Computer Based Flight Training: Home Flight Simulator Instruction
Whether you're an enthusiast, a new private pilot, or working on your instrument rating, your home simulator can build real skills—when you use it with a training plan and a professional instructor.
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What is Computer Based Flight Training?
Computer based flight training uses desktop flight simulators like X-Plane 12, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Prepar3D to supplement real-world flight instruction. While home simulators aren't FAA-certified training devices, they're powerful tools for building procedural knowledge and muscle memory.
Benefits of At-Home Flight Simulator Training
Cost Savings
Practice procedures without aircraft rental or fuel costs. Get more reps for your training budget.
Unlimited Practice
Fly the same approach 10 times in an hour. Repeat until procedures become automatic.
No Weather Delays
Train regardless of real-world conditions. Maintain momentum in your training.
Safe Environment
Practice emergency procedures, partial panel, and unusual attitudes without risk.
What Can You Learn in a Home Simulator?
A flight simulator instructor can help you develop real skills that transfer to the aircraft:
- •Procedures and flows: Checklists, cockpit flows, and standard operating procedures
- •Instrument scan: Developing a proper scan pattern and interpreting flight instruments
- •Navigation: VOR, GPS, and RNAV procedures using realistic avionics
- •Emergency procedures: Engine failures, electrical fires, and system malfunctions
Note: Home simulators don't replace actual flight time required for certificates. They supplement your training by building procedural knowledge that makes your real flight hours more effective.
From "Just Flying Around" to Purposeful Training
Home Sim Training for Enthusiasts and Private Pilots
Basic procedures, system functionality, and radio communications are ideal skills to learn and refine in your home flight simulator. Here are some of the items we can cover with you:
Ground Operations
- • Checklists
- • Aircraft systems
- • Airport operations
- • Taxi procedures
Basic Flight Maneuvers
- • Climbs & descents
- • Turns
- • Slow flight
- • Basic attitude flying
Flying to Different Airports
- • New airports & terrain
- • Airspace familiarity
- • Rehearse real flights
Navigation
- • VOR, GPS, RNAV
- • Route planning
- • Situational awareness
Use Your Simulator to Get Ahead of the Airplane
Instrument Rating Training with Your Home Flight Simulator
Home flight simulators are a powerful way to:
- Learn the basics of instrument flying
- Practice procedures safely
- Stay mentally ahead of the airplane
Note: You can't log this time as flight time, but you gain valuable skills that reduce workload and accelerate your real-world training.
We Recommend:
- • A PilotEdge subscription for realistic ATC
- • An iPad as an EFB or a second monitor for charts
If You're Working on Your Instrument Rating, We Can Help You:
Pro tip: You can use the Simtech Aviation AATD to log up to 20 hours of actual flight training toward your Instrument Rating.
Simulators We Support
Our remote instruction works with all major flight simulation platforms. Share your screen via Zoom and we'll guide you through procedures, approaches, and more.
X-Plane 12
Realistic flight dynamics and professional-grade simulation
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Stunning visuals and real-world weather integration
Avionics Trainers
G1000, GTN, and Garmin PC trainers for buttonology practice
Ready to Put a Syllabus Behind Your Simulator?
Stop "just flying around" in your sim. With structured training and guidance from professional instructors, every session can move you closer to your next rating or goal.