User Guide

Flight Simulator
20002000
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2000
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Microsoft
Commercial Pilot ground school, flight training,
and examinations are very similar to those faced
by private pilots, but there are new regulations,
calculations, and maneuvers to master. Addition-
ally, the tolerances for errors are much smaller. At
least some of the training must be done in a
complex aircraft (an aircraft with an adjustable
propeller, flaps, and retractable landing gear). The
flight training consists of 20 hours or more of
instruction, and a pilot needs at least 250 hours of
total flight time before taking the oral and flight
examinations.
Entry-level commercial pilots typically spend their
days flying charter flights and scenic tours,
towing banners, hauling freight, or carrying sky
divers. Adding a Multi-engine Rating or a Flight
Instructor Certificate makes commercial pilots
more marketable, as does the Airline Transport
Pilot Certificate (described below).
After accumulating about 1,000 hours of flying
time and some experience in complex single-
engine and multi-engine aircraft, a commercial
pilot may be ready to fly for a corporation or a
commuter airline. On twin-engine or turbine-
powered aircraft, the rookie will likely act as the
copilot.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (known as
the ATP) is the Ph.D. of aviation, and is a prerequi-
site for many airline and corporate flying jobs. It
allows a pilot to act as pilot in command during
the commercial operation of an airliner.
ATP ground school and the knowledge test
emphasize airline-oriented information and skills,
focusing on subjects like weight and balance,
aircraft performance, and crew resource manage-
ment. The flight training takes a pilot’s existing
skills to even higher levels of precision. Before
undergoing the ATP oral and flight examinations,
a pilot needs to have logged at least 1,500 hours
total time as a pilot.
Once a pilot secures a position (usually Copilot,
also known as First Officer) with a major airline or
corporation, advancement to better routes, larger
aircraft, and Captain is usually based on seniority.
Getting Certified In Flight
Simulator 2000
As in the real world, learning to fly with Flight
Simulator is easy if you view the task as a series
of steps. You can follow this curriculum at your
own pace. Complete the Tutorials, Lessons, and
Checkrides in the order they’re presented.
Remember that while Flight Simulator is a great
complement to flight training, it’s not a substitute
for instruction from a Certified Flight Instructor and
is not part of an approved training program under
the standards of the FAA or any other regulatory
authority.
Aviation History
March 8, 1910, Madame la
Baronne de la Roche becomes
the first certified woman pilot
(license issued in France).