A system that reproduces or simulates the experience of flying an airplane is known as the Flight Simulator.
The wide range of Flight Simulators include computer-based games to full-size cockpit replicas mounted on hydraulic mechanisms controlled by sophisticated computer technology.
Flight Simulators are widely used in the aviation industry for research and development and also for training of pilots and flight deck crew.
The advanced version known as Flight Sim 2004 was released in July 2003.
The Flight Sim 2004, also known as 'A Century of Flight' or FS9 was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first flight from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, by the Wright Brothers.
Though a latest variant of Flight Simulators, it included several historical aircraft like the Wright Flyer, Ford Tri-Motor and the Douglas DC-3 to relive aviation history.
For real life experience during piloting an aircraft, Flight Sim 2004 included a superior weather engine to provide true three-dimensional clouds and localized precipitation for the first time.
Having this version allowed users to download weather information from real weather stations and were able to synchronize the weather in the simulator with that of the real world.
Several other improvements from the earlier versions included better communication with ATC, GPS systems, inter-active cockpits and more diversity in autogen; like barns, streetlights, towers and military installations etc.
, allowing the simulated environment to be absolutely realistic when compared to the natural surroundings.
Flight Sim 2004 computer game is a realistic home entertainment allowing many users to become aircraft designers and even create fictional versions of real world airlines.
These alterations in simulation add to the realism and significantly expand playing experience.
By virtue of the simulation software, a user can simulate a real world flying experience by engaging in online flying with virtual pilots and air traffic controllers, soaking in the exhilaration.