Helicopter Simulation Suggestions

[magicstix]

Originally Posted by Wigabee

Thanks for the replies CCIP! My dad's computer can run Microsoft Flight Simulator X and that sounds like fun. Are the requirements on flight sim x the same as the gold pack? Also what would you reccomend for a cheap joystick? Thanks for the help and have fun!

If you're doing helo sims you're going to definitely want rudder pedals.

As far as a cheap flightstick, I have a Thrustmaster T-flight hotas, which I paid about $35 for. Amazon seems to have upped the price and it's about $50 now.

I'm not sure I like this stick though, as it's very sloppy. I've found controlling helicopters in X-plane to be almost impossible, and I've yet to get the KA-50 off the ground in DCS black shark, but that could just be that I'm a terrible helo pilot.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by magicstix

I've found controlling helicopters in X-plane to be almost impossible, and I've yet to get the KA-50 off the ground in DCS black shark, but that could just be that I'm a terrible helo pilot.

X-plane has always been a nightmare for me to configure and use, and the Ka-50 is more than a handful although Arclight and Dowly make it look really easy!

Helicopters are notoriously difficult to fly and even harder to simulate anywhere accurately on a PC, most are dumbed right down so people don't get frustrated.

[magicstix]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

X-plane has always been a nightmare for me to configure and use, and the Ka-50 is more than a handful although Arclight and Dowly make it look really easy!

Helicopters are notoriously difficult to fly and even harder to simulate anywhere accurately on a PC, most are dumbed right down so people don't get frustrated.

I know the basics of flying a helo, but on X-plane I always spin out no matter how much opposing rudder I apply, and in KA-50 the helo always tips over while the rotors are spinning up...

I think it's because my throttle (which I'm using for collective) is too sensitive...

[seaniam81]

Good old games has Apache vs. Havoc for sale.

[Wigabee]

I'm just curious about whether you guys prefer X-Plane or Flight Simulator X. Once again, just looking for opinions here. Thanks!

[Herr-Berbunch]

If you look in the screenshots thread I don't recall seeing much at all from X-Plane, it's mostly FSX, IL-2, and DCS titles.

I don't think your specs are great for most sims

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by Wigabee

I'm just curious about whether you guys prefer X-Plane or Flight Simulator X. Once again, just looking for opinions here. Thanks!

A lot of that still depends on what you're really looking for from the game. Out of the box, they each have their own pluses and minuses, but the differences really begin to emerge when you dig deeper into their communities and add-ons.

To make it really simple, X-Plane might be a good choice if you are most interested in aerodynamics, building your own planes, lighter aircraft and making light hops/trying out different plane configurations. FSX, which you almost definitely need to get a number of add-ons for to really open up its potential, is a more suitable choice if you are interested in systems, air traffic, longer flights, etc. In other words, if you like nuances of flight dynamics and pushing planes to their limit, X-Plane is better. If you want to fly sophisticated airplanes with faithfully-recreated systems, add-on planes in FSX are your choice.

And yes, be warned that neither will run well (if at all) on your current system.

if you just want to fly helicopters and dont looking for reality,helicopter simulations might be a bad idea.But if you say i want to feel like a heli pilot try take on helicopters or flight simulator x with black hawk addon.Also DCS Black Shark is a good simulation too.But i must warn you first your graphic card would be a problem for Take On Helicopters.