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[Gemma Jane]

Hi guys,

Was following the advice provided by Simon and decided to take a look on Google Earth and start getting some idea of what my model flying site looks like from the air.

Then I had a brain wave, I have FSX and JustFlight photo scenery, together, instant FPV simulator of my actual flying field with all the surrounding details such as footpaths, hedges, roads, woods and buildings clearly visible.

It's only really practical in one of the sims helis but instant FPV simulation of your own UK flying field can be achieved with currently available software! (I wonder if a simple model aeroplane that flies real slow could be done for this sim easily?)

I've already worked out my first circuit, down the side of a track, turn right at the hedge follow it to the coastal marshes, turn right, track the hedge towards the sewage farm, turn right heading back to line up with the strip.

I so can't wait to try out FPV flying. I know I'm going to love it 

[Gemma Jane]

Just an update on this, I forgot that FSX comes with an 'Aircreation Trike' Ultralight. Perfect, it has height and MPH on clear digital displays, and can be flown very slow. Been doing touch and go on my model strip with it, much easier to control than a heli.

[simondale]

Hi Gemma,

Sounds interesting!  Are you using your Tx to control it?  That should be possible as the cable provided with most model simulators makes the Tx appear as a standard joystick usually.

A microlight cruises at about 65mph off the top of my head so its still a little fast compared to my Easystar (I seem to average about 18mph from memory) but I suppose its better being used to too fast than too slow!

The photo realistic part sounds great.  I've got FSX somewhere so I'll give it a try.

Thanks

Simon

[Gemma Jane]

I'm flying with typical flight sim yoke or joystick/rudder pedals. I don't really notice the difference to using my TX (which I do use for the Phoenix model sim). I feel I can pretty much control with either without really thinking about.

I've also got head tracking in FSX, overall I'm guessing it comes about as close as it gets to flying a model FPV, certainly it is the closest I get to flying full size on a computer and I've often used FSX for nav training then done the full size flight feeling that I had done it all before!

The ultralight stalls at about 40 mph, though it is possible to fly a circuit then run it over and over at any speed. With head tracking it's pretty good I think. It can be flown slower with a heli, but I then find I'm spending all my effort controlling the heli and not looking around so much.

Certainly as a way to get familar with the local area, this is going to be hard to beat.

[Gemma Jane]

Just been having another go on FSX, the sim speed can be reduced to 1/2 or 1/4 at 1/4 I'm flying around at less than 20 mph in the trike 

[simondale]

Sounds excellent.  If your PC has video out you could plug your goggles into the AV out socket and fly exactly like FPV!

[Sheldon Holy]

I've got 123 hours on FSX, and at least 900 landings...

And no i don't mean crashes!!! LOL