Learning to fly, or thinking of learning? Post your questions, comments and experiences here

Moderator: AndyR

By Falco2010
#1573084
Best to point out first this post is for me to help someone else :) and its a suprise hence why im doing it.

My girlfriend is in the process of applying to the BA cadet programme and i am looking for the best flight simulator for a Mac, ive already had a look at the X-Plane 11 and think this is the best way to go, would i be correct?

I would also like to get her a joy stick or control unit to work it with is that a good idea?

what books are the best for reading up on?

I genuinely havent a clue what im looking at here as i dont like flying (shoot me if needed)


also we live in Scotland near Glasgow so anywhere near that offers flight experiences would be awesome
By riverrock
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1573140
You can get trial lessons at Glasgow Flying Club and Prestwick Flying Club and a few other places.
There is a waiting list for getting a PPL (private licence) at Prestwick Flying Club (where I'm based) but can be done in a few places.

Simulator wise, leading edge (at Glasgow Airport) have a fixed (non moving) simulator available https://www.5pm.co.uk/the-big-deal/glas ... t-from-39/ https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractio ... lerReviews which isn't too expensive for a one off trip.

Best of luck to her!
#1573420
I use Bootcamp to run windows with Prepar3d - Lockheed Martin - as it allows me to put UK scenery on that matches my home base and surrounds https://orbxdirect.com/category/europe

Apparently X-Plane models flight really well, but I just found the scenery to be a bit empty and lifeless, although others swear by it. I find the ATC etc on Prepar3d to be more engaging and lots of add ons and customisations you can do to get closer to reality.

I only do this because I travel a lot for work and it cuts into my flying and it is my way to get my 'fix' while I'm away. It does not replace real world flying no matter how much you spend on add on aircraft etc (don't ask me how much I've spent trying to get this to feel as real as possible lol).

Hope that's helpful.