“I can’t help feeling [the ELITE sim] comes very close to being the ultimate instrument training aid”, aviation author John C. Eckalbar

Quote from the book about the ELITE simulator in “IFR a Structured Approach” by John C. Eckalbar

“I have spent many productive hours giving instrument instruction in
the ELITE sim, and I can’t help feeling it comes very close to being
the ultimate instrument training aid. The panel used in the book is a
photo-realistic duplicate of the post 1984 Beech 58 Baron, and the
power settings, pitch attitudes, and performance are a close match to
the real airplane.”

Introducing Online Access to Personal Training Statistics

IFR Holding Procedure RepititionsManhattan Flight Simulator introduces online access to individual student training statistics. After each session you can check on your personal training data recorded by your instructor during the sessions. The log-in shows a graphical representation of your training time & detailed proficiency progress.

IFR Training with Glass Cockpit or traditional panel?

A point of view on doing initial IFR training with traditional instruments vs. Glass Cockpit from one of our Airline Pilot Instructors:

“Glass is a great tool during real life IFR operations.  Coupled with a good GPS, glass has the ability to raise situational awareness to levels higher than anyone has previously enjoyed. The ruling is still out on initial instrument training in a glass cockpit, however in my opinion at this time it’s still better to train in a conventional cockpit, then make the transition at some later point.  The reason is two-fold:  The first is scan development.  Since glass instruments are contained in a small area, the scan develops accordingly.  With the number of conventional cockpits still out there today, I think having the conventional skill set is very worthwhile. The second reason is economical.  Glass sims and planes are typically more expensive, and since their avionics packages are usually so much more advanced the typical learning curve is longer.  Conversely, climbing into a glass cockpit after learning in a conventional one saves money on the initial training, and only takes a few hours to make the switch.  For example, the Embraer was one of the first glass cockpits I flew, and after only the first sim session we were performing advanced maneuvers, largely because of the skill-set I had already built up with traditional instruments. Ultimately, the decision depends on the student’s background, needs, and work ethic.  However, I can’t say enough about developing a good scan.”

Learn to Fly around New York City – where to start?

Manhattan Simulator does not offer primary training (only instrument training) but we are happy to help you out. You can download this paper on where to look for flight training around New York Metro and Manhattan:  “Learn to Fly around NYC”.  Good Luck!

Tips for IFR Students

* Get your written exam out of the way. It keeps your mind free when you start your IFR flying
* Come prepared to each lesson – it will save you aircraft time
* Use a simulator,  it will accelerate your training – but it is not a substitute for real world flying
* Set yourself training goals and milestones , e.g. by when you want to obtain your rating
* Download and understand FAA  IFR practical test standards and performance limits
* Try to include high density airspace in your IFR training

Kids can fly

What I didn’t realize is that simulator training can be a great tool to have kids start learning the basics of flying on a simulator with a real instructor. Like that they get motivated, a mentor, don’t learn bad habits on their own PC and will be more effective and prepared when they are old enough to start taking lessons for their private.  It’s astonishing how quickly some kids learn.

Terms & Conditions | Manhattan Flight Simulator

* Payment Terms: 1 week after electronic invoicing, pre-payment required for new clients, not-negative balance required for scheduling
* No-Show Fee: 50% of the booked session duration or a minimum of $60 will be charged to the student for same day cancellations. A no-show without prior cancellation will be charged at the full amount of the planned session.
* Simulator time: starts after simulator start-up with the student taking the controls and ends with the termination of the session, regardless of number or length of “freezes”.
* Individual instruction not in connection with a simulator session will be charged at ground instruction rate
* Note: FAA approved training requires Simulator rental + Instructor

“You’re right in my neighborhood! Much more convenient than dragging out to CDW on the bus.”

Customer quote by B.W. using Manhattan Flight Simulator for IFR currency

What kind of training can be done on a Flight Simulator?

A quick post to clarify the the authorized use of our specific simulator. In a nutshell: you can use it for 10 hours towards your IFR training and for IFR currency, however not for an IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check). The general intention is that training in a simulator should complement real-life flying.

In legal terms it reads like this: AC 61-136 states the authorized use of a simulator of this class, a Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs)

* 10 hours toward instrument rating flight instruction time under part 61, § 61.65(e)(2)
* 10 hours toward instrument rating flight instruction time underapart 141, appendix C;
* performing instrument recency of experience requirements of § 61.57(c)(1);2.5 hours of training permitted under § 61.109(k)(1) in the introduction to the operation of flight instruments
* The flight experience allowance for the use of a BATD and the flight experience allowance for an AATD, an FTD or a flight simulator towards obtaining an instrument rating may be combined. However, that combination may not exceed that allowed under § 61.65 (20 hours maximum)

Nice Approach Briefing

Nice demonstration of arrival and approach briefing in an airline multi crew environment.  Not fully  applicable to single pilot operations but certainly some good takeaways on how to structure a self-briefing in General Aviation, especially if you are flying with another pilot who can read the checklist to you.