software and Hardware I have installed along with what I do on the simulator to help keep current with both IFR and VFR flying.
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/ planeoldben
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Equipment In This Video:
Simulator: www.x-plane.com
Honeycomb Yoke £20 off with Discount Code 'PlaneOldBen' : transair.co.uk...
Throttle: www.amazon.co....
Pedals: www.amazon.co....
Pocket Rocket: www.x-aviation...
Enjoy some GoPro Flying.
BN-2 Islander: www.x-aviation...
Orbx Central UK Scenery: orbxdirect.com...
As a flight sim pilot for many years, I must tell you that this is one of the best overall short videos on the subject that I've ever seen. Covering your hardware, software apps used, your methods for both IFR & VFR flight, you touched on all the key points. Top it all off with the staples many of us use every day with Vatsim & SimBrief and you've got it well & done.
Thank you for doing this, it's much appreciated. I wish you good health & clear skies!
Thank you very much that’s really kind!
Three years later and tripped across this video. While the nuances may have changed, this remains one of the best most all-encompassing of high points, reasoning, software add-ons, etc. Thanks!
I came across your channel by accident recently and have been binge watching your "journey". You're an inspiration and I do hope you find a new pilot job in the near future. You absolutely deserve much success given your hard work and love of aviation. I look forward to many more of your flying videos. You have even got me thinking about taking a taster flight to see how I'd like it. Thank you and happy flying.
Yes, please do make a video of you using the flight sim.
Tim thanks a lot that’s really kind of you. You should definitely go for a Trial Lesson at your local flying club when this is all over! If you need anything drop me a line.
Ben thanks for being a great ambassador combining the sim world with real world. I'm an ageing retired PPL/IMC/Night rated pilot and have found great solace in flying the sim, like you using XPlane 11 and Orbx scenery. Might see you in the virtual skies someday. Fingers crossed you find an airline to keep you in the real skies.
Thank you! I've really been enjoying it lately it's offering a lot of training value for currency.
Oustandingly planned and executed video as always. I hope the Coronavirus situation resolves soon and you can get back up on the line, where you deserve to be.
Enjoyed that Ben - great setup you have! 👌🏼
Thanks a lot mate, looking forward so seeing you when all this is over!
Thanks Ben, I found your reviews and recommendations really useful, especially as it's all UK based! Take care.
Thanks James, nice to know it helped!
@@PlaneOldBen
Do You know, by any chance, what programming language was used to create this pilot software system?
This is what you call working from home , nice setup 👍🏻🤙🏻
Hi I'm a new fan of your channel from the Phillippines. How I wish I could have a simulator set-up like yours but i can't afford it as of this time. Praying for that day to come :-)
magkano po ang ganyang set up?
lol you don't need ipads as external monitors. but ya everything else could be pricey.
maybe start with the basics, like a computer.
then over time u can add other things.
Im an Enroute controller in VATSIM australia, if you would like to learn how to do some VFR in aussie, let me know! :)
That’s cool thanks!
Hello from a fellow Q400 pilot! I fly the dash over here in the states. Finding myself in a similar situation as you because of the COVID pandemic. Rough times for sure.
Great video. I’m also using my home flight sim to help with currency. Can’t imagine not having a quality home sim right now. Definitely agree with having a quality yoke, throttle quadrant, and rudder set up. I use a Yoko yoke. Absolutely excellent yoke setup.
I also use Navigraph - great resource. I use Pilotedge for my ATC experience. It’s by subscription, but it is an excellent tool for maintaining IFR currency.
For aircraft, I love the Hot Start TBM 900. It’s fantastic. But going to have to check out that Pocket Rocket. Looks fun.
Thanks for the tip about the Orbx scenery. Will check that out.
Keep the great content coming. Hope everyone stays healthy and safe out there. Take care.
Question - are the G1000's on the iPads more realistic than the G1000 in X-Plane 11? I would love to use X-Plane 11 to practice my IFR lessons before flying them in the real aircraft, but I find the G1000 in X-Plane 11 to be, rubbish frankly.
