Help with Xmas present for 10 year old interested in aviation.
Posted by Big_Beginning7725@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 75 comments
I’m a mama of a 10 year old who seems to have caught the avi bug from his mama who works in aviation. He’s always said he wanted to be a “YouTuber” when he grows up like so many others his age but suddenly, he’s grown an interest in aviation. This is MASSIVE to me as someone working SOCC and I want to kinder this as much as I can while also not forcing it. He told me some time ago he found flight simulator and has been messing with it a bit so I asked if maybe he’d like a flight yoke for Xmas and he said YES!
As an avgeek myself, I jumped at it and ordered him a Logitech Professional Simulation Yoke and Throttle Quadrant. Did I make the right decision? What else could I do to kinder this new found love of his? I never want to push my own interests on my kids but he’s also had time in the cockpit with MTCE crew who have lit up the cockpit for him and shown him so much more than other kids have gotten the opportunity so I think this has helped with his interest. I know this may change in time but there’s no harm in again, kindering that love.
TIL: my son wants flight sim for Xmas and I want to ensure I provide him with as much as I can on a budget to foster his aviation interest. Suggestions?
TIA!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
I wanted to thank you all for your help. I’ve now released discovery flights exist close enough to me via flight passes. We went to our local airport tonight after he played SkyCards and he was so excited one he found via SkyCards was parked at the gate once we arrived. It melted me even if it was the company I work for. I’ll go to ends earth to foster this new found love. It’s also educating his brothers. Where this leads him, we don’t currently know but the fact he’s educating himself so young is music to my ears. I wish I realized when I flew UA so many times as a kid that I could be a pilot and not just a FA is huge to me. Back then, I didn’t know I didn’t need to be bilingual to be a FA let alone a pilot as 30 years ago 99% of pilots were males. It’s wonderful!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
I’m actually cackling at people downvoting me for misunderstanding. I am NOT A PILOT nor am I flight crew. Kindness counts. I could work aviation for 100 years yet verbiage changes location depending. While downvotes don’t bother me, I came here with a genuine question.
Indrixious@reddit
Reddit
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Reddit is why for sure so I’m not taking it to heart. So much helpful info has been given I just need to ignore the downvotes and hate.
chenkie@reddit
I mean it’s the internet. Welcome!
FlatTie0@reddit
I’ve found this subreddit especially, loves to gatekeep against people who are curious and just want to learn more. You’d think an aviation subreddit would be the perfect place to foster someone’s burgeoning interest in aviation, but alas not. That being said I think a joystick plus the new Microsoft Flight Sim would make an amazing gift. Your child is lucky to have you as their parent.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Ty for your kind words!!! Means a lot to me. I notice the same here sometimes. It’s disheartening but it’s also the way some redditors are. Le sigh.
Daniel272@reddit
I got a copy of FSX and the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick for Christmas one year. One of the best presents ever. I spent over 900 hours on the game downloading planes and scenery. Reflecting on where I am now as a student pilot, I have to say it was FSX that really solidifed my passion for aviation into what I'd dedicate my career for.
MaybeWeHaveBananas@reddit
FSX still is out there on Steam and most computers now can run it without a problem. There are also many, many addons both free and paid out there. My current PC can run the new FS but I’m sticking with FSX because of the healthy hangar full of addons I have for it.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
100% this is what he recently surprised me to say he’s been using. I wonder if xplane is better?
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much!!!!!! I appreciate this huge!
Daniel272@reddit
Yeah no problem! FS2020 might be a bit expensive and it’s very very resource intensive for your pc so maybe you can look into Xplane or something else if you don’t have a beefy computer.
Simpleplanes is really fun too and easy on the pc. You get to build planes and mod them and all that. It’s very creative and I had like 200 hours in that too when used to play games.
w_w_flips@reddit
Regarding xplane, it's worth mentioning that you can download a demo version and test how it runs on your machine before purchasing!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
My fellow friend who’s a pilot in training uses xplane. Is that better than Microsoft flight sim or is it preference?
Aggressive_Let2085@reddit
You can also get PC game pass and get flight sim 2020/2024 for way below full price.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Amazing tip! Ty!
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ASAPdUrmom@reddit
No joke.. flying flight sim when I was a kid made me go into the profession and now I fly all over the world for real.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
This made my heart smile. I’m so glad your parents did the same for you. Makes a world of difference.
fdwyersd@reddit
this
Lumeriia@reddit
Disco flight/sight seeing flight!!!! Obviously they wouldn’t be able to fly the plane but maybe just being in one and getting to see all of the controls would be cool enough!
falcopilot@reddit
I've seen videos with a CFI taking a kid up for a disco flight and letting them make some control inputs. It's the airplane version of "driving" by sitting in a parent's lap and working the steering wheel (with firm parental control of course).
