douglas_a

my uni exams in november as well, looks like I am going to have to do my reading in flight... black shark has auto-pilot right ?

Draco, if you're looking for a civilian helicopter simulator software try x-plane FAA certified version. Mind you I think I agree with the people who say that the manoeuvres you trying to practice are better done in a real thing. When I did my pre PPL training I remember using ms flight simulator for circuit training, but mainly for remembering procedures, speeds, etc, come to think of it I could have done it in an arm chair. There are at least three factors in learning how to fly: 1. Physical memory, your muscles remember how to react before your brain analyses it. 2. procedures/speeds/ system knowledge 3. Good judgement and common sense. Simulators can cover completely No 2 only, i.e. start up procedures, system operation, IFR flight etc. In a complex aircraft I think it would be more appropriate to practice in a simulator since there are more systems and therefore procedures that need to be executed in a specific sequence during various system failures for example. Just knowing how the aircraft feels is not enough here. As an analogy think of trying to build a pc hang glider simulator... a complete nonsense right. Personally, I am going to use black-shark as a complex combat simulator/game and maybe something else. Good luck with your training.