can MS Simulator be a helpful for my flight training?
At the end of WWII I was 21 years old. I had worked for about
nine months as a LORAN instructor and then as the operator of
a bombing simulator for the use of B-29 crews. When the Japanese
surrendered, I had to wait my turn for the ride back to the U.S.
Those who wished, could go back on a B-29 but military planes
are not as safe as they might be. I chose to wait for a ship.
In the barn like Quonset building next to mine there were eight
flight simulators. These were the only type in the world at that
time called 'Link trainers". The Link looked like a stubby
wing airplane about 8' long and 8' of wing. The cockpit had a
cover that would close and put you in a cockpit with only instrument
lights.
The controls and instruments of the Link were based on the
twin engine DC-3. With nothing to do for nearly two months except
sit in and fly the Link I became quite capable of flying the Radio
Range system into McCellan Field near Sacraments, CA.
Twenty-one years later I took up flying lessons at Concord,
CA. Because of my prior experience in instrument flying, I had
a terrible time, initially, learing to fly. I did not know how
to look out of the airplane or even what to look for. I had to
un-learn my concept of flying and learn another one.
On the other hand, when it came to night and hood work I could
fly quite well because of my hood experience. To answer your question,
yes the simulator will be of benefit but not where you expect.
The simulator time will make it necessary for you to mentally
reject the instruments and learn to look outside.
My telling you this and your accepting it, will make your learning
to fly come easier but not as easy as it would be if you had spent
the time reading "Stick and Rudder", Ron Machado's book
or even running through my disks.
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