Oh. Probably with airbags and seatbelt laws people don't do that anymore, do they? Hm.
#DamnI'mOld.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Can you link what you mean? I’m picturing a disco all cause too many 12 hour shifts got my brain toasted lol.
fdwyersd@reddit
Discovery flight...
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
I’m actually cackling at people downvoting me for misunderstanding. I am NOT A PILOT nor am I flight crew. Kindness counts. I could work aviation for 100 years yet verbiage changes location depending. While downvotes don’t bother me, I came here with a genuine question.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
He’s done that too! I should have explained that. While it wasn’t an official discovery flight, he’s sat jump for a very small leg.
galeb3vz@reddit
XBOX & Flight Simulator ?
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Is it better on Xbox vs pc?
galeb3vz@reddit
Idk, this was the easiest/ cheapest setup for me.
foodio3000@reddit
That’s incredible that he’s showing an interest at this age and that you’re helping him explore the world of aviation! A flight sim is a great way to fuel that interest until he’s old enough to become a student pilot, so that’s a good start.
The yoke and throttle quadrant are definitely essential for getting a feel for flying. You should also get him rudder pedals since that’s how pilots control yaw in the air and steering & braking on the ground. If it’s in your budget, Logitech makes pedals as well (not sure why they aren’t sold as part of the combo since they’re primary flight controls). Even without pedals though, he can still perform those functions with the keyboard although it’s a little tricky.
Either way, this is a great start to his journey. Hopefully we’ll be sharing the skies with him someday!
Terrible_Log3966@reddit
I'd say just take him to airfields and or museums! Also, maybe a simple camera so he can take photos of them?
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Camera is a wonderful idea! Ty!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
I meant TLDR. Not TIL. DAMN YOU REDDIT for not allowing title edits.
dont_say_Good@reddit
what does this have to do with the title lol, you could edit the til just fine
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Truly. You could have added some useful info yet you chose that? Thank you, I guess?
Soulshot96@reddit
This is useful info, you're just too up your own arse to understand it.
They're telling you that you CAN edit the part of your post you messed up. You could literally change that TIL to a TLDR right now. Just click the overflow menu button (the three dots next to your post) and click 'edit post'. It is only the actual title / heading that you cannot edit...which is not the part you put TIL instead of TLDR in.
Your joke about their username is also about as good as your reading comprehension and overall attitude.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Yah in hindsight I realize how foolish I was. I usually put my entire post in the title. Eating my words now lol.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
No you can’t edit main titles on Reddit.
dont_say_Good@reddit
you can edit the text of a post just fine.. just not the title, that's all i was saying. i came here to see what you were asking about, if i had an answer i would've told you
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
That’s not what i said. You cannot edit a title.
dont_say_Good@reddit
it's not my fault that you don't know what a title is, as yours does not include TIL, it's in the main body of the post, which can be edited if you just click on the three dots in the top right.. but have fun playing the victim of "bullying" if that's your thing
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Again. Remind me your username. Checks out.
Old-Car-9962@reddit
Thats one lucky kid! He will love this! (I know I would!) Perfect gift! And blue skies and tailwinds to you and him!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Thank you so very much!
erhue@reddit
Depending on where you live, take him to Sun n' Fun or Oshkosh or some local air show, I guarantee you they'll love it, it's fun for everyone really
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
I’m in Canada but maybe we could utilize our flight passes to do just that!
-NewYork-@reddit
Aviationtag keychain made of scrapped aircraft skin. You get the info on serial number and registration of actual aircraft, then you can find the plane history, Jetphotos photos in various locations, and your keychain has visited all of them!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
That’s a cool idea! Ty!
chuckop@reddit
Good luck! I had parents who encouraged my love of aviation. It makes a difference. Trips to the local airport to just hang out and watch planes. Civil Air Patrol (US only, don’t know if there is a Canadian equivalent). They even paid for some early lessons.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Ty so much! Appreciate the tips!
