Computer Simulation with Flight Simulator XIntroduction to Flight Simulator – Level 1
What You’ll Learn… How to use Flight Simulator X software How to use the CH Eclipse Yoke How to FLY!
How the forces of lift, thrust, drag, and gravity act upon a plane in flight
How to control a plane while aloft How to read various instruments How to bank the plane How to compensate for gravity and drag How to climb and descend How to land and takeoff How to navigate
Stuff You’ll Need… Flight Simulator X software CH Eclipse Yoke
What You Should Know…This is Not a Video Game!Flight Simulator X is a realistic computer simulation. You will use it to learn flight dynamics and piloting skills – you will not get to shoot down fighter jets or battle aliens.
The controller you will use is called a yoke. Handle it GENTLY! There are two good reasons for this. The first is that it’s a delicate and expensive piece of electronic equipment. The second is that successful flying requires smooth, controlled movements. Can you imagine what it would feel like to be on a plane if the pilot tried to control it with big, jerky movements? In real flight, small movements of the yoke result in big movements of the plane. Most beginners move the yoke too much (over compensate) causing the plane to fly off course by a significant amount. Small, smooth adjustments of the yoke will get you where you’re going!
This piece of equipment is called the YOKE. If you handle it gently,
you will become a successful pilot.
What You Should Know…
Navigation BarThe blue box on the left side of the home page allows you to find your way around Flight Simulator X. In this engagement, you will only use the tabs: Home and Learning Center.
The Home PageEach time you launch the software, it will open to the home page.
What You Should Know…Earning your Wings
In this PowerPoint, you will learn important concepts and skills through lessons in Flight Simulator X. After completing each lesson, answer the review questions in this Learning Launcher.
Then you’ll have a chance to apply your knowledge and fly a plane with your virtual flight instructor.
Are you ready for your first flight adventure?
Turn to the next slide…
Don’t worry if you’re not able to complete all 7 lessons in the
time you have for this project. It’s more important to complete
and understand each lesson fully!
Finding Flight Simulator
Double click the Microsoft Flight Simulator X icon on the desktop.
Do It!Accessing Lesson 1Step 1: Load the software or open Flight Simulator X from the desktop.
Step 2: On the Navigation Bar, select “Learning Center”.
Step 3: Select the “Lessons” tab from the top of the Learning Center page.
Step 4: Select the first lesson, “Lesson 1: Straight and Level Flight”
Lesson 1: Straight and Level FlightYou must complete Lesson 1 before moving on!
Each Lesson has four steps:Step 1. Ground School (Complete Ground School for Lesson 1 in Flight Simulator X.)• How the Airplane Remains Airborne
• May the Four Forces Be With You
• Flight Controls
• Straight-and-Level Flight
Step 2. Ground School Review (Answer the questions in this Learning Launcher.)
Step 3. Flight (Fly with Rod)
Step 4. Flight Analysis (Use “Print Screen” to record your flight.)
Do It!
Do It!Lesson 1: Straight and Level FlightComplete Ground School for Lesson 1, now.
After completing Ground School, return to this PowerPoint for Questions/Research.
Questions/ResearchLesson 1: Straight and Level FlightGround School ReviewName the four forces that act on an airplane once it is in flight.
Forces1.
2.
3.
4.
Questions/ResearchLesson 1: Straight and Level FlightGround School ReviewName the axis used to describe the movement of a plane.
Axis1.
2.
3.
Do It!Lesson 1: Straight and Level FlightGround School ReviewThe instrument panel on the plane appears very complicated. It’s okay if it takes you several lessons to learn to read the various instruments. When you begin the lesson you will see the instruments and the view outside the plane. There are some instruments that are more important than others and you will use them often. Can you recall the use of each?
Do It!Attitude Indicator: This instrument shows you where the nose of the plane is pointing compared to horizontal.
Compass: This instrument shows you where the plane is heading relative to north.
Vertical Speed: This instrument shows how fast you are climbing or descending.
Turn Coordinator: This instrument helps you to perform a smooth turn.
Ground School Review
Altimeter: This instrument shows how far above the ground you are flying.Airspeed: This
instrument tells you how fast you are flying.
What You Should Know…The YokeA Yoke is the set of controls that you use to fly the airplane. The yoke contains many control switches, knobs, and levers.
To use your CH Eclipse Yoke with Flight Simulator X, first make sure that the cable from the yoke is connected to the computer through a “USB” port. USB Cable
What You Should Know…The YokeAs a beginner, you need to know a few main controls on the yoke. The throttle is used to increase or decrease the amount of gas, and thus the speed of the plane. The Hat and Toggle switches allow you to look at the screen and out of the plane from various views. The yoke handles steer the plane as you fly. Pull back or push forward on the yoke handles to raise or lower the nose of the airplane. Turn right and left by turning the handles right or left.
Yoke handles for steering
ResearchYoke ReviewCopy this slide in your Word document. Label the following four (4) parts of the yoke.
Throttle
Toggle view switch
Yoke handles
USB cable
Do It & ResearchLesson 1: Straight and Level FlightFlight & Flight AnalysisAfter completing Ground School Review, you’re ready to take off! Click, “Fly this Lesson Now”. Read the flight brief and then click, “Fly this Lesson Now” a second time. The computer will load the software. This may take some time.
Remember to capture the Flight
Analysis image after each flight for your
Word doc.
Questions/ResearchWatch the two (2) 60 Minutes videos on the Flight Simulator website. Formulate at least five (5) sentences about what you learned from them.
