This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Chris McGonegle contributed 15 entries already.
we finally have at-home flight simulation real enough to provide tangible benefits to those rusty pilots who want to get current and stay current. This realism does come with a warning: unstructured or “game” flying can detract from your actual flight lessons or skill set.
People who could fly airplanes had an elite reputation in my mind; one that seemed too far-fetched for me to consider. So my teenage years were filled with school, sports, and summer jobs outside occasionally interrupted by the distinct hum of an engine passing overhead.
Home computer flight simulation technology has made impressive leaps forward over the past 10 years. Finally, stock software made by companies like Microsoft allow for at-home flight simulation real enough to provide tangible benefits.
Portable electronic devices have become more and more common on the GA flight deck since the turn of the century. From early GPS navigators gaining popularity in flight bags to a company offering a mini computer with a touchscreen that could make phone calls in mid-2007, these devices have improved safety as well as convenience when we fly.
Home flight simulators offer a wealth of training situations to sharpen a pilot’s aircraft operating skills. Instrument flying is one of the most valuable scenarios we can practice in a standard home simulator that will translate to the physical aircraft.
Home flight simulators offer a wealth of practice when it comes to today’s budding aviators. No longer do we have to settle for green lines on a black background with a few instrument indications. We can turn on live weather, sync with our actual electronic flight bag, and practice communications.
The last two years have witnessed a flurry of interest in the flight simulation realm, thanks mainly to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
When the first consumer flight simulator came to market in 1979, there were very few (if any) takeaways for pilots. As most would assume, today’s simulators are helpful in showing how an airplane reacts in the air (and on the ground), but there are a few lesser known areas of airmanship a simulator can teach.
Author, Chris McGonegle is the Flight Simulation Product Manager with Sporty’s Pilot Shop and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati professional pilot training program. He’s a Commercial pilot with Instrument rating who prefers to start the day with a $100 cup of coffee before heading into the office – Ed. — Often we receive […]
The new Microsoft Flight Simulator program is limitless in possibilities, but where do we start? In this video, Sporty’s flight simulator expert Chris McGonegle will take you through those first steps to get airborne. We’ll begin at the home page and cover how to choose an airport, aircraft, release the parking brake, and move to an external view.
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