Deuskid said:
how 'accurate' ... realistic... is MSFS for the novice to acquire some experience/knowledge re: flying a RV 9? I have an earlier version [maybe 5-6 years old] somewhere... but I'd happily buy the newest if it is even a 3 or 4 on a scale of 10... worthwhile.
All depends on the specific model, as to how well the flight dynamics are re-created. IMO, the Real Air Simulations Marchetti SF260, that's been previously mentioned, is as good as it gets, when it comes to rudder control for aerobatic type manuvers and side slips. This model also performs some good spins & recoveries. For taildragging fun, it doesn't get any better than the Real Air Spitfire. Using rudder pedals, and my Saitek joystick with seperate throttle, it seems amazingly real.
Another requirment is rudder pedals. Twist grips are a bit too touchy, and the "feel" just isn't there. "Feel" is actually a product of our mind in combination with what we see on the screen, and the joysticks spring resistance, with our brain filling in gaps, yet it's quite amazing sometimes.
There are also many mesh scenery additions that duplicate mountain areas with very good accuracy. This is excellent for pre-flying routes to un-known airports, and getting a good idea of the airport in relation to the terrain. The nav & airport/ runway data is from Jeppeson, but it's a few years old.
I think a future benefit of desktop flight simulation will be duplicating glass panels. The Dynon and Avidyne systems have been modeled to a degree, and the Garmin 1000 is a way's off. GPS's such as the Garmin 430 & 530 are already duplicated very well.
A desktop sim, won't create a seat of the pants feel, for a non-pilot. But lately it's being proved over and over, that a desktop simulation gives a student pilot a great head start. This applies to basic controls, as well as navigation. FS2004 also contains a number of flight training scenarios & lessons.
L.Adamson