Flying Dynamics

Frequently Asked Questions

{Last updated: 2003-09-24}

How did the Flight Trainer come to be?

The Flight Trainer training aids were inspired by the author's experience working on his own ratings and instructing, and feedback from other flight instructors, students and pilots of all levels of experience around the world. Some of the trainers and quizzes provided where made available as applets via the web as "freeware" for over 30 months. These have been productized as applications and enhanced to include flight simulators and packaged with a new series of trainers, quizzes, and simulators.

What technology does the Flight Trainer use?

Flying Dynamics's products are developed using Java technology and are provided as Java applications and applets.

What Version of Java(TM) is required?

The Flight Trainer requires 1.4 or higher of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The Flight Trainer is delivered using two different installers one which includes version 1.4 of the JVM and the other which does include the JVM. The later assumes that you hve installed the correct JVM yourself.

What are my download options?

Flying Dynamics provided an number of different downloads giving you the option to install your own version of the Java Virtual Machine or using the one we supply.

What help is included?

The help text provides information on each of the training aids and controls. Flying Dynamics has chosen not to include help or instruction on the navigation aids or how to perform the different maneuvers. There are numerous books and different techniques instructors use to teach these. The Flight Trainer is an aid to faciliate understanding them and is intented to be used in conjunction with other instructional material.

The Flight Trainer's help system is built so that the contents of the help system can be customized to include customized help. This for a fee service will be provided to flight schools and academies.

Does the Flight Trainer write to my hard disk?

The Flight Trainer - Personal Use Edition does create a FlyingDynamics directory in your "home directory", e.g. C:\Documents and Settings\userName.

This directory contains .FlightTrainer.properties that contains the user preferences for the training aids. Additionally, there is a directory .FlightTrainer that contains directories and files. These are created by the Flight Trainer's license manager. If you remove, copy or change the contents of these directories and files, you will have to re-install your License key. Help is provided in the help tab of the Flight Trainer after selecting the About/License.

The Flight Trainer - Rental Edition does not write to your hard disk and user preferences are not saved between rental sessions.

How does the Flight Trainer manage access to the training aids?

The Flight Trainer uses a License Key to manage what training aids are available. Currently there are three different License Keys:

Evaluation License - this license enables all of the Flight Trainer's functionality for a limited time interval. This limited time interval begins when the Evaluation License is sent to you via email. This time period is specified on the Evaluation License request form. After the Evaluation period, you will not be able to access the Flight Trainer's functionality until you purchase a Product License. You will continue to have access to the Flight Trainer's help.

Product License - this license enables the purchased Flight Trainer functionality. You may purchase additional Flight Trainer functionality which will update the product license. There is no time limit associated with this License Key. Your Product License is linked to a specific computer. This link is created as you complete the purchase installation process.

Rental License - this license enables the rental of the Flight Trainer functionality. After purchasing rental time of the Flight Trainer, you can login using the Flight Trainer to our servers to use the Flight Trainer's functionality. Providing you have a credit balance a rental license will be given to the Flight Trainerwhich is valid for the next billing unit.

How can I receive information on new products, updates, and tips and hints?

The FDupdates program is available to customers who have purchased or are or have evaluated the Flight Trainer. You may change both your opt-in choice and email address here.

How do I submit an idea for an additional trainer or feature?

Flying Dynamics is always interested in customer's feedback on new products, training aids and enhancements. You can submit your ideas using the suggestion form or by email. Flying Dynamics may or may not chose to provide the product or feature. Suggestions and ideas submitted to Flying Dynamics without a prior written agreement may be implement by Flight Dynamics with no compensation to the submitter.

What is your software license agreement?

You will be asked to accept these agreements before Flight Trainer will install:

What is your refund policy?

Flying Dynamics, LLC provides an Evaluation License key that is good for the number of days specific on the Evaluate page and the opportunity to rent the Flight Trainer to give you the opportunity to see if the Flight Trainer meets your needs:

Click here to get an Evaluation License key and here for instructions on downloading and installing the Flight Trainer for evaluation. The Evaluation License key gives you full access to the Flight Trainer's capabilities.
Click here to rent the use of the Flight Trainer. The Rental License key gives you full access to the Flight Trainer's capabilities for the amount of time you purchase..

Should you want a refund after purchasing a Product License, please contact us by email and provide the information specified in the Softare License Agreement when you installed the Flight Trainer.

What security is provided when purchasing the software or rental time?

Flying Dynamics utilizes SSL encryption while you complete and submit payment Our SSL certificate certified by Comodo Security Services, utilizes 128-bit encryption, and can be verifed by the TrustLogo on the payment form. Your credit card information verification and payment authorization is done through Authorize.net using SSL encryption also. Our mechant services are provided by Humboldt Bank. Please review our Privacy Statement regarding our use of your personal information.