I'm a big-time military aviation enthusiast, having encyclopedias on modern aircraft, weapons, and pictures of fighter jets. I also research dogfighting tactics on my Falcon 4.0: Allied Force combat flight simulator.

In the Sims

Although I don't spend the majority of my time figuring out different ways to avoid missiles, I do enjoy the experience of air to air combat. I mainly use Falcon 4.0: Allied Force to research hard-core, down-to-earth tactics for real world threats. When I want to have fun, and play more of a relaxed fighter pilot experience, I use Ace Combat 5.

Falcon 4.0: Allied Force

To say my own view on F4:AF, I say that it is one of the best combat flight simulations available on the market. Naval aviation is more of my thing, but when it comes down to the maneuvers, handling is scarcely different in fighters. I would even be bold enough to say that the F/A-18 Super Hornet is more of a formidable fighter aircraft than the F-16. I won't go into that right now.

F4:AF offers the ability to become familiar with aerial maneuvering. Flight controls, radar systems, evasive action, instrument reading and reaction, etc. There is no better way to get involved in flying a military jet without worrying about dying.

Ace Combat 5

While I enjoy playing AC5, I would never recommend it to anyone to take its physics and avionics seriously. From the unrealistic guidance systems of inbound missiles, to the aircraft that have almost no difference in maneuvering, AC5 is something that you wouldn't want to train off of.

AC5 is great, however, with the fact that you can live through an unfolding storyline in a fictional world with the ability to fly all sorts of different aircraft. You always have a different challenge to overcome, and the game probably offers the most broad set of missions available in any combat flight simulation.

Outdoors

I definitely like being outside. I like to hit whiffle balls at cars parked along our street, fly model airplanes, launch model rockets, and go to Sea Cadets.