The simulator is using X-Plane a versatile COTS (commercial off the self software) for the sim. This gives me the ability to fly anything from 747's to Space Shuttle to futuristic trans-sonic aircraft while interfacing flawlessly a motion platform and 10+ computers. To give you an idea of the software's capability I offer a little story:

A few weeks ago my wife, dog and I were take a little snow vacation to Big Bear, Ca. I thought, hey wouldn't it be nice to hop in the sim and see what Big Bear looks before the trip? You see the sim downloads real time, seasons and especially weather from the internet, as well as, the sim has the ability to interface with a world wide network of virtual airtraffic controllers and other pilots (many real ones practicing for work) to make for a really immersive experience.

10,000 feet over Big Bear Lake it was a really bad. Solid down to the minimums with heavy snow, turbulence with zero visibility and even large hail had broken the aircraft's windshield. Talk about immersion! Coming home we were cleared for the IFR 19R at SNA and I did a complete hands off approach including an autolanding, arriving with all the big pieces. Once shutdowned and chocked I thought it might be wise to bring on the trip four tire chains, doubled the warm clothes and even "suggested" to the DCA (domestic control authority / wife) to bring along some extra food.

Flash forward and we are stuck in Big Bear during what locals called the "Storm of the Century". If you can believe it the CITY has run out of gas, food, electricity and almost everything else. Nobody in or even out. The good 'ol Hummer can take you anywhere, anytime, np. Still the pucker factor was high because there is no place to put all the snow and we must have driven around 50 accidents.( Sometimes no matter how prepared you are you are still at the mercy of those on the lowest rung on the Darwin scale, ie. snowboarders driving Mini Coopers or Cameros)

At night, getting late, in a blinding blizzard while stuck for the nth time on an obscure winding road behind a pile up of these Mini Coopers types I said half in jest "honey- isn't it good I had you bring those five extra days of dog food..." I have never seen my wife look pale and wide eyed.

Anyhow great software. More to come.

Here is the ATC network. They have communication and training courses on par with commercial pilots.

Real time actual weather and forecasts for US aviation.

Curtis