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- Infinite Flight Partners with Sporty’s Pilot Shop
- Welcome to Flight Simulation Webinar – comparing Microsoft, X-Plane, and Infinite Flight
- MSFS and X-Plane 12 Jumpstart Class with Flight Sim Coach
- Stop gaming and start learning
- How to install Sporty’s Honeycomb Bravo Profiles with X-Plane 12 (Version 2)
What aircraft are included in the new X-Plane 12?
/in Product Reviews/by Chris McGonegleThe team at Laminar Research has long been working on improving the X-Plane platform and just recently the newest version debuted, X-Plane 12. But what good is a flight simulator if you don’t have great aircraft to fly? Enjoy a quick review of the aircraft changes from X-Plane 11 to X-Plane 12.
What’s the best Logitech flight stick for digital fighter jets?
/in Product Reviews/by Chris McGonegleToo often the term “simmer” (someone who uses a program for simulation/training purposes) is substituted with “gamer.” It’s important to distinguish what camp today’s mission applies to, but as Jack Nicholson taught us 40 years ago, all work and no play makes for an unhappy situation.
Best flight sim: Microsoft Flight Simulator vs. X-Plane (part 2)
/in Product Reviews/by Chris McGonegleEdition one of this blog series covered the technical aspects and computer requirements to run each of these programs. Now we’ll focus on what each program offers within your first five minutes of firing it up.
Comparing Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane (part 1)
/in Product Reviews/by Chris McGonegleThe purpose of this three part blog is to grade Microsoft Flight Simulator versus X-Plane on a wide range of features. Each program has its strengths as well as its weaknesses and it’s worth researching those before financially committing to a software trainer. Edition one of this blog will focus on the differences you need to know before buying either program.
Logitech Flight Simulator Joystick—Product PIREP
/in Product Reviews/by Chris MichelOne of the most popular flight simulator hardware controls we sell at Sporty’s Pilot Shop is the Flight Sim Joystick from Logitech. This is one of the most tenured hardware pieces in the Logitech brand of flight simulation options, which may be a contributing factor, but I believe it’s more because of the value this […]
Flight simulator hardware maps for Logitech, CH Products, Redbird
/in Tips and technique/by Chris McGonegleIf you’re upgrading your flight simulator controls to take advantage of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, you’ll first need to configure a few things in the Options menu (click on Controls). This requires selecting which control inputs creates which effects, and assigning important functions to some buttons—often called a hardware map. This article explains how […]
Honeycomb Bravo configuration for X-Plane 11
/in Tips and technique/by Chris McGonegleThe Honeycomb Bravo throttle is an amazingly capable hardware piece that, once configured correctly, leads the pack in flight sim throttle options. Offering six customizable levers, each with designated detents, plus a tension dial is appealing in itself. For even more training value, it also includes a trim wheel, gear lever with indicator lights, an annunciator panel […]
What are the best flight simulator yokes and rudder pedals?
/in Product Reviews/by John ZimmermanSince being reintroduced in 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator has reinvented the flight simulator world. To make it more than a game, though, you’ll need the right hardware. Here are our top picks for yokes and rudder pedals, any of which can transform MSFS into a valuable training tool. All of these work with X-Plane as well.
Scenarios to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator
/in Tips and technique/by Chris McGonegleIn part one of this blog series, we explored what the new Microsoft Flight Simulator is all about and how to get started. If you haven’t read that article yet, we suggest you start there. Assuming you’ve got the simulator up and running, and you’re proficient in planning a flight, the question naturally comes up: what do […]
A closer look at Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D flight simulator software
/in Tips and technique/by Chris McGonegleEditor’s note: We are pleased to welcome a guest writer for this week’s flight simulator article. Evan Reiter is an airline pilot, flight simulation enthusiast, and co-founder of Flight Simulation Association (FSA), a free-to-join organization that aims to make it easy to get started in home flight simulation. FSA’s annual conference and tradeshow, FlightSimExpo, took place earlier this year in […]
Which controls work with Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox?
/in Product Reviews/by Chris McGonegleMicrosoft Flight Simulator has reinvigorated the flight sim world, with stunning graphics and a growing community. Now it’s available on Xbox, but not every control system is compatible. Join Sporty’s flight sim expert Chris McGonegle as he explains the options.
Thrustmaster HOTAS One – Flight Simulator Stick PIREP
/in Product Reviews/by Chris McGonegleThe Thrustmaster brand was born over 30 years ago from a team of engineers and pilots with backgrounds in the US Air Force, Navy, and NASA. Their core values of “Passion, Quality and Innovation” are evident in the Thrustmaster HOTAS One Flight Simulator Stick.