Home Flight Simulator Acquisition and Getting Started
Home flight simulators are a relatively inexpensive way to maintain proficiency from your living room. If you’re in the market for a sim, we’ve compiled some facts below.
Looking for Some 1-on-1 Help?
We have experts who can walk you through the entire process in order to best suit your budget and your needs. To arrange a 1-on-1 call, please email kevin@pilotedge.net.
What kind of computer operating system do I need?
Flight simulators are compatible with Windows, Mac and even Linux. There are 3 major simulator platforms in the marketplace today:
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020)
- X-Plane 11/X-Plane 12
- Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D
Mac/Linux users: X-Plane is your only option.
How powerful of a computer is required?
This depends on the flight simulator software (MSFS2020, X-Plane, or Prepar3D) which you decide to purchase. MSFS2020 requires a fairly high-end gaming computer ($2,000-$5,000) whereas X-Plane and Prepar3D can run fairly well a $1,000-$2,000 computer. X-Plane has a free trial available on their website which allows you to see if your current computer can run it effectively. Refer to the “Recommended Specs” rather than the “Minimum Specs” for each simulator as your baseline for computer selection.
What kind of controls do I need?
If you’re on a budget, a $30 joystick (found at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc…) will be just fine. However, those looking to enhance their experience may purchase a yoke, rudder pedals, throttles, or even physical avionics such as a G1000 suite. These components are all sold separately and can function with or without the presence of each other meaning you can buy more or different types of products later on and they should all be compatible with each other.
How do I talk to ATC in the sim?
You’ll need a USB computer headset in order to communicate with PilotEdge’s ATC, as well as an active PilotEdge Account. USB computer headsets can be found at any of the same stores listed above. This will cost anywhere between $20-$100. More expensive adapters exist for using your real world aviation headset with your simulator, although it’s usually more effort than it’s worth to try and use a real world headset.
How much will this cost?
If you already have a computer capable of running one of these simulator software, you can get away with just buying a joystick and a USB headset and you’ll be up and running for well less than $100. If you’re in need of a computer, you can expect to spend a minimum of about $1,100 on the lowest-end setup, and closer to $2,000 for something which is middle-grade and will last you many years.
