X Plane flight simulator software

OK, why is The Kneeslider doing a post about flight simulator software? Besides the fact that X-Plane is the most unbelieveable software available for absolutely realistic flight simulations, I believe Kneeslider readers might enjoy the technical beauty of this. After all, you can get heads up displays for your motorcycle helmet and those are straight out of jet fighter technology. There have been a lot of comparisons between jet fighters and sportbikes, the carving turns, the high speed “one with the machine” aspect of it, it wasn’t mere coincidence that Tom Cruise had a lot of bike time in the movie “Top Gun,” and motorcycle riders have already mastered something beyond the abilities of many ordinary drivers.

X Plane is the same software used in flight simulators and approved by the FAA for gaining hours towards your instrument rating, commercial or airline transport certificate. It is the software minus the $150,000 simulator. The software is pretty much open source and is priced at $50! The terrain images are superb. The better your computer monitor and video card, the better the experience but just check out the screenshots for a quick idea.

If you wonder what it would like to fly from New York to Chicago, try it out. Want to fly a chopper onto a helipad, go for it. How about a night flight into San Diego or maybe a little zip into the Grand Canyon?

Take your pick of 41 planes. If you have ever thought about getting your pilot’s license, or just want to have the most sophisticated simulator possible for a little evening relaxation, this is your software. Link via Cool Tools.