PHX1K@reddit
Books. For me it was aviation history books. I read “Fate is the Hunter” when I was 10 or 11. I already wanted to be a pilot thanks to a healthy helping of Han Solo and watching Baa Baa Black Sheep on History channel but that book sealed the deal. Also reading histories of famous aircraft designers, planes, pilots, etc. I also absolutely ate up aircraft encyclopedias. Barnes and noble usually has a ton of these, a lot of times on clearance. Just go browse the shelves. It’ll also get your son reading, and that’s the greatest gift you could give. Excitement for knowledge and a love of reading will set him ahead of kids his age. Good luck, and merry Christmas! Shoot me a message if you need a list of recommended books.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
This is a great idea! Ty so much!
ab0ngcd@reddit
If you are in the United States, the Experimental Aircraft Association has clubs all over the US that have Young Eagles day flights for free for youngsters interested in Aviation.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Canadian side here. But I’m on a mission to hope he’s interested in Navy Cadets! I’m a former army cadet but if I knew them what I know now I’d have gone navy! We shall see his interests in a couple years and if they stick, navy here he comes!
Remote_Detonator_@reddit
Has he heard of Air Cadets? They go up in gliders :)
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
That’s 100% what I meant lol. Friggin air cadets. 🤦♀️ ty
The_Rad1x@reddit
I would get him FSX: Steam Edition (steam is a game store software platform where you can buy games and install them (they also have a website)). The steam edition is a little more up to date than the original FSX. It’s more than enough for a little kid. The new MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 are very resource intensive on computers but they’re built off of the FSX platform.
As for a joystick, get him the Logitech extreme 3D pro. Someone might be selling it on Facebook marketplace for cheap but it’s also available on Amazon or in stores for a lower price. They’ve been building it for what seems like 15 years and it’s a solid design that’s has stood the test of time.
G2A.com might have steam keys (you can sell keys to redeem games) for FSX Steam edition for cheaper than the price on steam. Would help if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you buy it for the correct region on G2A, sometimes the keys are only redeemable in the United States.
Sparcpro@reddit
RC plane. Insight into the mechanics and real world cause and effect.
Nordica001@reddit
I agree, especially if you live in the US, as you have companies like FliteTest who sell kits for various aircraft that your kid can build himself, plus a huge community who post their own designs for you/ or your kid to make, as I persume he doesn't own any fancy RC gear I'd recommend either this, of money is on the shorter side: https://store.flitetest.com/ft-ez-jets-mkr2/ https://store.flitetest.com/ft-stem-2ch-ez-power-pack-v-2/
Or if you got the money and want something that he can keep upgrading, I'd recommend this one, as it also comes with an excellent remote that he just gets new receivers for and keeps using for future projects: https://store.flitetest.com/ft-mighty-mini-tiny-tutor-starter-bundle/
ottergoose@reddit
Not a flight sim guy myself, but have heard good things about this controller: https://yawmanflight.com
Maxele@reddit
My booked some time at the local simulator, it was great!
KSledneck@reddit
I would ask r/hotas and r/hoggit.
For games. War thunder might be an okay starting point for a 10 year old. A stick (flight controller) is very great for flight. Maybe a thrust master T.Flight depending on what game console he plays on
KSledneck@reddit
To add. I would say sitting with him and helping him learn the controls. It can be very overwhelming for child. So your time with him learning the controls would be invaluable.
Another route you can entertain is RC planes. But I don't know much about that.
Squandere@reddit
Kids these days are a different breed, bet he picks up on the controls faster than his folks.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
We can learn together! I wish the avbug hit me earlier in my life. At 37 I feel I missed my calling but dispatch works for me!
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Thank you so very much. I never get to sit in pilots seat so as much as I know from Ops/Dispatch, I also don’t know if that makes sense. I’ve had other pilots suggest this set up along with flight sim but I would love to foster as much as possible. I wish my parents noticed my own interests at a young age, it could have been changing for me. Emphasis on “could have”. I never want to push my kids to do something they’re not into but given he’s naturally showing such interest, I wanna do it right too.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
Thanks so very much!
BaldingJordanian@reddit
Get him an A320
Hermit_Bottle@reddit
Diecast gemini jets!
Specialist_Reality96@reddit
TIF/Ab initio flight at the local gliding club.
No_Mathematician2527@reddit
Do you have a local flying club?
We have 4 kids in our club, 2 who are with parents and the other 2 get dropped off. Super friendly kids, all the old guys love them.
Those kids get offered flights at every get together. One is 14 and he's probably been for 25 flights in different airplanes over the years. He cuts the grass at the clubhouse and pays ~$200/year in dues. He is going to win the scholarship as soon as he is old enough.
Try your local flying club. They would probably love to have younger members.
Big_Beginning7725@reddit (OP)
I shall ask around. I’d bet it does exist but I’ve never realized. Ty!