On Top

IFR Proficiency Simulator

IP Trainer, On Top, and IPC are a family of Instrument Procedures training software packages.  Each has it's own purpose in preparing pilots for IFR flight. Check the following link for additional information on the different focus of each package:

Differences Info: IP Trainer and On Top, and IPC
The On TopTM flight simulator is designed primarily for experienced Multi-IFR pilots, and is available with a wide range of sturdy control yoke and rudder pedal units suitable for use in daily recurrency work. It can also be used for home-based training with light-duty personal CH control yoke units. This newest release is intended for use on USB-type Pentium PCs running Microsoft WindowsTM with DirectX (included). On TopTM v8 has a really useful set of features for working pilots and instructors (as well as most other aviators when the weather is down!)

The most distinguishing feature of On Top when compared with other desktop sims is the large number of accurately presented general-aviation aircraft types, including piston and turbine twins. This is the easily most noticeable feature when you see On Top actually running. The airplanes are very realistic. The configurable panels can be arranged to work like your own aircraft, and the aircraft fly and feel like the real thing, even when doing a "V1 cut" in a twin! The realistic look-and-feel was required for FAA certification, and it's what separates certified PC simulators like On TopTM v8 from game sims such as Microsoft's Flight Sim and X-Plane.

Designed to provide instrument pilots with an arena to practice instrument flying skills and procedures, On Top for USB-type PCs features an amazing array of aircraft types (even including the hot-rod Beech 1900D and the retractable Lancair Columbia 300). NOTE: Multi-engine options require multi-engine controls for engine-out ops. The aircraft are very accurately represented: the Piper Warrior panel really does look like a Piper Warrior! And the same goes for the Cessna 182 panel, or the Beech 1900 panel (at the top of this screen). Other packages (such as Elite) charge a steep premium for additional aircraft types (hundreds of dollars extra), so this represents a real bargain for purchasers of On Top. On Top brings complex systems, variable weather scenarios, aircraft systems, and instrumentation into IFR simulation, giving users more control over the level and quality of their ongoing training. Users can program in realistic instrument failures and fly a world-wide database of airports (the world-wide database means that On TopTM can be used for IFR training in any country in the world). Your flight progress can be analyzed with flight profile tools. On Top features excellent set-up and maintenance tools; it really is a gem at installation time. Editing tools are available to update your local airport in the event of frequency changes, nav-aids never become out-dated. The first thing that Microsoft Flight Sim users notice is that all the navaids at your local airport are available in On Top!

Pilots looking for prep material on the Beech 1900 (C or D) aircraft will find some really useful tools in the On Top package. On Top not only includes the Beech 1900 aircraft, but the manual also includes the Beech 1900 POH! This is a major bonus for ATPL candidates! (We also stock B1900 Practical Test Prep material, too).

Click here for additional joy-stick compatibility information, or for a view of typical desktop setup information.

Flight Instructors: Instructor options allow the instructor to manage the pilot's world variables (weather, system failures, etc) during flight from a separate instructor work-station.

Yoke:

A joystick or yoke is required, but it's hard to fly IFR with a game-type joystick (it's too wiggly); various game controllers (such as the Saitek Model P220 Gamepad) can be used, too. These little controllers are also useful for laptop flyers. Force-feedback yokes are not recommended (this is IFR, not combat dog-fighting!) After all, you're going to be flying with the trim most of the time.

Demo Version:

You can familiarize yourself with On TopTM v8 by trying a demo version. First, review the How-To Demo file . If the demo runs, you'll be able to see how the actual flight sim works on your computer (the On Top demo only has one airport), and you'll be able to install and run the full package with no problem.

Included Aircraft:

On TopTM v8 includes the following aircraft types (multi-engine aircraft are compatible with CH and Cirrus control quadrants and yokes): Each aircraft has its own flexible panel layout: choose a DG or an HSI, an ADF or an RMI, a moving map or a GPS. The weight of the aircraft can be adjusted to mimic various load configurations.

New IFR pilots, or VFR pilots learning IFR procedures for added VFR proficiency (for night flying, for example), will want to use IP TrainerTM which is a single-engine package with a built-in virtual IFR flight instructor.

Experienced IFR pilots who want to review and refresh will prefer to use the Instrument RefresherTM package.