So your thinking about getting into the world of VR Flight Simulation. Lets dig into what kind of system you will need. You will have to remember that, your system needs to run your flight simulator and the Oculus Rift at the same time. If you are planning to fly with FSX then you will also need a program called Flyinside, which will also be running along side the other two systems. Running all this will take a decent computer. For the purpose of this tutorial, I will assume that you are going to fly X-plane 11, however you may want to use a different software. The numbers will be similar for most flight simulators. In general, flight simulation is very demanding on your computer. Let’s break down the X-Plane 11 VR system requirements.
Great article! thanks!
I am working on a private pilot license and am interested in getting a good realistic VR flight simulator. It sounds like Oculus Rift is a good option, but I don’t know where to start.
What do I need to buy?
– 1 Ocukus Rift Package
– 1 PC (following your performance recommendation)
– 1 simulation software (which one would simulate a Cessna?)
– Anything else? I should not need a stick since I can pilot with the VR handles, right?
– Also it it possible to get and connect a second headset to be flying with someone else?
Thanks!
Hi Pierre,
VR flight has been a great tool for me. Keeps me flying when I can’t get up in the air to fly a real plane. Really allows you to practice flying between your lessons.
To get started, here is a post I have created where I go over the equipment that is needed. https://vrflightworld.com/2017/10/20/5-vr-flight/ . I have a list of computers as well as a list of everything else you need to get started.
Here are answers to your questions
– you need to buy a VR headset (Oculus Rift is great and is what I use), a decently powerful computer and software (I recommend X-Plane 11)
– you asked about flying a Cessna. I am going to assume you are referring to the Cessna 172. In X-Plane 11 this comes with the simulator, however if you are flying a different plane, you can actually get aftermarket planes, such as the Cessna 152 and a lot of other planes. The only problem I have had with the stock 172 is that it is a new plane and therefore is fuel injected (no carb heat). The plane I fly in real life is carbureted.
– do you need a stick? I would say technically you do not. You can easily get started without a stick, however I do recommend eventually getting some controls. It will add a lot more realism to your flight. But getting started without is a perfect way to go. Oculus comes with touch controllers. The only downside without controls is you won’t have rudder pedals.
– lastly, you mention hooking up two headsets. Unfortunately you won’t be able to do this with one system. You can do this if you bought two computers and connected through the internet, however this is essentially buying two setups. If you have someone that is watching you fly, they will be able to see what you see by watching the monitor.
Hope this helps, if you have any other questions just reply to this and I will try to help you out.
Also, take a look at some of my other posts as well. Lots of posts of vr flight and flight training.
Thanks,
Dan