Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Hello Capt Lim,

I was searching the Internet for the descent formula while established on the LOC (localizer) for landing and found your web site.

It*s been 5 months when I started being a Flight Simmer and I have learned a lot since then. I just can*t help it - its something inside me.

Anyway, I would like to have the opinion of a real pilot - I mean the real truth about the FS 2004 as this program looks great with many simulated instrumentations, SIDS, STARS, etc.

Is this really only a simulation or another product from a company that wants to sell?

Personally, I realized that many procedures in the CHARTS are specific and accurate. Could you please give me your opinion on what you think about this?

I would like to know whether the simulator is realistic.

Thank you very much

Regards

John.

Hi John,

Honestly, since my visitors first introduced me to the FS 2002, I have not upgraded it to the FS 2004 nor flew it yet (it is still somewhere in my drawer!) I believe there are many improvements in it. Not many current or real pilots use this software when compared to the aspiring pilots. Why? Well, they have an even better and more expensive aircraft simulator (where recurrent tests are conducted) to fly in. However, I do fly the FS 2002 once in a while to familiarize myself with some basic procedures.

If you have followed my answers on this topic, I have mentioned that this software is fantastic to the aspiring pilots. For the price you pay, it can do so many things that a real aircraft can do. One exception - it could not simulate the feel of a real plane. The views, graphics, flight instruments, etc, are very good indeed. I would recommend it to all aspiring pilots because you can learn and understand a lot of basic maneuvers before you actually fly a real plane. This would save you a lot of money!

You would not believe it. Many simulator pilots can fly the FS2002/4 manually better than I do! How? They practice it hundreds of times and know the artificial feel of the simulator very well. For me, I love it when I engaged the Boeing 777 autopilot (which I usually do) for it flies beautifully - except for some minor glitches.

I am not clear about your question regarding the CHARTS.

On your last question, I think the FS2002/4 is fairly realistic and a good product worth your money if you are into flying - real or simulation.