For example, a lot of pages are missing, loading procedures doesn't quite work like it does in the real G1000, hitting the direct to button to a waypoint deletes the entire flight plan etc.
If the iPad app solves these issues, I'll be over the moon!
I’ve found the iPad apps to be extremely similar to the real world G1000, that’s why I wanted to show them in the video!
@@PlaneOldBen Fantastic. The G1000s in X-Plane 11 is easily my biggest complaint haha. I'll have a look at getting some cheap iPad airs or something, thanks!
Do you have any recommendations for buying a Flight Simulator for those of us who will never fly a real aeroplane, but like to mess around at home? Any suggestions?
Liked your video very much and would be confident, if you were in the cockpit of a real plane, we would get there safely! Thanks.
X-Plane 11
Vatsim is good, and free, but a better more proferssional and realistic online ATC is PILOTEDGE, subscription based. Great Video by theway, thanks
I don’t know anyone that’s used it before, will have to take a look. I’ve found Vatsim in the UK to be very busy and realistic.
Great info. Will consider replacing our Saitek yoke with the Honeycomb.
Definitely consider upgrading, the Saitek Yoke works to a point but the Honeycomb is noticeably better for not much more money.
VATSIM is a great place for current or aspiring pilots and those who have an aviation passion and can't take to the skies in real world. I did have the pleasure of controlling you at Manchester a couple of weeks ago, I believe you were in a vision jet if i remember correctly. Anyway keep up the good work, hope you're airborne again soon in real world.
haha that's awesome, Ben, say hello next time! Thank you for controlling.
Does this work with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on PC?
ye
Trivia - I used to work for a now defunct company named "Old Ben Coal Company"
Ben, I also have an iMac like you, can you please tell me which kind of optimisations you use to help with performance? Thanks.
Thank you for the nice presentation. Simple, concise and covered pretty much everything required for novice and experienced simmers.
Thank you, Sam!
X-Plane 11? Maybe WAIT FOR Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020!
I’m really looking forward to that! This video was aimed at helping during the lockdown period, however.
VFR at riga on friday! :) Riga friday fun! Would love to see you there
All my life I've wanted to learn and use flight sim, this video scares me even more and makes me think when tf will I have time to learn all this, jeez this is complicated
LordLorenzo one step at a time, you’ll learn to love it c;
Hey, I picked up X-Plane 11 about two weeks ago having never flown a flight sim or a real plane in my life, I’m now able to confidently fly the Cessna 172, Dash 8 q400, 737-800 and the Beechcraft 1900D. I can program the FMC and use the Garmin 500 GPS too, even learned the process of starting the 737 from cold to take off to cruise to landing, It’s not as daunting as you think, just pick up and learn a step at a time, there’s an X-Plane Discord channel, I recommend joining that so you can ask questions from experienced people, super helpful 🙂
@@danbaldwin2432 👍
Lol it’s easy just start with infinite flight on ur phone it’s super simplified
@@danbaldwin2432 is there still an x plane discord?
Terrific job Ben. Do you know of anyone who sells a complete/working set up as a plug-and-play simulator similar to yours? Ive tried and dismally failed to download even the demo version of XP11. My Mac saying its had an unexpected fault and is sending a report to Apple. My Windows PC that I also use, took 4 hours to download the demo, and a further 1 hour to run. I had a lovely view of a C172 and the sound but trying to calibrate the mouse, screen went blank and the computer locked up. You may be able understand buying a functioning unit is an attractive proposition!
There are some companies out there that sell full systems but I think most of the time people customise it or create their own depending on their budget and needs.
This company works very closely with Xplane. xforcepc.com The owner often has Austin, the founder of Xplane on his TH-cam channel. Have a look, it might be a good place to start. Cheers from California.
