Tuesday, March 16, 2010
It's a superb practice and training system. I already had two copies of FSX, and plan to give this one to my son (who is also a pilot).
by James from Yucaipa CA USA 
Pros: Range of control capability is almost endless, and the system is very realistic.
Cons: Proper (location) mounting was extremely difficult for me. You should try to get this system (with rudder pedals) approved (by the FAA) for use in recording some training time in one's log-book.
Review: The most difficult thing for me was finding a way to mount the yoke (box) in the correct location and height. Being a "Private Pilot", I am very sensitive to achieving a proper mounting location. My computer desk has a "lip" in front, so I found it necessary to shape a "board" to lower the yoke assembly so the yoke tube did not touch the "lip". I also found the mounting "clip" to be useless for this set-up. I fashioned some "clips" by modifying some small carpenter's clamps that would fit into the mounting holes. The problem with them is they restrict the yoke motion in the "pitch down" direction (i.e. the yoke will hit the clamps when pushed forward more than about a half inch). At one point I did try to mount the yoke on top of the table/cabinet with the display on-top of that, but that made the center of the yoke much too high, and the display even higher. The yoke should always be mounted so the center of rotation is approximately in line with at one's navel. That is the most "realistic" position.

Monday, March 01, 2010
Good setup for someone learning to fly
by Garrison from Lexington SC USA 
Pros: quality construction, works right out of the box w/ no configuration, feels like the real thing
Cons: confusing programming software for customization, one weird bug
Review:

I've been flying in a Cessna 182 with a pilot friend a few times, and I have to say this setup does a great job of immersing me. I don't play the missions in the game, just do takeoff, flight, and landing practices at local airports (from the interface, it looks like every US airport and some intl ones are represented, even private subdivision airstrips). I've found myself looking left and right instead of using the POV hat to turn my head in the virtual plane. Like anything, it takes some getting used to, but like the real thing, it's not easy (which I take as a great sign that it's actually helping me learn). The game is really pretty, and the controls can be tuned to the sensitivity level you choose.

Two negatives (keep in mind, these don't keep me from using the simulator): - The provided control-programming software is confusing for me, and I've played video games for over a decade and program for a living - When I press the brakes after touching down, the rudder pedals send a buggy signal as if the yoke is doing a full right turn. This makes perfect landings hard, because I have to use the keyboard to apply brakes.

Monday, February 15, 2010
CONTROL VERY MUCH LIKE REAL WORLD
by JOE C from POLK CITY FL USA 
Pros: BUTTONS GALORE!! CENTERS ON RELEASE
Review: I AM A REAL WORLD PILOT, COMERCIAL,INST, SEL, MEL, WITH MORE THAN 5000 HOURS. THE SAITEK IS FAR SUPERIOR TO THE CH PRODUCT. I HAD MY OWN AEROSTAR 601, AND 601P FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS SO FLYING IS NOT NEW TO ME. I DID NOT LIKE THE FSX AT ALL. AS A MATTER OF FACK, I DELETED IT AND RETURNED TO FS2004. MUCH FASTER !! I FIND THAT THE FLIGHT SIMULATER IS A REAL TOOL IN KEEPING UP FLYING SKILLS, AND SAVES A LOT OF AVGAS AND ROUTENE MAINTENANCE. MANY THANKS!!

Thursday, January 28, 2010
by Robert from Little Rock AR USA 
Cons: None yet.
Review: Great package for anyone that wants an almost real flying experience.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Easy to use but need some improvement
by Byeong from Los Angeles CA USA 
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Choppy control input
Review: It was easy to install and use it. A nice simulator and control for private pilot or student pilot, especially for IFR. But Microsoft Flight Simulator X did not support dual NAVAID in G-1000 mode. Also the control input was choppy, not so smooth as in real airplane.

Monday, January 11, 2010
Good Package Overall
by James from Fayetteville AR USA 
Pros: The yoke feels good in the hands and is quite responsive as is the throttle.
Cons: The pedals are awkward to use. It is difficult to get into a position where my feet rest comfortably on the pedals without placing tension on the pedals when I don't want to do so. Maybe it will just take some experimenting and getting used to them. I can control the aircraft though; it just seems that I have to hold my feet in the air as if I were doing some sort of stomach-tightening exercise. The passengers don't have to worry about the pilot falling asleep.
Review: I really enjoy the package overall, especially the yoke and throttle. I'm still learning to get comfortable with the pedals, and that's exactly what I mean. I'm using a straight-backed chair (kitchen chair), and the positioning seems somewhat awkward; however, it functions well with regard to controlling the simulator. The yoke and throttle are completely intuitive and make flying lots of fun.

Thursday, November 05, 2009
Sim Bundle
by Joe from Henderson NV USA 
Pros: Has the feel of the real thing and the price is great
Cons: Erratic operation occasionally, but the best that I have seen for the price.
Review: I purchased controls to work with my Mac. After partitioning the drive, they work great. The rudder pedals are very touchy and the yoke can be "squirrly" at times. But everything works pretty good and I was happy to configure it so I could use it with my Mac.