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Depending on your technical expertise you may choose the [[Git]] development version of FlightGear, which typically has more features and can be required by some of the latest developmental aircraft, but can be unstable and is more complicated to get for non-Windows users. In general, the development version is not advised to the average user, but if you're willing to do some testing there's a nightly build for Windows or Mac available for download at the [[FlightGear Build Server]]. | Depending on your technical expertise you may choose the [[Git]] development version of FlightGear, which typically has more features and can be required by some of the latest developmental aircraft, but can be unstable and is more complicated to get for non-Windows users. In general, the development version is not advised to the average user, but if you're willing to do some testing there's a nightly build for Windows or Mac available for download at the [[FlightGear Build Server]]. | ||
Also, note that those using the Git version of FlightGear may choose to update their aircraft files through the Git system. | Also, note that those using the Git version of FlightGear may choose to update their aircraft files through the Git system via [[FGAddon]] or [[FGMembers]]. | ||
You may also order FlightGear on a set of DVDs, available on the [http://www.flightgear.org/dvd/ FlightGear main site]. | You may also order FlightGear on a set of DVDs, available on the [http://www.flightgear.org/dvd/ FlightGear main site]. | ||
=== Installing on Windows === | === Installing on Windows === | ||
After installing FlightGear on Windows a | After installing FlightGear on Windows you now open a program called [[FlightGear Launch Control]], also known as FGRun. | ||
Apply the following settings: | Apply the following settings: | ||
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The current way of "installing" new scenery is enabling [[TerraSync]], which will automatically download and update any place you visit - even on the fly! However, some might have problems with that, so you can also manually download and install new scenery parts, either official, the [[World Scenery]], or custom. | The current way of "installing" new scenery is enabling [[TerraSync]], which will automatically download and update any place you visit - even on the fly! However, some might have problems with that, so you can also manually download and install new scenery parts, either official, the [[World Scenery]], or custom. | ||
The official scenery is available at [http://www.flightgear.org/download/scenery/ the scenery download section] of the FlightGear website, and can be installed following [[Howto: Install scenery]]. You may obtain additional and more up to date scenery objects as they become available through the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Scenery Database]. | The official, although outdated, scenery is available at [http://www.flightgear.org/download/scenery/ the scenery download section] of the FlightGear website, and can be installed following [[Howto: Install scenery]]. You may obtain additional and more up to date scenery objects as they become available through the [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/ FlightGear Scenery Database]. This is recommended for users with weak internet connections or weak computers! | ||
Custom Scenery is available in many places- take a look in our forums at [http://forums.flightgear.org this link] to find it! | |||
=== Getting aircraft === | === Getting aircraft === | ||
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=== Using the keyboard and/or mouse === | === Using the keyboard and/or mouse === | ||
Users with limited access to a [[joystick]] or other controllers sometimes use the keyboard or mouse to control their aircraft. Using the keyboard to fly can be difficult and the mouse is recommended over the keyboard for flying, yet even a cheap joystick would improve so much | Users with limited access to a [[joystick]] or other controllers sometimes use the keyboard or mouse to control their aircraft. Using the keyboard to fly can be difficult and the mouse is recommended over the keyboard for flying, yet even a cheap joystick would improve the experience so much. | ||
To get help with keyboard commands, with FlightGear running, go to the ''Help'' menu, look under ''Basic Keys'' (for simulator related commands) and ''Common Aircraft Keys'' (for commands universal to all aircraft) and ''Aircraft Help'' (for key commands specific to your aircraft). | To get help with keyboard commands, with FlightGear running, go to the ''Help'' menu, look under ''Basic Keys'' (for simulator related commands) and ''Common Aircraft Keys'' (for commands universal to all aircraft) and ''Aircraft Help'' (for key commands specific to your aircraft). | ||
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Coming from an other simulator? Check [[key commands compared to other simulators]] for an overview of the difference between the key commands of that sim and FlightGear. | Coming from an other simulator? Check [[key commands compared to other simulators]] for an overview of the difference between the key commands of that sim and FlightGear. | ||
To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, | To use the mouse to fly the aircraft, press tab (the cursor should change to a cross) and move the mouse to direct the aircraft. Tab again to look around (cursor should show a two sided arrow), and tab again to return to normal mode, used to click stuff in the cockpit. In some aircraft, such as the [[A320neo]] and [[A330-200]]/[[A330-300|300]] this unfortunately will not work, so you will have to use right click to look around and mouse mode is disabled. Fortunately, those planes are airliners, which are really stable and easy to fly with the keyboard. | ||
=== First time in the cockpit === | === First time in the cockpit === | ||
Finding your way around the cockpit can be daunting the first time. | Finding your way around the cockpit can be daunting the first time. | ||