Another great video Ben, very informative as always, I always learn something from your videos. Total respect for the self funding pilot, no cash conveyor belt required 👍
Please make video showing the actual Hradware hookup step by step e.g how you downloaded the add on to connect the IPad for the Garmin 1000
Thanks,
Bye my X plane 11 won’t zoom in and out all of a sudden any thoughts? Anybody?
Been going around in circles wondering what bits and pieces I need to build a realistic simulator to keep current. That's so helpful Ben, thank you.
Thanks Kevin, the video has been highly requested so I'm pleased its helped! I really want some more people to use their home sim as the training offers a lot of value and nowadays they're really realistic.
That was really impressive, not sure what to expect when I first clicked on to watch, but wow, that is some kit you have !, a true professional Ben, hope you are back flying soon. Stay Safe!
Thanks a lot that’s really kind of you!
Wow Ben, that was incredible. Totally absorbing! Hope we can go flying in the fox soon. Speak later.
Thanks Wayne, missing flying with you in the Eurofox!!
anyone else think this will be possible to do with the new xbox and microsoft flight simulator?
This video is a little old, but.... It's legal to use a simulator to stay "proficient" but it's not legal to stay "current". At least it isn't here in the US. Unless of course, they are FAA approved, which costs a lot more money. Like a Redbird? $8000 plus US! Some home computers these days are better than the Rebird TD2 I use at the local FBO. Those rules need to change.
After seeing this video I have bought an iMac to run the X Plane 11 it has an i7 quad processor 4 Hz and same amount of Ram and same graphics card. I have the honeycomb yoke and throttle quadrant with the two iPad pros and software you have..........I would be interested in an answer to this question. Right now in 2023 there seems to be a lot of free scenery for X Plane, but is it for PC not for Mac?
I am not a pilot so I will have to take your word for it that the system you describe is adequate for instrument practice, but I would have to say that I have tried multiple different sims, and I have yet to find one that actually works for VFR practice. I live in the state of Florida, in the USA. There is a 4 lane interstate highway that runs right up the middle of the state. With every sim I have tried, even with all kinds of addon scenery software, I have yet to find a sim that lets me follow that road from Tampa to Gainesville.
When recommendation is so helpful! I am planning to study at flying school here in our country! this so helpful for practicing!
when honey throttle wll be released, put saitek yoke away or throw into the trash
Will it cost much you think? Nice name btw
Wouldn't "bee" surprised if the throttles looked like a honeycomb with a couple levers sticking out of the middle. So much for realistic aesthetics. Doesn't look like a C172 or an airliner yoke.
Hey Ben. Used PC based instrument simulator years ago (1990) when I was training, self improver route, for commercial. Got the licence but never used it :-( However, getting your brain around procedural holds (with 30Kt crosswinds) or NDB approaches, even with a quite basic instrument simulator, was great practice before you got to burn all that money in the air.
I fly GA these days but also love my home simulator, XPlane with the fantastic Honeycombe yoke and a 50" monitor at 4K, fast PC with all the sliders near max and an accurate flight model (I'm using the Skyhawk 172 SP REP)
What I am really impressed with is that I have just purchased SkyDemon and getting to grips with using it during this lockdown is simple - setup XPlane to send the simulated flight data to my iPad, getting all the alerts, weather and airspace warnings and planning diversions enroute. Real fun when stormy weather, low cloud and lo vis is dialled in ! My wife has had to rescue me with a cup of tea sometimes. I look forward to more of your videos, James.
haha love that James, sounds like you're doing all the right things! I definitely have used the simulator a lot to practice NDB holds with crazy winds!
I love using Vatsim, especially now they have fixed the voice, sounds very much like real life
Yes certainly, the old voice codex was not fun at all!
Is vatsim a mix of virtual ATC and actual people?
The Agenda No Vatsim is only online. VATSIM - Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network. So yeah it’s all virtual but very realistic since everyone takes it seriously. Changes everything in my opinion, highly recommended!
@@elik1491 Sounds great, looking forward to getting my SIM setup and using it.
