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Lined up at the threshold of runway 13 at Exeter after the simulation has loaded up. Note the red warning light indicating perhaps a low instrument vacuum or a battery discharge. This attention to small detail adds greatly to the simulation's realism.
After Hours- Light Aircraft Simulator
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Light Aircraft Simulator – VFR Version 4.01 by Digital Aviation
Is “VFR” the acronym for “Virtual Flight Reality”? This work of art from Digital Aviation is so good, VFR could mean just that. Many flight simulators seem to have had a game or a sterile mathematical flight model as its genesis. The visual aspects of the aircraft being simulated often feel as though they have been added as an afterthought, to the detriment of the reality of the simulation. Digital Aviation seems to have taken the reverse path, starting with a real aircraft and then modelling each aspect to near perfection.
Attention to Detail
Let me give an example. Once the software loads and the simulation lights up, you are placed on the threshold of runway 13 at Exeter in the UK. On the dash, you can see a red light. Initially, it seems like decoration, but as the throttle opens, it goes out. Why? Close the throttle and the light comes back on. This is the warning for low instrument vacuum or a battery discharge. The suction gauge is OK, but at idle you will see a discharge of about 8 amps. Open the throttle and there is a charge of about 2 amps. Small details such as this add considerably to the sense of reality.
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System Requirements and Graphics
Loading the Light Aircraft Simulator (LAS) is a simple task; it comes on two 3.5-inch disks and takes only 2MB of your hard disk. Since it takes only 530K of RAM to run in its fully featured mode, it does not need fancy memory management. The producers claim it will run satisfactorily on a 16MHz ‘286 provided the detail levels are kept low.
My 486 system includes a Sound Blaster audio card, speakers, and a CH Pro joystick, allowing me to run the simulation in full detail mode with high frame rates. A feature of the simulation is crystal-clear graphics. Each instrument is drawn to use the computer screen to its full advantage. There is no attempt to show a “photo-realistic” version of a cockpit with wear and tear—just simple, clean numbers and pointers. Despite this, the overall feeling is one of a greater degree of reality.
Documentation and Flight Experience
The documentation is impressive, coming in a hardcover clip binder much like a real aircraft’s flight manual. It includes maps and charts covering the UK and parts of France and Denmark.
During the takeoff roll, the sound of the engine and propeller provides essential cues for speed and throttle settings. At 50 knots (95 km/h), the aircraft becomes airborne. The flight model is the hallmark of LAS—it flies just like the real thing. You must pay attention to items like the “skid ball” and proper trim. If you leave some rudder on, the ball hangs out; kick the rudder, and it straightens up.
The view is sufficiently realistic to control the aircraft while looking away from the front. Using the side views, you can assess the approach and turn onto finals without the usual panic to find the runway centerline. The sound of the electric flap motor is impressive and mixes well with the sound of the idling engine.
Navigation Features
LAS includes several excellent features to assist navigation:
- Zoomable Chart: A north-oriented chart (though I experienced a system hang once when using this).
- Moving Map: Oriented in the direction of flight with “zoom” and “mooz” (the opposite of zoom) capabilities.
- Airfield Directory: Pressing the “D” key brings up a directory where you can select a field to see the relevant approach plate on the screen.
Versatility
The simulation offers several aircraft types, including Cessnas, Pipers, and trainers similar to a Jabiru or Kitfox. Each type has its own distinct flight characteristics. Furthermore, LAS runs surprisingly well on a laptop with an LCD screen, making it a viable option for travel.
Digital Aviation has also made Australian scenery available, along with an IFR module. This simulation is highly recommended for anyone learning to fly or struggling to stay current.
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