Computer Simulation with Flight Simulator X Introduction to Flight Simulator – Level 1

What You’ll Learn…  How to use Flight Simulator X software  How to use the CH Eclipse Yoke  How to FLY!  How the forces of lift, thrust, drag, and gravity act upon a plane in flight  How to control a plane while aloft  How to read various instruments  How to bank the plane  How to compensate for gravity and drag  How to climb and descend  How to land and takeoff  How to navigate Stuff You’ll Need…  Flight Simulator X software  CH Eclipse Yoke

What You Should Know… This is Not a Video Game! Flight Simulator X is a realistic computer simulation. You will use it to learn flight dynamics and piloting skills – you will not get to shoot down fighter jets or battle aliens. The controller you will use is called a yoke. Handle it GENTLY! There are two good reasons for this. The first is that it’s a delicate and expensive piece of electronic equipment. The second is that successful flying requires smooth, controlled movements. Can you imagine what it would feel like to be on a plane if the pilot tried to control it with big, jerky movements? In real flight, small movements of the yoke result in big movements of the plane. Most beginners move the yoke too much (over compensate) causing the plane to fly off course by a significant amount. Small, smooth adjustments of the yoke will get you where you’re going! This piece of equipment is called the YOKE. If you handle it gently, you will become a successful pilot.

Double Check Have you completed the second PowerPoint Turns? If not, go back and finish!

Finding Flight Simulator Double click the Microsoft Flight Simulator X icon on the desktop.

Do It! Accessing Lesson 3 Step 1: Load the software or open Flight Simulator X from the desktop. Step 2: On the Navigation Bar, select “Learning Center”. Step 3: Select the “Lessons” tab from the top of the Learning Center page. Step 4: Select the first lesson, “Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents” Select, “Lessons”.

Do It! Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents Ground School Topics Descents Beginning a Climb You’re on Your Way Up Care to Waltz? Reading the Altimeter Things are Turning Up Time for a Turn Down Ground School Review Ready for this Lesson? Complete Ground School and return to this Learning Launcher for Ground School Review.

Do It! Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents Ground School Review Which of the four forces acting on a plane causes it to climb? Look at the image below to help recall the answer.

Do It! Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents Ground School Review Excess thrust allows the plane to climb. To climb you need to increase the throttle to full power AND exert back pressure on the yoke handle.

Do It! Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents Ground School Review How do you cause the plane to descend?

Do It! Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents Ground School Review To get the plane to descend, you gently push forward on the yoke handles to point the nose downward. The attitude indicator will show the nose of the plane below the horizontal.

Do It & Research Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents Flight & Flight Analysis After completing ground school, click, “Fly this Lesson Now”. Read the flight brief and then click, “Fly this Lesson Now” a second time. The computer will load the software. This may take some time. Remember to capture the Flight Analysis image after each flight