It’s true that the internet is full of free information on how to use X-Plane. In fact, there’s an extremely detailed user manual for X-Plane available here.
However, what this course does is distill that information (around 50,000 words—yikes!) into a fully interactive, live course specifically designed for real-world pilots and flight students like yourself.
It’s a unique opportunity for you to learn X-Plane in a live, online classroom setting—with an expert Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). You can ask all your questions and learn from the interactions with other students.
Each class has a strict maximum of 7 students. The instructor will give turns to each student to share their screen with the class and practice using various X-Plane features.
The other students are encouraged to follow along on their own simulators.
Note: This course is focused on operation of the simulator, not techniques for actually flying the aircraft.
Schedule
Our next available course has the following schedule:
- Class 1: April 8, 2023 (Saturday) from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time (1430-1700 UTC)
- Class 2: April 9, 2023 (Sunday) from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time (1430-1700 UTC). Please note that April 9 is Easter Sunday.
Format
Each class is conducted in small-group format (max 7 per class) to ensure high-quality personal attention.
Classes will consist of tutorial, practical exercises which you can complete alongside the instructor, and ample opportunities to ask questions.
You can utilize the free 1-on-1 coaching session at any point when you would like to receive extra support or practice.
Software used: Each class will be conducted using Zoom as the primary method of communication and screen share.
A stable internet connection and a computer microphone are required. Webcam is not required.
You must have the latest version of X-Plane 12 installed.
Our instructors
Our instructors
This class will be taught by one or more members of our remote flight instructor team and/or additional guest instructors holding flight/ground instructor certificates.
They are flight simulation experts who will help you understand absorb the knowledge to become a great sim pilot.
Syllabus
- Class 1:
- Getting Started: Learn how to load the simulator, calibrate your flight controls, and set up a flight
- Hardware options: An overview of the various hardware choices available to help improve your simulation experience
- Configuring X-Plane: Understand the menus, keyboard shortcuts, and profiles
- Rendering Options: Understand frame rate and the factors that affect it
- Setting up flight: Selecting an aircraft, special starts, weather configuration and add-ons, date/time, and other configuration options
- Cockpit Interaction: Learn the various methods of interacting with common controls in the cockpit (knobs, clickable regions, zooming, radio tuning, etc.)
- View Controls: Learn how to use the view menu, keyboard shortcuts, your joystick/yoke, and add-ons to quickly look around the aircraft or outside of it
- Class 2:
- Training tools: X-Plane includes numerous tools which allow you to efficiently practice and debrief various aspects of your flights. You will learn about all of them here.
- VR: An introduction to what Virtual Reality (VR) can bring to your simulation experience and some of the pros/cons
- ATC: Learn how to use the built-in ATC feature (and understand some of its limitations). Also includes an intro to third party tools such as PilotEdge and VATSIM.
- Misc: Various features such as AI, logbooks, Plane Maker, crash detection, etc.
- EFB integration: How to use your simulator with an EFB (like Foreflight) so that your aircraft location shows on the EFB map
- Installing add-ons: Practice installing several add-ons (including aircraft, scenery, and utilities)
- From here: Suggested practice techniques and resources for maximizing the educational value and enjoyment from your simulator
