Flight Simulator: 1^st Visit

The Challenge: Learn how to fly a plane on Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The Tools: Any of the mobile desktops with a yoke. You and your partner each get her own computer. You may (and should) assist each other.

The Tricks of the Trade:

Check out the cheat sheet at the back of this binder.

At any time hit "p" to pause the simulation.

Hit "esc" to quit mid flight.

The "hat switch" on the yoke replaces the number pad commands "4" and "6".

Directions:

On the desktop, double click Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.

Click on Flying Lessons on the menu on the left hand side.

Under "Student Pilot" select Lesson 1: Straight and Level Flight.

Read/scan the written instructions (there are answers to some of the questions below).

Click "Fly this Lesson Now".

Follow Rod's instructions. Make sure you have head phones so as not to disturb your neighbors.

When you finish Lesson 1, check out the path you took and click "ok" at your flight analysis.

Go on to Lesson 2: Turns

Read/scan the written instructions (there are answers to some of the questions below).

Click "Fly this Lesson Now".

If you still have time remaining, choose another lesson. I recommend Takeoffs and/or Landings.

Questions:

To be answered on a separate piece of paper as an individual for homework. Please use paragraph structure, complete sentences and observe the conventions of writing. This may be hand written or word-processed.

1. Name the three axes of an airplane.
2. What are ailerons and what are they used for?
3. What part of the physical plane (not controls but a part on the exterior of the actual plane) controls pitch?
4. What indicator tells if you are climbing?
5. What indicator tells if you are turning or banking?
6. What are the ways to change speed mid-flight?
7. What is the bank angle?
8. What angle is used most often for banking?
9. If you had time to continue other flight lessons, write a synopsis of what you did and what you learned.