The Book For The Software

He's a man with a passion for flying... as well as experience working on six versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator during a 15-year career at Microsoft.

A 30-year pilot, aviation writer, and flight instructor (specializing in technically- advanced aircraft and aerobatics), Bruce Williams introduced his new book with its companion CD, Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid, at the 2006 AOPA Conference, corresponding to the recent release of Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Published by Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. (ASA) with a mid-December release date according to the ASA Web site, pre-release orders can be placed at $29.95.

The reason for the 256-page book, according to Williams, goes back to having worked with Microsoft Flight Simulator on his own and with his flight students. "I thought it might be a good idea to put it all into a book," he said.

Applicable to both Flight Simulator 2004 and Version X, the book merges the "virtual world" of flight simulation with "real life" flight training.

According to aviation author and official flight instructor for Microsoft's Flight Simulator Rod Machado, "Bruce Williams takes Flight Simulation to its highest level as a flight training tool." The book, he added, is a guide for anyone wanting to maximize their real or virtual cockpit experience.

Williams' book focuses on addressing the common issues that come up for most every flight student and his/her instructor and includes best practices and flight simulation essentials on the PC.

For student pilots, Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid can enhance book learning, assist in reviewing specific concepts and skills, and prepare students for formal flight instruction.

For pilots, the book complements real-world flying with additional hours in virtual skies, upgrades flying skills and learning about advanced aircraft and procedures.

Flight instructors, said Williams, will discover new ways to use Flight Simulator as a teaching tool in ground school classes and in pre- and post-flight briefings.

And for the Flight Simulator enthusiast, he or she will learn more about real-world flying while having an enhanced virtual flying experience.

"The book suggests new perspectives," said Williams, enhances pre and post flight briefings, and provides a portable, low-cost training aid that can be engaged anywhere,

The companion CD includes more than 150 IFR and VFR practice flights and briefings (with a description, purpose, and background information for each flight), reference material and charts, as well as Flight Simulator "essentials," a self-paced presentation. Williams focuses on specific knowledge and tasks, with most of the practice flights beginning in the air.

FMI: www.bruceair.com, www.fsinsider.com