Flight simulation
Fly lifelike planes on a computer, from light Cessnas to jets, often with a joystick.
Flight simulation
- To start
- $100
- Each month
- $10
- Time
- 4 hours a week
- Sessions
- 1 hour or more
- Where
- At home
- Who with
- On your own
Is it for you?
- It's built for the screen.
- There's always more to learn.
- It keeps taking you somewhere new.
- It asks almost nothing of your body.
You’ll like it if
- You want to get really good at something
- You want to keep your brain sharp
- You want to build something of your own
Maybe not if
- You want to switch your brain off
- You want a workout
- You want something fast and exciting
Heads upMore screen time
What it feels like
Flight simulationAverage games & Strategy hobbyCalm
Company
Physical effort
Creative freedom
Brainwork
Hands-on
Outdoors
Quick wins
$100Costs more to start than 80% of hobbies
$10Over a year, more than the kit
$220About $1 an hour at 4 hours a week
Before you buy
Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
Your first session
Do the built-in flight school lessons in a flight sim, then fly a short hop between two airports you know.
1 hour or moreAt homeEasy to start
Questions
How much does flight simulation cost to start?
About $100 if you rent or borrow where people usually do, then about $10 a month once you are going.
How much time does flight simulation take?
About 4 hours a week to enjoy it and get better, in sessions of 1 hour or more.
Can I do flight simulation at home?
Yes. Needs a table or a corner.
Is flight simulation good for beginners?
Yes. It is easy to start as a complete beginner. A good first session: Do the built-in flight school lessons in a flight sim, then fly a short hop between two airports you know.
Do I need other people for flight simulation?
No. It works fine on your own.