Equipment required
The PC equipment required depends to a
certain extent on the type of flying you are going to do i.e. solo in the
comfort of your own home or at a meet with other pilots, all connected on a LAN
(Local Area Network).
In the motor car fraternity there
is the saying "there is no substitute for cubic inches"
This can
be applied to using PCs for games. A PC with a fast CPU (2GHz or higher)
and capable of multi-tasking is a good thing if you wish to have a
system that is responsive and does not "freeze up or lag".
A good amount of system memory, RAM, is also necessary, a minimum of 2GB is recommended.
The various Flight Simulation software
programmes give the minimum PC requirements on the box. Try to buy a bit better
than recommended.
A good quality fast Graphics Card for good viewing pleasure is essential. It shoul have a minimum of 512kb memory.
If you are going to be flying at meets
the your PC must be Network ready, with high speed network
card.
A Sound Card is essential.
A large 24-inch high resolution
flat screen monitor is ideal.
We suggest that before you rush out and
purchase hardware/software/equipment etc you have a chat to the Aviation Shop
personell or friends who will advise you on suitable PC related hardware to suit
your needs.
When flying at meets your hardware and
sodtware will need to meet the specifications and requirements as laid down
by the club you will be flying at. All pilots will need to have the same version
of Flight Simulation software and background sceneray installed on their
computers. This ensures you are all "in the same movie" so to
speak.
A typical list of Club Hardware, Software and other specifications/requirements would be the
following:
PC Software
Windows XP service pack 2 or 3 or
Windows 7
Original Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 CD with version 9.1 update installed
Click here to go to Microsoft for more details
Up to date Anti Virus software
Compatible scenery and aircraft approved by the club
TeamSpeak for voice communication accross the network
ATC Radar Screen for Aircraft Traffic Controllers
Other
Hardware
LAN (Local Area Network) cable 10 metres
long or longer
Electric extension cable, 5-10 metres, various electric plug/socket adapters as per your equipment requirements.
Joystick or Yoke, Throttle Quadrant,
Rudder Pedal system, and any other instruments and controls you
desire.
Headset with microphone.
Other Items
Charts
Maps
Pencil and paper, note pad and pen
File for papers, charts etc