Hi. My name is Jack Deese and in this article I want to continue to share with you some exciting information about my very favorite Aircraft Simulator. Be sure to watch all 20 Flight Simulator Seminar videos at http://www.TopFlightSim.com so you too can learn how to fly your favorite airplanes anywhere in the world you choose, any time of the day or night, in any weather good or bad AND without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

The Instrument Panel Part 1

This section is a little technical but it definitely shows that the World's Best Aircraft Simulator is a very sophisticated Flight Simulator that can teach anyone a lot about flying.

A FREE PDF download of the previous Instrument Panel picture is provided for you at www.TopFlightSim.com. Be sure to get a copy to hold in your hands and consult as you view Videos 12, 13, and 14.

The aircraft within this flight simulator can have both a 2-dimensional instrument panel and a 3-dimensional cockpit. The 3-dimensional cockpit provides a much more realistic pilot-eye view.

The default Cessna 172P (c172p) has both a 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional cockpit. The 3-dimensional cockpit is activated by default when you start, but you can over-lie the 2-dimensional instrument panel.

While a complete description of all the functions of the instrument panel of a Cessna is beyond the scope of this article, we will at least try to outline the main flight instruments or gauges.

All panel levers and knobs can be operated with the mouse. To change a control, just click with the left/middle mouse button on the corresponding knob/lever.

Let us start with the most important instruments any flight simulator pilot must know. In the center of the instrument panel, in the upper row, you will find the artificial horizon (attitude indicator) displaying pitch and bank of your plane. It has pitch marks as well as bank marks at 10, 20, 30, 60, and 90 degrees.

Left to the artificial horizon, you will see the airspeed indicator. Not only does it provide a speed indication in knots but also several arcs showing characteristic velocity rages you have to consider. At first, there is a green arc indicating the normal operating range of speed with the flaps fully retracted. The white arc indicates the range of speed with flaps in action. The yellow arc shows a range, which should only be used in smooth air. The upper end of it has a red radial indicating the speed you must never exceeded - at least as long as you dont brake your plane.

Below the airspeed indicator you can find the turn indicator. The airplane in the middle indicates the roll of your plane. If the left or right wing of the plane is aligned with one of the marks, this would indicate a standard turn, i.e. turn of 360 degrees in exactly two minutes.

Below the plane, still in the turn indicator is the inclinometer. It indicates if rudder and ailerons are coordinated. During turns, you always have to operate aileron and rudder in such a way that the ball in the tube remains centered; otherwise the plane is skidding. A simple rule says: Step onto the ball, i.e. step onto the left rudder pedal in case the ball is on the left hand side.

If you dont have pedals or lack the experience to handle the proper ratio between aileron/rudder automatically, you can start with the option --enable-auto-coordination.

To the right hand side of the artificial horizon you will find the altimeter showing the height above sea level (not ground!) in hundreds of feet. Below the altimeter is the vertical speed indicator indicating the rate of climbing or sinking of your plane in hundreds of feet per minute. While you may find it more convenient to use then the altimeter in cases, keep in mind that its display usually has a certain lag in time.

I think you are beginning to see the awesome realism of the World's Best Aircraft Simulator. Visit us now at http://TopFlightSim.com.

And HAVE A GREAT FLIGHT!