How to access the internal and external training resources that are available for Flight Simulator

This article describes the training resources that are available in Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can use these resources to learn how to use Flight Simulator. Additionally, this article describes where to look on the Internet to find more information about how to use Flight Simulator.

The best way that you can learn to use Flight Simulator is to learn how to use the content that is built into the product. The following sections describe the different levels of training that are available in Flight Simulator.

When you start Flight Simulator, and then click Flying Lessons, the following lessons are available.

Flying lessons

A. Student Pilot

The first step in learning how to fly in Flight Simulator is to learn the fundamentals of controlling the aircraft. As you view the order of the lessons, it may seem odd that the takeoff lesson is not first. That is because the prerequisite skills for taking off involve an understanding of how to control the aircraft as soon as it is in the air. The training in these lessons serves as the foundation for having fun in Flight Simulator. There is more training available after these lessons. However, if all that you want to do is fly, the lessons teach the most basic skills that you will need. You will fly a Cessna 172. This is a proven trainer aircraft. Have fun!

• Lesson 1: Straight and Level Flight
• Lesson 2: Turns
• Lesson 3: Climbs and Descents
• Lesson 4: Slow Flight
• Lesson 5: Takeoffs
• Lesson 6: Landings
• Lesson 7: Your First Solo

B. Private Pilot

The first step after you complete your Student lessons is to earn your Flight Simulator Private Pilot certificate. The Flight Simulator Private Pilot training extends your foundation of fundamental piloting skills. You will fly a Cessna 172 and learn basic flight maneuvers and radio navigation. Mastering these skills will help you progress more smoothly through the rest of your training.

• Private Pilot Lessons Overview
  • Solo Flight: Taxiing

• Lesson 1: Stalls
• Lesson 2: Steep Turns
  • Solo Flight: Steep turns

• Lesson 3: VOR Navigation
• Lesson 4: The Traffic Pattern
  • Solo Flight: Traffic Pattern
• Lesson 5: Air Traffic Control
• Private Pilot Checkride

C. Instrument Pilot

Earning a Flight Simulator Instrument Rating will make you a more versatile and proficient pilot. You will enjoy new experiences with Flight Simulator's navigation and weather features. You will do your instrument training in the same aircraft you used for your private pilot certification, the Cessna 172. Although, the basic maneuvers are the same, in these lessons you will learn to perform them only by reference to the instruments. You will master the art of the instrument scan and learn the intricacies of flying instrument approaches.

• Instrument Rating Lessons Overview
  • Solo Flight: Scanning the Instruments
• Lesson 1: The VOR Approach
  • Solo Flight: VOR Approach
• Lesson 2: The ILS Approach
  • Solo Flight: ILS Approach
• Lesson 3: Holding Patterns
  • Solo Flights: Three Ways to Enter Holding
• Instrument Rating Checkride

D. Commercial Pilot

Commercial training focuses on advanced flight maneuvers. This set of lessons moves you up to a new class of aircraft. Operating a complex aircraft and developing more precise flying skills by using advanced equipment is important also, and is the theme for this set of lessons. . Therefore, you must become familiar with how to operate the GPS, and is a necessary skill to bring to these lessons. After you pass the Flight Simulator Commercial Pilot Checkride, you will be ready to try flying more advanced aircraft. That journey starts with these steps:

• Commercial Pilot Lessons Overview
• Lesson 1: Complex Aircraft Checkout
• Lesson 2: Shortfield Takeoffs and Landings
  • Solo Flight: Shortfield Takeoff
  • Solo Flight: Shortfield Landing
  • Solo Flight: Crosswind Landing
• Lesson 3: Emergency Procedures
  • Solo Flight: Engine failure
• Commercial Pilot Checkride

E. Airline Transport Pilot

Most commercial airline pilots who fly jets have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This is the pinnacle in acquiring your Flight Simulator aviator skills. Learn how to fly in the Boeing 737–400 jet. It takes some dedication and commitment, but the rewards are worth it. Up for the challenge? Follow these steps:

• ATP Lessons Overview
• Lesson 1: Jet Checkout
  • Solo Flight: Jet Takeoff
  • Solo Flight: Jet Landing
• Lesson 2: Descents and Energy Management
  • Solo Flight: Descending from Cruise
• Lesson 3: Full ILS Approach
  • Solo Flight: Full ILS Approach
• ATP Checkride

Learning Center

After you learn how to use the product, you can access the Learning Center. The Learning Center is the source for information about how to use Flight Simulator. You can access the Learning Center at any time. To access the Learning Center, use one of the following methods:

• On the main screen, click Learning Center.
• When you are flying, press ALT, and then click Learning Center on the Help menu.

Community Web site

For more information about Flight Simulator and resources for using the product, visit the following official community Web site for Flight Simulator: This Web site includes information about the following topics:

• learning center
• community
• downloads
• FS Store

Strategy guide

For comprehensive information that is available in printed form, obtain Microsoft® Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets™. This official strategy guide, written with the full cooperation of Microsoft Game Studios, will help you deepen your knowledge and enjoyment of every aspect of flight. Inside the guide, among other topics, you will find the following topics:

• Detailed specifications, statistics, and flying tips for all the historical and modern aircraft.
• Exciting flight challenges so that you can apply concepts and techniques, such as difficult navigation and approach procedures.
• Complete coverage of all flight aspects, from taxiing and takeoff to in-flight navigation to approaches and landings.
• Fun role-playing scenarios that let you become a bush pilot, airline pilot, or aerobatic pilot.
• Details about the Flight Simulator community that includes dozens of great add-ons and Internet resources.
• Exclusive designer tips straight from the Flight Simulator team.

This book is available at retailers and from the following Sybex Web site: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.