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Flight Simulation: Perfect Hobby for Pilots and Enthusiasts?

By Wajeeh Qureshi | April 13, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic has completely altered the way we live our lives; forcing many of us to work remotely. While this arrangement may work in most cases, some professions don’t allow such a transition. Pilots are among those professionals who don’t have the liberty of working from home.

Therefore, many have utilized their free time to reconnect with family while others have resorted to giving back to the community. However, a considerable proportion has adopted flight simulation as a newfound hobby.

Enter the World of Simulation

Flight simulation has for decades allowed enthusiasts to experience the joy of flying from the confines of their bedroom. Technological advancement has enabled them to have an immersive flying experience by interacting with many real-world elements such as weather, air traffic, and aircraft controls.

No longer do we live in a world where graphics are archaic and choppy. In fact, hardware and software development has blurred the lines between real and virtual to a great extent. Realistic simulation gear is another factor that has added to the overall experience. Users can simply connect equipment like a flight yoke system and rudder pedals to their high-spec pc, and witness the wonders of flying in High Definition.

Where do Pilots fit in the equation?

The all-important question that remains is that do pilots even fancy flight simulation? Well, many do. Just take a look at Pilot and Youtuber, Captain Steveo. He recently made a video on flying his signature Socata TBM turboprop, but only this time in a flight simulator.

Obviously, flying in a simulator can’t substitute flying in the real world. This is why even after spending many hours in a high-end commercial simulator, pilots have to get their hands dirty in the real world by practicing on the real thing. But ultimately, it can help bridge the gap between a novice – who is passionate about flying- and a seasoned professional, by simulating the experience beforehand.

Virtual Reality (VR) in Simulation?

VR Headset © Unsplash -Laurens Derks

As VR technology progresses, the flight simulation experience will become even more realistic. Microsoft has already put VR on a pedestal and plans to fully incorporate it into MS Flight Simulator 2020. To conclude, flight simulation has come a long way from its primitive form in just a span of a few years.

If things progress at the same rate, an almost enchanting flying experience may not be too far off.

What do you think?

This content was provided to MentourPilot by provider, Travel Radar Media. Travel Radar offers high quality content in partnership with Mentour

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