What about the Lockheed C-130 Hercules? Also i have a HP Intel Core 2 vPro Inside, W/Windows 7. I also Have a Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530c with windows 10 but i might put windows 7 back on it or put Zorin OS on it. i also have a Acer Aspire X1200 with AMD Athlon x2 64, Graphics By NVIDIA. HDMI, W/ Windows Vista Home Premium OEMAct.
I've been thinking about getting into Flight Sims but have no idea what I need and your video is very informative, thank you. I just need a video for absolute beginners on the actual flying, take of and landing before I take the plunge, LOL.
just learn some basic things online by searching up flight sim basics (actual simulator software, hardware, addons, and learning how to fly planes) if you really want to get into it
That is the trouble there isn't any real depth videos for absolute beginners unless you know different?
Please upgrade your computer and get Flight Simulator 2020. an ryzen 3700x and 2070 super gpu, would be PERFECT and not even the most expensive parts yes, it will cost $500-$700 but you will thank me later.
Ahh ..try GPU 2080TI 11GB CPU 8700k OC 5GHz 32GB DDR 4 3200MHz. How do you even run the game on your hardware? You’re a genius mate
Hi Ben, l watched your video on the Honeycomb Alpha yoke and have one on order. However l will have to use my Logitech Throttle Quadrant until the Honeycomb Bravo Quadrant becomes available. As you may know, the Logitech TQ has a PS/2 connector which plugs into the yoke. Does the Honeycomb TQ have a PS/2 port and if not is there a USB/PS2 adaptor available?
Excellent times 10 ! Yours' is the best Flight Sim combined with your Real World flying combination I've ever seen. thank you. [subscribed]
Thank you very much!
I can get 80fps on Miscreated before things start heating up, I think my PC should be fine, for now. ;)
Honeycomb yoke is on my wishlist but the wife is already moaning at the £300 I just spent on a keyboard and mouse, the few quid I spent to have the tower built, and whatever she's spent on a new TV because I've commandeered the 4k from her bedroom.
I won't tell her about all the other switches and pedals I'm planning room for in my head, mostly because she won't be happy about me buying more TVs and dismantling the bookshelves.
Nicely done!
Ben, you remind me of when I got back to flight simming. Prob abt 12yrs ago X-Plane 9, then 10. I had a gamer laptop (HP) that barely ran X-Plane. I then upgraded to a self built computer then upgraded again before X-Plane 11 came out so I could use vr. Once you get into VR, there’s no turning back. There’s nothing like turning your head and looking out the cockpit window or flipping switches etc while virtual.
And sure! How about a go pro of your RW flight sometime. That’d be ultra special indeed 😎. Thanks for your time and work. Ya gotta new subby too 😉
fs2020 you wont need to do that & the VFR scenery is better than x-plane 11
Wow. Top knowledge imparted ! 🤯 that some is crazy. Must get something to practice basic vfr stuff. Thanks for posting!
Drop me a line if you need any help with it, Ben!
Could it also be set it up for infinite flight, cuz that's what i play
Helpful video, I want start to build up my set up. You recommend Xplane instead of getting flight simulator game? And if I have a laptop what screen can I use it for if I add 1 tablet and 1 monitor?
Hello friend ! WHat do you think about fs2020, will you change or you will stay on xplane ?
Hi there love your video there is a great you tube channel not sure if you seen it Flightdeck2sim
He is a 1st officer in real life
He does sim routes complete across the different countries
He doe a live stream or you can watch it later on
Continue the great work you are doing
Let me know what you think of Flightdeck2sim
All the best
Paul in Orpington
Paul Fineman cool I’ll check it out!
Super.
Excellent video, Ben. Have you tried SmartCopilot (plugin for X-Plane)? With it you and Flying Reporter can fly dual controls (e.g. one flying, one on radios, switch). I've used it with a pilot friend here in the US and it works, albeit with a few glitches (e.g. FMS doesn't sync). Also have you tried PilotEdge.net (paid controllers; limited US West)? If so, your thoughts vs VATSIM?
