Simulated Cessna for private pilots

777Driver · April 21, 2026 at 1:07 PM

Does anyone here fly the C172 in real life? I've been simming for over 30 years. Back in the FS9/FSX days I was always against using the sim for anything except cockpit familiarization. I've always thought you pick up bad habits in the sim, and I never found a yoke that felt realistic. Cue 2026, home Simulators and hardware are very different, aircraft rental prices are going up, so I'm looking to find a C172 sim that can fill the void since I fly a lot less in the real world these days.

I've never tried the Cessna in this sim - would you recommend it? I am currently leaning toward X-Plane. but thought I'd check here first. I won't use FS2024 as its just not up to par. Also, what is recommended for a decent Yoke/Pedals for general aviation? I just use Saitek pedals for airliners, and they feel nothing like the real thing.

Jugac64 · April 21, 2026 at 7:44 PM

Do you fly in real life? It would be great if you test the C172 in the sim and share your observations.

777Driver · April 21, 2026 at 8:30 PM

Yes, I can hire either the 152 or 172 at my local airfield, non-Garmin though. I don't have a yoke at home, hence why I haven't tried any of the GA aircraft in FS4.

Flying is not cheap here in the UK, and funds are limited, so I get a few hours a month at best. The current war situation could affect fuel prices well into 2027.

Jugac64 · April 22, 2026 at 7:05 PM

Cool! it must be great to be a real GA pilot. I hope you test the C172 in AFS4 someday.

Phil747 · April 22, 2026 at 11:22 PM

i also fly a C152 for real. only steam gauges, the only difference i notice between the real 152 and simulated 172 is the lack of carburettor heat lever. thats pretty much it. VSI, ASI, DI, mixture, throttle, everything else is in the same place

Sparriet · April 23, 2026 at 2:40 AM

I also fly both Cessna 172R and 172S in real life, Garmin as well as Non-Garmin, And, yes the Cessna 172S in this Sim is pretty good in terms of Flying characteristics, some handling in the ground is not that real, but the flying characteristics of the AFS4 Cessna 172S is almost close to real life. As if you just want to get a raw flying experience, doing CL, General Flying or VFR Cross-Country, you can go for the AFS4 Cessna 172S Conventional. I also fly X Plane 11 Default Cessna 172S and comparing both I would say the flying characteriustics of the AFS4 feels to me more accurate rather than X Plane Default one.