From: nikopalosuo@cc.helsinki.fi (Niko A. Palosuo)
Newsgroups: rec.aviation.simulators
Subject: Re: A real sim. for everyone (who can afford)
Date: 20 Nov 92 00:22:32 GMT
Organization: University of Helsinki

In article <1eg1dtINNsp0@fbi-news.Informatik.Uni-Dortmund.DE>, eggenste@cantor.
informatik.uni-dortmund.de (Heinz-Bernd Eggenstein (LS2)) writes:

> It would be interesting to hear accounts of experience 
> by non-pilots who have tried one of these or a similar 
> industrial system. Anybody out there? 

> Heinz-Bernd Eggenstein

	I've flown with CAE Electronics McDonnell Douglas MD-11 simulator, with
only FS 4.0 experience. The Finnish airline Finnair rents simulator time for
approx. $1000 a hour, including training. This $12 000 000 simulator is claimed
to be state-of-the-art, with six-axis motion (up to 40% slants, turning
capability) and daytime 3D-view. The monster weighs 14 tons and is the most 
incredible "virtual reality" I've experienced. Far better than for example
VPL's Eyephone & Dataglove virtual reality, because the environment is _REAL_
without any primitive interfaces. The staff said parts in the simulator are
interchangeable with the real airplane. Visual modes include day, dusk and
night-flying. 

	Taking 1:1 sounds & motion for granted, it's amazing that you can
actually go to the cockpit window and look around the corner! Five-point
seatbelts are also quite necessary, when a rookie graps the yoke. Simulated
parafine-based smoke can be generated, but it doesn't smell like burned wire.
The main purpose of the "fog" is to simulate visual difficulties. I also like
that you can open the cockpit window and then hear the engine sounds louder.
There are two loudspeakers build in to the roof panel. The Guild-computer plays
digitized warning messages, articulated by Hollywoods best (female) speakers.

	One can reveal the simulator to be a simulator by sticking your nose to
the cockpit window and look straight up, because there is just black space.
The visual reminds of a 270 degree 70 mm movie. The motion includes also the
slight bumps of the runway, as well as the "clack" which occurs when the wheels
are raised. Anyone interested in flying in and computers could stay there for
weeks. Or months?

	I have also flown with the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 simulator,
incorporating three-axis motion and two screen visual, night flying only. This
simulator is from the 1970's, using moonsimulator technology developed by NASA.
The DC-9 has more mechanical switches and little lamps, and also gives the real
feeling of flying. Great place to play the game where the flight crew has been
poisoned by fouled fish and the war veteran has to land the plane. If there is
someone around who explains the most important switches, flying with the "real"
thing is much easier than with Microsofts Flight Simulator.

 	Real simulator flying is a great sport for non-pilots, at least I lost 
a few pounds after `landing` a DC-9 on the visual landing aids and
simultaneously messing up the nice lawn of the Helsinki International airport.
Amazingly enough, the plane didn't mind the rough landing.
	
	Cheers,
-- 
Niko Palosuo  	Niko.Palosuo@Helsinki.Fi	University of Helsinki, Finland
Newsgroups: rec.aviation.simulators