Simple Fixes Before You Ask for Help
Most simulator problems are simple: a device is not detected, a flight is still paused, audio is unplugged, or the simulator needs to restart.
No flight controls detected
Cause: Navigator device status is not green, USB/device connection issue, or simulator needs restart.
Solution: Open the device status screen. If required controls are yellow, end the flight and ask staff to check connections or restart the simulator.
Rudder pedals not working
Cause: Pedals are not detected or are not calibrated/centered.
Solution: Check device status. Center the pedals. If still not working, do not force them; notify staff.
Simulator frozen
Cause: Software stopped responding or the flight is overloaded.
Solution: Try pause/unpause once. If the simulator does not respond, ask staff before restarting the computer.
Audio not working
Cause: Speakers/headset not selected, cable loose, or volume low.
Solution: Check volume, headset plug, and audio panel selections. Try a simple radio/audio test.
Flight will not start
Cause: A required device is yellow, another flight is already running, or Free Flight settings are incomplete.
Solution: Check device status, end any current flight, confirm airport/runway/weather fields, then press Start Flight once.
Weather will not change
Cause: Weather was changed after the flight loaded or the active scenario controls weather.
Solution: End and restart the flight with the desired weather, or use the instructor/staff tools if available.
Screen blank
Cause: Monitor/video cable/power issue, computer asleep, or wrong input.
Solution: Do not move cables aggressively. Check that the display is powered, then ask staff to inspect the video connection.
Aircraft will not move
Cause: Flight is paused, parking brake simulated, throttle low, or controls not active.
Solution: Unpause, add power smoothly, and verify control response. If no response, check device status.
Autopilot not following course
Cause: Wrong CDI source, wrong mode, or aircraft has not intercepted the course.
Solution: Confirm CDI source, active autopilot mode, heading/intercept angle, and loaded flight plan or tuned frequency.
Approach guidance missing
Cause: Approach not loaded/activated, wrong CDI source, wrong frequency, or outside capture area.
Solution: Load the approach, verify GPS or LOC source, tune/identify localizer if needed, and intercept properly.