Where is the "virtual cockpit?" Not all FlightGear aircraft come with an interior actually, some research projects may not even come with an exterior model. A 2D panel may display over the 3D cockpit if one exists. You may turn this off using the ''View'' menu. Otherwise, you should be sitting in the virtual cockpit when FlightGear starts, as long as the Cockpit View is selected ({{key press|Ctrl|V}}). | Where is the "virtual cockpit?" Not all FlightGear aircraft come with an interior actually, some research projects may not even come with an exterior model. A 2D panel may display over the 3D cockpit if one exists. You may turn this off using the ''View'' menu or {{key press|Shift|V}}. Otherwise, you should be sitting in the virtual cockpit when FlightGear starts, as long as the Cockpit View is selected ({{key press|Ctrl|V}}). | ||
You may find it difficult to read some of the displays, dials and gauges on the instrument panel. You can use the ''view'' mode of the mouse (right click until you get a cursor shaped like a double arrow) to pan and the mousewheel to zoom, or pan with the joystick hat and zoom with {{key press|X}} and {{key press|Shift|X}}. | You may find it difficult to read some of the displays, dials and gauges on the instrument panel. You can use the ''view'' mode of the mouse (right click until you get a cursor shaped like a double arrow) to pan and the mousewheel to zoom, or pan with the joystick hat and zoom with {{key press|X}} and {{key press|Shift|X}}. | ||
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One of the first steps that many take on entering an unfamiliar cockpit is to press {{key press|Ctrl|C}} to highlight all the "hotspots", that is instrument's controls, buttons, knobs, etc. Many aircraft also offer a specific help menu. | One of the first steps that many take on entering an unfamiliar cockpit is to press {{key press|Ctrl|C}} to highlight all the "hotspots", that is instrument's controls, buttons, knobs, etc. Many aircraft also offer a specific help menu. | ||
Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or simply lack clickable "hotspots", especially in aircraft models in development. In most cases you can go for the equivalent controls on a 2D panel or resort to the keyboard. The keyboard always work according to the assignments listed on the ''Help'' menu, but sometimes these are reassigned by an aircraft or configuration. Again, remember to check all the help dialogs. | Some functions, such as starter or magneto, may be difficult to use or simply lack clickable "hotspots", especially in aircraft models which are in development. In most cases you can go for the equivalent controls on a 2D panel or resort to the keyboard. The keyboard always work according to the assignments listed on the ''Help'' menu, but sometimes these are reassigned by an aircraft or configuration. Again, remember to check all the help dialogs. | ||
=== Starting the engine === | === Starting the engine === | ||
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* The Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) is also subject to error. | * The Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) is also subject to error. | ||
* The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) is driven by a gyroscope (that is why it's sometimes called a Directional Gyroscope), which is subject to ''gyro drift'': the indicator will drift from its current heading and must be periodically (every ~15 minutes) calibrated to agree with the magnetic compass heading. | * The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) is driven by a gyroscope (that is why it's sometimes called a Directional Gyroscope), which is subject to ''gyro drift'': the indicator will drift from its current heading and must be periodically (every ~15 minutes) calibrated to agree with the magnetic compass heading. | ||
*You cannot just cancel a turn or climb by centring the yoke or stick. You must turn or push the stick the other way to get to level and level flight. But even then, the plane will not mantain its altitude or heading by itself- a common mistake is trying to find a hands off yoke position. While with trims one could leave the plane for a couple of seconds, one must use autopilot or constantly adjust the yokes. | |||
Many forces act on an aircraft in flight as well as on the [[avionics and instruments]] used for control and navigation, and may be counter-intuitive. Pilots must learn to recognize these phenomena and compensate for their effects. ''FlightGear models instrument errors that exist in the real world''. | Many forces act on an aircraft in flight as well as on the [[avionics and instruments]] used for control and navigation, and may be counter-intuitive. Pilots must learn to recognize these phenomena and compensate for their effects. ''FlightGear models instrument errors that exist in the real world''. | ||
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Some aircraft require you to use the [[autopilot]] available from the ''Autopilot'' menu, which is the original FlightGear autopilot. This is a ''generic'' autopilot and as such, many aircraft come with their own ''specific'' autopilot, frequently a model of the real life one. | Some aircraft require you to use the [[autopilot]] available from the ''Autopilot'' menu, which is the original FlightGear autopilot. This is a ''generic'' autopilot and as such, many aircraft come with their own ''specific'' autopilot, frequently a model of the real life one. | ||
For aircraft that provide their own autopilot, you | For aircraft that provide their own autopilot, you should use the autopilot controls available in the virtual cockpit. This means clicking on the instrument panel in the virtual cockpit. The Autopilot menu will be grayed out and unavailable when the aircraft supplies its own autopilot in some aircraft, including the Airbuses and the [[C172P]]. | ||
The Cessna 172 comes with a [[Bendix/King KAP140 Autopilot]] in its virtual cockpit. You cannot use the ''Autopilot'' dialog from the menu with this aircraft. You must use the autopilot device in the panel. | The Cessna 172 comes with a [[Bendix/King KAP140 Autopilot]] in its virtual cockpit. You cannot use the ''Autopilot'' dialog from the menu with this aircraft. You must use the autopilot device in the panel. | ||