Aviation Training Consultants: 800-874-5346
Aviation Training Consultants: 800-874-5346

12 Days of Flight Sim: X-Plane 11

News > 12 Days of Flight Sim: X-Plane 11

X-Plane is the most modern flight simulator–still a simulation, but closer to reality than ever before! It is an exciting simulator for pilots, aspiring pilots, and aviation enthusiast everywhere!

X-Plane is not a game but an engineering tool that can be used to predict the flying qualities of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft with incredible accuracy. Because X-Plane predicts the performance and handling of almost any aircraft, it is a great tool for pilots to maintain their currency in a simulator that flies like the real plane, for engineers to predict how a new airplane will fly, and for aviation enthusiasts to explore the world of aircraft flight dynamics.

“We’re constantly adding new scenery, new airplanes, new airports, better graphics–I’m always improving the flight model,” said Austin Meyer, founder of Laminar Research and developer of X-Plane. “People have seen the sim get a lot better over the last five years, and they’re gonna see it continue to get better over the next five years.”

The 11th edition of X-Plane offers a much more realistic and immersive experience. A new rendering engine makes the whole world appear in a new light–literally. Due to “Physically Based Rendering,” illumination and reflections behave in physically correct ways and change depending on viewing angle and the object’s surface. It also features a brand new sound engine that realizes 3D surround sound with high-quality samples. This works on a global scale and results in spatially correct audio placement of any aircraft and any object within the scenery while also taking the current location of the user into account.

The content of X-Plane 11 is also considerably expanded. Numerous new aircraft with 3D cockpits and extensive documentation are available to the virtual pilot, and more than 3,000 airports with 3D buildings, static aircraft, and dynamic environments are included. The global scenery sees new cities specific to Europe and North America and an update to its overall layout based on recent Open Street Map material.

“I think it’s the best flight sim on the market. It’s a slam-dunk purchase for anyone that’s interested in aviation!” said Meyer.

Check out our X-Plane options and flight simulation accessories online or call us for more information at 800.874.5346, ext. 471.

Written by Callie Wilkes, Gleim Aviation Marketing and STEM Coordinator.

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