The Problem with Simulators

...I sought knowledge on the path of virtual learning

My theory was that a simulator package would give me the opportunity to learn to fly whenever I wanted. For those not familiar, an RC simulator consists of PC software along with a radio (in my case I bought the package deal). You simply install the software on your computer, plug your RC radio to your computer with the buddy lead supplied and start flying.

It is a lovely thing - a choice of airfields and a long list of aircraft to fly, equalling hours of entertainment for RC fans and aircraft nuts generally. Having only two powered gliders, my choice of vehicle, seemed a trifling detail as I set about familiarising myself with the radio unit and the characteristics of the aircraft I flew.

Being a pilot of sorts, in a previous era, I was reasonable confident of a smooth transition to RC as I knew how to fly. True. Except that what I had learned to fly had weighed several hundred kilograms, and had very large wings. And no engines. The significance of this obvious difference, however, is not immediately apparent when flying non-representative aircraft on a computer, despite the entertainment undoubted value of these wonderful devices.

The downfall, as I discovered more than once, is the individual characteristics of the model aircraft themselves. These characteristics represent themselves most prominently during transitions, notably launch (as you throw the gliders to get them airborne) and acceleration (being powered by electric motors). The achilles heal of the Phoenix 2000 for novice fliers is during acceleration and, in the case of the Floater Jet, the notorious dip on launch...