Great video Ben, as always! I can see this video exploding with views on the next few weeks. I know that home simulators are growing massively since the quarentine began! Well done mate
Thank you that's really kind, hope it helps people get into it!
Very nice,
l am VFR which one you recommend to buy ? What about Microsoft?
I recognised the Blackpool accent before the aerobatics over the Wyre!
Nice film Ben, from a 42yr defence aerospace vet who lived right under that view.
Hope all is well for you now.
That’s litteraly my exact setup except the yoke, I have the airbus a320 yoke
I want to have a similar set up for IFR, VFR training what do you power your system with?
Hi i got something need to ask you regarding the ipad that you use , may i know which spec do you recommend to use it for the setup like yours ? Tks 😊
offtopic i was wonddering why he was talking so fast turned out i had my playback speed at 1.5
Was watching g a video on ATC communication and was so confused and overwhelmed by how fast they were talking. Turns out the video was at 1.25 speed
Great vid heard you on vatsim at Birmingham recently let me know when your planning a vfr trip I'll add more traffic to that airfield. Great set up if you ever get the chance to try virtual reality honestly try it adds a whole new level of immersion.
Thanks Chis - keep an eye out on Instagram that's where I've been arranging the group flights usually.
Hi Ben! A fellow pilot here doing CPL at Aeros Coventry (just ground now obviously). Keeping current using XP11 and IVAO! (Some videos in my channel...) 80% of flying on a home simulator is tweaking the computer settings to get acceptable FPS xD
What iOS apps we can use with Microsoft Flight Simulator ?
Logitech yoke is the best for Microsoft flight sim 2020 because the steering in game is very sensitive
Fantastic video... get a bruner yoke will blow your mind
I really like your video. I have been trying to figure out how to record my screen. any hint?
U have to use 3 monitors - will be much much better for you
Could you make this setup work with MS Flight Simulator?
Oh boy! Can i use this for Star Citizen! lol nice setup
What do you use for flaps and landing gear controls?
Looks like you was flying down the River Mersey?.
Where I can buy this handles for the throttle?
Has brexit affected your chance of employment as a pilot?
I’ve always used flight sims. A great help for the IR flying and very handy for procedures during a type rating. It’s a great hobby and learning tool!
It’s nice to hear it works for other people too!
Yep....
Βοth a sidestick and a yoke? Why? You wanna fly both Boeing and Airbus?
I have the Joystick just in case I want to fly a fighter jet 😂
Treat yourself and get an ultrawide monitor and proper gaming rig. You can get a very decent gaming PC for around $1,000 and a 29 inch 1080p ultrawide for around $250.
When I’ve got a new flying job I’m going to look into it!
Any thoughts on the Garmin apps working with FS2020?
hello from Panama, what software do you use to see the instruments on the ipad?
Lots of subscribers and yet this is the first time I've ever seen you here. I'm looking for a high end pc ..I get good CPU and rtx2080 but what should we look for in a used gaming pc that's important for simming?
I’d say a Graphics Card with at least 6GB of VRAM if you’re wanting something with a good level of power.
have you tried XTouchDownRecorder, which supports MAC
I haven’t to be honest!
Fantastic video you have made. I assume you were based out of EGCC. You look familiar
That's beautiful, Ben. Nice going. I'd fly with you in the left seat any time.
Thanks Eric.
Is it possible to buy a full home flight simulator package
HI Ben. Enjoying you videos. I am willing to become a private pilot but have the money or skills required to be one. Will the flight simulator be a good starting point for pilot learners??
Hugely, that’s what I started using when I was a teenager!
What do you use for checklists and POH for the different aircraft you fly in X-plane? The question also applies to aftermarket airplanes? thanks!
A lot of them have them built into the aircraft folder. For the ones I fly real world I use the documents I already have.
What is the core Flight Simulator software that you use?
