Re: [Flightgear-devel] FlightGear's Best Features

[Torsten D. <To...@t3...>]

> Although I have a fair idea what those unique features might be, this might
>  be an excellent opportunity to incorporate some input from real-life
>  pilots. Any suggestions are welcome though.
Best things in life are free - so is FlightGear!
As an instrument rated pilot, I use FlightGear regularly as a procedure 
trainer. What makes FG outstanding is, that it models not only the regular 
behaviour of systems but also the system errors. That is gyro drift, compass 
errors and side lobes on ILS signals to name just a few. Changing weather 
conditions are very important for me, too. As in real life the wind is usually 
not a constant number but sometimes vary in speed and direction and may be 
gusty. The ground relief induces updraft and a very new feature even 
introduces a simulation of local weather phenomena like thermal lift, local 
rain showers or frontal systems, based on ground relief and ground cover. 
Along with a simulation of structural and system icing, "raw data" aka non-
autopilot ILS approaches easily result in a 100% pilot load factor.

Torsten