Poll: How realistic is your flying ?

[dutch11]

I usually start with the engines running. I get clearance from ground for taxiing and tower for takeoff, but after that I ignore ATC. I mostly fly propliners so I don't use modern IFR flight plans. I usually navigate using VORs and NDBs but I do use GPS hold for long over water flights. I work at home so I can do long flights (23.9 hrs is my longest). I get up to cruising altitude and put on the AP and go about my business, just checking back every so often to pick up the next VOR. Sometimes, I even go to town and run errands during long flights and might be gone for 3 or 4 hours. I am very careful on the takeoff, climb, descent, and landing phases to be as realistic as possible. Flying at home definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. By the way, is there any regulation against taking off in a Lockheed Constellation or any other large transport aircraft with a cat on your lap?

[DaveB]

By the way, is there any regulation against taking off in a Lockheed Constellation or any other large transport aircraft with a cat on your lap?

I don't think there is Dutch That said.. I was taking off EGCC to EINN in a VC953c last year.. maybe the year before.. well established in the climb at around 7000ft.. tucking into a Mars Ice Cream (as you do) while keeping an eye on the TV, when I heard the dreaded 'Speed exceeded below FL100' BONG off FlyNET :o Reason for this rather rapid ascent/faux pas was my Labrador had snuck in and was sitting beside me with her @rse resting against the joystick.. her excess bits having pushed the throttles open I dare not let her onto the FD until I'm above 10,000ft now

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[FlyTexas]

Does anyone's dog respond to the seatbelt/no smoking sign in FS2004/FSX? Everytime I click the button and hear the "ding-dong" my dog will, without exception, race to the front door. Sometimes I'll click the button just to watch him race past my door. I know, I'm kinda mean. ;-)

Brian

[DaveB]

I DO have a similar weapon of dog destruction.. ActiveSky :o If I start 'A S' up and the Lab is near.. she runs when the thunder sound plays

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[dutch11]

Great stories guys. By the way, who's job is it clean up the "flight deck" after a long flight, the Pilot in Command (that would be me), or the Pilot in Command's wife?

[nigelb]

Careful there mate - your entering dangerous territory with that question! ;-)

[dutch11]

I know it. The silence has been deafening, so I'll get back on to safer ground. The one thing that has really enhanced my simming has been rudder pedals. I started with FS2000, swithched to FS2004, but only recently purchased rudder pedals. As a student pilot, I always had trouble feeling the rudder pedals with my feet. After an hour in the pattern, my legs would be wobbly from trying to do all the coordinated turns. I mentioned this to my flight instructor who said he had no such problem but knew of another pilot who did and always flew with bedroom slippers on. I always used an old pair of worn out tennis shoes to make it easier for me. Being able to use rudder pedals on the flight sim has given me the ability to hone the sensitivity and practice coordinated turns. It's not exactly the same as the real thing, but it's a lot cheaper.

[jonesey2k]

I know that my Finches really don't like high pitch turbines

And my Logitech Z5500 system does them full justice :