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FLIGHT LESSONS Ground School – Checklists This month we will have a look at something that every pilot has a dislike for… Checklists! However, without them we would be in real trouble… Flight Instructor – Holding Made Easy When was the last time you had to fly a hold? Can you remember how to enter and fly a holding pattern? Or have you ever even flown a holding pattern before? In fact, for many simulator pilots, holding may be a new concept altogether. We show you the basics of holding this issue. Flying the Heavies – Aircraft Performance Flying your aircraft within the manufacturer’s specifications is crucial to ensure safe flight. We look at the many considerations involved in piloting any aircraft safely. THIS ISSUES REVIEWS • PC Aviator’s Piper Dakota • Aerosoft’s Airbus Holiday Destinations • GoFlight’s GF-RC Rudder Pedals • Graphsim’s Falcon 4: Allied Force PLUS ALL THIS! • News and New Releases • Bill Stack’s Column • Pull Out Poster • Horton’s Hints for FS2004 • INBOX

Free Flying in Hawaii - Part II

Who’s In Control? – An Overview of ATC

The first article in an in-depth series exploring the theory and practice of communication between pilots and controllers. You will learn about each controller position's role in the ATC chain and how they effectively comunicate with the pilot, and how the pilot communicates with them.

The 46th Paris Airshow 2005 Report

Our resident French correspondent, Phil Paschutine, was on the ground for the 46th International Paris Airshow, a premier event on the aviation calendar. Find out what was on display and why this event attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Training for an Instrument Rating – Part I

Doug Horton is back with more information and details about FS2004’s training program. With the completion of the basic PPL certificate achieved last issue, we move on to instrument training. Now the fun really begins!

Thunderbirds are GO!

So you think you are a good pilot? Think again! One look at the awesome skill of the Virtual Thunderbirds in formation flying will leave your jaw dropping. This team of aerial acrobats are not a part of your regular desktop pilot breed.

Enhancing your X-Plane Models – Part III

This month we look at adding custom instruments to your flight deck panels.

DIY Panel Building II

Peter Stark offers the second article in a multi-part series on creating your own aircraft panels within Microsoft Flight Simulator. We continue examining the panel configuration file and look at sub-panels.

From the EDITOR..

So, here we are at the September issue, and the 72nd issue of Computer Pilot Magazine to be published since inception. The upcoming December 2005 issue will be our 75th, and if this was a marriage, I believe we’d be celebrating a diamond anniversary, traditionally at least. Nevertheless, as we take one step closer to the 75th issue, and another to our 100th issue, I’d like to thank the continuous efforts of the Computer Pilot team of staff and contributing writers for making this and every issue possible. A ton of work goes into producing each issue, and unfortunately for us, it is not an overnight effort. Each issue takes up to ten weeks from start to finish, and we work on several issues at once in various stages of production. As you can imagine, things could easily get mixed up in the chaos, but somehow it manages to all come together at the right time and date and the end product always seems to be greater than the sum of its parts! Thanks also goes out to you, the reader and subscriber, for keeping us on our toes and ensuring the continued legacy of Computer Pilot Magazine. We trust you enjoy each and every issue.

I’d like to draw your interest and attention to our article on the Virtual Thunderbirds this month. Even if you are not a combat flight simmer, I am sure you will find this piece very interesting indeed. Mike Glynn explores the growing world of simulated aerobatic teams and the dedication and skill their members possess to produce a thrilling virtual air show that will soon be coming to a screen near you. Don’t miss it. A great read and well put together by Mike. Roger Curtiss is beginning a very detailed series on the ins and outs of Air Traffic Control this month, highlighting the function and tasks associated with each controller position. If you fly online regularly using one of the virtual air traffic networks, this series will give you the ground knowledge to be able to interact, understand and communicate with ATC effectively. Derek Davis has been kicking tires and lighting fires with the all new Falcon 4: Allied Force release and brings you the full review this issue. And of course we have more panel building articles, more VFR flying and a ton of quality flight lessons to get your yoke and pedals into this time around.

There is plenty to keep you amused, entertained and informed in the September issue, so get into it, enjoy it, and keep the blue side up.