ASA IP Trainer

When Private Pilot Magazine called IP Trainer� "... a landmark step forward in IFR procedures training," it wasn't just because IP Trainer was the first computerized tool to teach IFR air work. More importantly, it was because IP Trainer was the first program to simulate the key facet of instrument flight training � the instructor.

This Version continues the tradition of excellence as the only IFR simulator designed specifically for pilots working towards an instrument rating. All previous version's features are included, such as IFR procedures presented in 133 interactive lessons, teaching all the tasks outlined in the FAA's instrument rating PTS in a Cessna 172.

The IP Trainer desktop simulator includes these features and benefits:

Scan Trainer provides different scan patterns for all lessons.
CFII Tips included in each briefing provide hints and suggestions for managing the software lessons with less frustration, while acquiring the instrument flying skills.
On-screen streaming messages appear when you are flying outside the lesson parameters so you may correct before the lesson stops you.
A "Continue" button is now available so you can keep flying the lesson without backing up and starting over.
Preset flights are available in Free Flight mode, allowing you to fly the lesson approaches �solo� for continued scan and procedural practice without the built in CFII.
A more comprehensive navigation database has been added.
The Instrument Flying textbook that ships with the software has been updated and now has full-color illustrations throughout.

It's About Instruction

The danger in non-rated pilots shooting their first approaches on a simulator is when there isn't an instructor looking over their shoulders, demonstrating the right way to do things and looking out for the formation of "bad habits." Unless you have that guidance and instruction, there's no guarantee of what you're learning and how you're learning it.

IP Trainer's 133 built-in lessons are assembled on a foundation of artificial intelligence and presented by a "virtual CFII," who briefs you on each maneuver, demonstrates it, verbally prompts you through your own attempt at it, lets you practice under its guidance, and finally tests you on it. Since the instructor knows your precise flight profile at any given time, it can stop you if you stray outside the lesson parameters. Then IPT will explain what the error was, and offer to either back up to a point before the error occurred or even practice the lesson again � unless you're in the Test Mode, where you and your newfound skills must fly the procedure from start to finish. When you've completed a lesson test, IPT evaluates you to exacting standards (the same standards as on an FAA Practical Test) and graphically displays your rating in the different elements of that lesson. Just like a CFII, Instrument Pilot compares its knowledge of how the procedure should be flown with your execution of it, then examines your performance.

It's About The Lessons

The IP Trainer syllabus covers every aspect of instrument flight, in a comprehensive format that The Aviation Consumer called "the most elaborately organized IFR simulator course we've ever seen...This Herculean software can do the job with an awesome pyramid of instructional building blocks." Lesson Blocks cover their own areas of training, and build on the elements learned earlier. IPT records every lesson you've taken and knows how well you've done on it, and recommends the next lessons to take or where to go back for further review.

"Instrument Flying" covers both basic and advanced attitude flying. "Radio Navigation" teaches intercepts, holding patterns and more. In "Instrument Approaches" you'll learn every approach from NDB and ILS to "no gyro" approaches, all at real airports. "Enroute IFR" covers clearances, Departure Procedures and STARs. Every lesson has actual digitized controller voice: for ATIS, clearance delivery, ground control, tower, approach and departure control, center, FSS and Flight Watch. Along with guiding your lesson, these voices prepare you for the real world of IFR flight.

IP Trainer's airplane is an aerodynamically correct model of a Cessna C172, the world's most popular instrument trainer. All instruments are accurate models of aircraft instruments, incorporating indicated airspeed errors, Heading Indicator precession, and magnetic compass errors.

If you're not up to a lesson, go to the "Free Flight" mode, where you can fly the C172 into any airport in the U.S., with every navaid at your disposal, to practice your newfound skills. Review your flight on a map, and preset wind, ceilings and visibility. Practice unfamiliar approaches anywhere in the country, before you ever get there.

It's About Saving Time and Money

While IP Trainer� will never replace your real instructor, you'll fly with that CFII carrying a thorough understanding of IFR procedures with you. You'll be able to spend more time on fine-tuning technique, instead of learning frustrating concepts. IP has helped thousands of IFR students with their ratings, in less time and with less money spent overall, and given them the most solid foundation of skills an Instrument Pilot can possess.

Program Requirements

Pentium-class processor (200 MHz or faster for Win98/ME, 300 MHz or faster for Win2000/XP)
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP
DirectX Version 8.1 (included on the IP CD)
64MB (Win98/ME) 128MB (Win2000/XP)
120 MB available hard drive space
CD-ROM drive (4X or faster)
800x600 SVGA video adapter and monitor
Windows DirectX-compatible sound card and speakers
Mouse, joystick or yoke