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Guides for sim pilots

Aircraft walkthroughs, technique explainers, and honest gear advice. Written by someone who actually flies these, and cross-checked against the same procedures behind our checklists.

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Getting Started16 Jul 202614 min read

Which DCS Module Should You Buy First? A Beginner's Guide

Which DCS module should you buy first? Use the free 14-day trial before you spend, learn the FC-spec vs full-fidelity split, and pick from a shortlist of five.

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Aircraft Guides9 Jul 202614 min read

FlyByWire A32NX Startup and MCDU Setup Guide (MSFS 2024)

A complete FlyByWire A32NX startup guide for MSFS 2024: cold and dark to taxi, full MCDU setup with SimBrief INIT REQUEST, and the gotchas that catch everyone.

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Technique1 Jul 202615 min read

How to Read a METAR: Decode US and International Reports

How to read a METAR, group by group, with two worked examples: a US report and an international one. Covers 9999, Q codes, CAVOK, RVR, and flight categories.

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Gear25 Jun 202618 min read

Best HOTAS for MSFS 2024 and DCS: Picks at Every Budget

The best HOTAS for MSFS 2024 and DCS is the T.16000M FCS for most pilots: hall effect where it counts. Plus the flaws every set on this list ships with.

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Aircraft Guides17 Jun 202618 min read

PMDG 737-800 Cold and Dark Start Guide (MSFS 2024)

A PMDG 737-800 cold and dark start guide for MSFS 2024: the switch order from battery to engine start, and why the warning lights you see are normal.

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Getting Started11 Jun 202617 min read

MSFS 2024 for Absolute Beginners

A beginner's path through MSFS 2024: start in the Cessna 172, skip career mode, and learn to actually fly. First flight, the six-pack, and when you are ready for an airliner.

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