Michael, I would first echo all that Paul, Russ and Rich said above.Mjwatlanta wrote: Fri Jun 24, 2022 2:10 pm I am beginning work on my instrument rating after a very long break from flying. Basically, I’m starting from scratch. I am curious about peoples’ thoughts about the use of a redbird TD2. It emulates or simulates a generic airplane. It has a yoke instead of a stick. But it does have G 1000 instruments. Is it a good investment to make me a safer and more efficient pilot?
Additionally, I'd suggest using PilotEdge.net (real-person ATC) along with the sim to make it all VERY real, especially the adrenalin factor.
If you roll your own sim (non-loggable) you can purchase G1000 panels (e.g. RealSimGear) for very realistic tactile buttonology, -- or-- as I do, simply mouse click off the PC screen. For proficiency work I'm quite happy with this setup:
-- X-Plane 11.55 (or soon, XP12)
-- running on a mid-range desktop (in my case an iMac)
-- the TorqueSim SR22 (has quite good G1000 fidelity)
-- ForeFlight connected with the sim
-- PilotEdge
-- a simple joystick (for IFR the stick and rudder has nearly no importance) -- and also no need for rudder pedal clutter
Enjoy!
Wayne