Logitech flight sim hardware
By Matt Thomas Hardware • Uncategorized • • 0 Comments

Flight Sim Hardware is More Affordable Than Ever!

I’m truly excited about how affordable it is to build a home flight simulator. If you are in the market for flight sim hardware like a joystick, yoke, rudder pedals, throttle quadrant, etc. now could be your time to buy. For example, the Logitech G X52 Pro HOTAS joystick and throttle is just $199 now on Amazon. Don’t forget to modify your X52 throttle to get rid of that pesky detent with this handy DIY Flight Sims tutorial (free) https://youtu.be/3TrDCO-FMBI

joystick and throttle flight sim hardware
Logitech G X52 Pro

Not to mention the many choices we have today for flight simulator controls. I remember trying to hack and modify the old CH Products rudder pedals simply because they were the only ones on the market. I eventually ended up buying better rudder pedals from an obscure German manufacturer.

Eye-Popping Displays

Your display is an important part of your flight sim hardware. The options we have for displays today are a thousand times better than what was available when I built my first home flight simulator in 2004. Back then, to get any sort of immersion your only choice was to use a big projected screen. A LCD projector cost about $1000 in 2004, and that’s the equivalent of $1600 today. However, the projectors of the time were only 640×480 resolution! Today, you can get a 75″ 4K TV for $550 at Best Buy.

In addition, all graphics cards now support multiple displays, but that was unheard of back in 2004. Back then, you had to have a special external video card and adapters to run a triple display.

large TV
75″ 4K UHD TV

Lighting Fast Computers

And what about computers? The long-awaited crypto crash finally came last year, and soon after the prices for graphics cards finally came down to reasonable levels. I was so happy about the price of my new computer I added something extra… an extended warranty from Microcenter.

Airplane Flying Handbook 2016 pdf
By Matt Thomas Uncategorized • 0 Comments

Airplane Flying Handbook 2016 pdf

Do you want to take flight lessons someday? Are you trying to use your home flight simulator to learn more about real aviation? Do you simply want to be a better sim pilot? I recommend you download a copy of the Airplane Flying Handbook 2016 pdf.

Don’t Sabotage Your Training

Many people buy flight sim software and just assume they will learn by trial and error. I do not recommend doing this because of the real danger of developing bad habits. The bad habits you learn in the sim will follow you to the real cockpit. In addition, you need to learn why pilots do the things they do, not just what they do. The Airplane Flying Handbook 2016 pdf is an important tool to help you build a fundamental understanding of flying and the national airspace system. The book includes an overview of flight training, maneuvers, night operations, emergency procedures, takeoffs and landings, and more.

On the other hand, maybe you just want to fly airliners in your DIY Airliner Keyboard Mod. Well, check out Chapter 12, 14, and 15 of the Airplane Flying Handbook 2016 pdf. That’s where you will find important information about multiengine airplanes, turboprop airplanes, and jet airplanes.

 

 

Airplane Flying Handbook 2016 pdf Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Flight Training
  2. Ground Operations
  3. Basic Flight Maneuvers
  4. Maintaining Aircraft Control: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
  5. Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
  6. Ground Reference Maneuvers
  7. Airport Traffic Patterns
  8. Approaches and Landings
  9. Performance Maneuvers
  10. Night Operations
  11. Complex Airplanes
  12. Multiengine Airplanes
  13. Tailwheel Airplanes
  14. Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
  15. Jet-Powered Airplanes
  16. Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)
  17. Emergency Procedures
    Glossary and Index

Where to Find the Airplane Flying Handbook

In conclusion, this handbook is published by the US Federal Aviation Administration. You can buy a hard copy book, or download a free pdf copy. The Adobe pdf version is available at the FAA’s website or at the Builder Academy at this link: https://courses.rogerdodger.net/courses/take/builder-academy/downloads/2248361-airplane-flying-handbook Finally, sign up for updates so you will know about new content in Builder Academy and upcoming sales.

 

single engine procedure, airplane flying handbook 2016 pdf
Single Engine Procedure
By Matt Thomas Uncategorized 0 Comments

Merry Christmas from Roger Dodger Aviation

Here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from Roger Dodger Aviation. I’m lucky for my opportunities to share aviation (both real and simulated) with people.

Merry Christmas from Roger Dodger Aviation
Merry Christmas from Roger Dodger Aviation

Christmas Lights on a Flight Simulator!

Let’s deck the flight sims with boughs of holly, tinsel, and colored lights! I like to decorate my flight simulator for Christmas and it’s one of my favorite holiday traditions. I think I’m the only flight simulator entrepreneur that currently does this. All of my decorating efforts go into the simulator because more people see it than see my house. December is so busy I rarely have people over to visit, however many people see my pictures and videos online. 

I like to fly some of the old winter missions in FSX like the apple delivery missions or the Alaska missions. I drink hot chocolate and fly my simulator, it’s a wonderful time. Often I’m bundled up in a hoodie and scarf since I can’t afford to run the furnace at a reasonable temperature.

 

Matt Thomas, Plaza Flight pilot in Kansas City
Matt Thomas, Plaza Flight pilot in Kansas City

Plaza Flights in Kansas City

Many of you don’t know this but I am a real pilot with 1200 hours. I used to provide scenic flight in an actual Cessna 172 over Kansas City. Each year, the Plaza decorates all of its buildings with brilliant lights throughout the entire holiday season. I provided night flights to the public from the KC Downtown Wheeler Airport over the Plaza Lights. For many people this was their first experience in a small airplane. I even awarded certificates and aviator wings after the flights since this was a special occasion. Season after season I provided these flights and it became an important part of Christmas to me and for this city. I did more Plaza Flights than anyone else in the city during the years I offered them. 

Merry Christmas from Roger Dodger Aviation

I wish you the best this holiday season. Get ready because January is Build Month! Many customers build DIY Flight Sims projects during January. It’s a great time to do it.