Cool setup, what is your desk dimensions?
Does the throttle that came with the saitek yoke work with the honeycomb yoke? is there a slot for the throttle to plug into that yoke? Many thanks.
I use a separate saitek USB throttle
The G1000 Cessna is included in the basic Xplane 11? How accurate is the panel, the buttons and all the G1000’s functions? Thank you...
The standard G1000 in X-Plane is ok for learning the basics but doesn’t include things such as an ADF.
@@PlaneOldBen thank you. I need to prep for my first cross country... I have to practice all the basics, ADF as well :)
Great video, I am trying to setup an exact replica sim for a client who flies a Lanceair Evolution TP, the iPad is the breakthrough I needed to replicate his redundant G1000 panel THANK YOU! At home I have a very similar setup to yours with XP11 on a 2019 iMac but I installed and run the software and the almost 600GB of addons on an external drive and it runs beautifully on pretty high settings (depending on the scenery) and I don't have to worry about the resources being used up by add ons, I use dual joysticks because most of my training is on sidestick equipped singles and I use the Saitek switches, mini display, pedals, T16000M dual sticks and Saitek Throttle quadrant. Can't wait for XP12 and the Evolution!
I'm currently waiting for my 4th Honeycomb yoke to arrive. First 2 both had pretty substantial qc issues (1st: ethernet jack crazy loose | 2nd: crazy loose trim switches. The 3rd had corrected the first 2 yokes issues, but rotating the yoke was definitely tighter than rolling left, and the pitch axis was far less tight than the 1st two yokes, which I liked, but the trim switches were still kinda loose. I kept the 3rd one and ordered the 4th from a different supplier (mypilotsupply). Neeedless to say, I've been very disappointed with the factory qc of these things, the fact I'm going through 4 of them and every single one has had some different item that is defective blows my mind. Maybe I'm picky. Gotta love that Chinese made stuff.
But all in all, I like the yoke.
lets hope the quadrant has good qc...
what airline do you fly now since flybe retired?
Question guys. can I get a really old iPad for those ? To save money?
Potentially but it may struggle to run the app. It’s a bit of a gamble.
You could have used Ortho4XP for the scenery Ben, it's a bit of a faf but it's free :-)
I have been impressed with 11.50 Vulkan, it has really improved the FPS on my 7 yo PC. Given your graphics card you probably wouldn't see any benefit though.
I do hope you find another airline job soon after this situation clears, the timing for you was just rotten.
Old stopping ground VFR flight Blackpol - Sleap via both Liverpool transit and the low level corridor but under the new SVFR rules ;-)
I can see u are very clever pilot realy impressive
great and all but what is IFR?
After many years of on/off messing about with flight sims (mostly to do sightseeing and fly under Tower Bridge - yawn!) I've decided to actually properly learn what I'm doing. Currently doing loads of otherwise not very interesting local flights to practice, practice, practice the basics (in a Cessna 152) and I have to say I am having a ball! Long way to go, but I'm slowly getting more comfortable with radio navigation and able to find airports in bad weather! Thanks for a very interesting and inspiring video.
You should get the new xplane 11 beta, they've got the option for Vulkan rendering, I got a massive improvement on my 2 year old gaming pc. I just got to the vatsim part! I have started using it, and have been learning the 737 zibbo fmc/IFR stuff. Would be great to fly with your friends! :)
Ben, thanks for this informative video. I started my 'flying' career with Sierra Pro Pilot around early 2000s, then came different editions of MSFS, then Vatsim. I even used to have water-cooled custom built computer for that very purpose at one stage. But then came the real world flying at which point I stopped flying sims. Now, as grounded wide body pilot I am thinking about going back to the fun of the flight sim world. Thank you for
the inspiration.
N4865G thanks for the comment, I hope you get flying again soon!
Ben i fly out of EGBJ as a student pilot if i get the graphics upgrade you suggest does it make the circuit more realistic
I would say so, yes.
VR could make up for a very good setup