| In an airplane, the cockpit is where the pilot sits to | | | | allow a pretty accurate simulation. With most flight |
| operate the plane with its controls and instrument | | | | simulation software, you can just use your |
| panel. In flight sim, the cockpit simulator is basically | | | | computer keyboard to run the controls, too. |
| the same thing. Of course, there are some | | | | Most cockpit simulator games are viewed in 2D, |
| differences in each "simpit", depending on the type | | | | but there are some that have 3D capabilities for |
| of aircraft you choose to fly. | | | | an even more authentic view. Some programs |
| For example, if you choose to try out the Wright | | | | even let the high tech user to network multiple |
| Flyer, the cockpit has no instruments, seats or | | | | instances of the program together to layout |
| even a cockpit. When it was first flown in 1903, | | | | numerous views of the simulation. By doing this, |
| the pilot had to lie on his stomach and steer by | | | | the aircraft enthusiast can see the pilot's |
| moving a cradle attached to his hips. Can you | | | | viewpoint on a panel displayed on a screen right in |
| imagine what the Wright Brothers must have felt | | | | front of him and see the view from outside of |
| when they first tried their biplane glider, looking | | | | the plane, presented on a separate screen. |
| out over the bottom wing, where they lay on | | | | If you had enough hardware and techno |
| their stomach attempting to control the aircraft? | | | | background, it is possible with some cockpit |
| On the other hand, you could experience the | | | | simulator programs to create sophisticated |
| cockpit simulator of the F-18 Hornet which is a | | | | simulation environment with multiple views and |
| supersonic fighter jet that is loaded with advanced | | | | even have a separate control station allowing an |
| instrumentation. These military planes have special | | | | instructor to pass/fail instruments. This can be |
| cockpit lighting for night vision and digital colored | | | | great training for a future pilot, without having to |
| moving map. The F-18 can be flown on secret | | | | spend the money on lessons. Of course, lessons |
| missions to destinations all over the world. They | | | | would be necessary to fly a real aircraft, but flight |
| are used for aerial demonstration by the Blue | | | | simulation can be used to help determine if it is |
| Angels, so you could show off with some tricks | | | | something you truly want to do. |
| or even try landing on an aircraft carrier. | | | | When you choose to fly at night, the cockpit |
| Aircraft and their components are very | | | | simulator lights glow so you can see your |
| expensive; therefore, the controls and functions in | | | | instrument panel. So, as you can see, there are |
| the simpits don't actually work. They are there to | | | | many exciting options to experience with flight |
| give it a real feel and look, especially if the cockpit | | | | simulation. The scenery and graphics are amazing |
| is made of glass. | | | | and so realistic. You might just have trouble |
| What you use to control the planes are | | | | deciding if it is real or simulated! |
| accessories like a joystick or rudder pedals that | | | | |