FlightSim.Com - Features

Get Real #3: Solo Cross Country Worries By Ron Blehm And Michael McCracken (31 January 2012)
A series in which real flights are recreated in flight simulator, this time a student cross-country flight that proved to be a learning experience.
HEAD-2-HEAD Feature VI: General Aviation Challenge By Ron Blehm (5 January 2012)
Ron Blehm returns with another head-to-head aircraft comparison. This time he tries three popular general aviation planes and checks to see which is most efficient in carrying out a typical task. Who wins?
HEAD-2-HEAD Feature V: Fortress Sprint By Ron Blehm (25 November 2011)
Ron Blehm returns with another head-to-head aircraft comparison. This time he compares two planes with a similar mission and similar names, the B-17Flying Fortress and B-52 Stratofortress. In a challenge of efficiency, which one comes out as best?
HEAD-2-HEAD Feature IV: Heavy Lifters By Ron Blehm (24 October 2011)
Ron Blehm returns with another head-to-head aircraft comparison. This time he takes a look at the heavy lifters of the world, the big cargo planes that carry massive loads over long distances.
Get Real #2 By Ron Blehm (12 October 2011)
A series in which real flights are recreated in flight simulator, this time a memorable trip to Hong Kong.
HEAD-2-HEAD Feature III: Turboprops Revisited By Ron Blehm (26 September 2011)
Ron Blehm returns with another head-to-head aircraft comparison. This time by popular demand it's another look at turboprops, this time comparing three quite similar aircraft on a very challenging route. Who comes out ahead?
Going Solo Part 2 By Chris Liddell (22 September 2011)
Many flightsimmers dream of taking the next step and training for a real pilot license. Chris Liddell made this decision and shares with us an update on his progress so far.
Navigation 201: RNPs By Ron Blehm and Ken Moffin (27 August 2011)
Ready to learn some advanced navigation techniques? Authors Ron Blehm and Ken Moffin introduce the concept of Required Navigation Performance (RNP), a type of navigation that allows an aircraft to fly a specific path between two three-dimensionally defined points.
HEAD-2-HEAD Feature II: DC-10 Versus L-1011 By Ron Blehm (16 August 2011)
Ron Blehm returns with another head-to-head aircraft comparison. This time it's between the Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011, big three engine jetliners that were built at exactly the same time and in many ways are almost twins.
The Commuter Turboprop Challenge By Ron Blehm (28 July 2011)
The author wonders why there are so many seemingly quite similar turboprop airliners available and which one is the "best".
Get Real #1 By Ron Blehm (14 June 2011)
A series in which real flights are recreated in flight simulator, this time a childhood trip to Ethiopia.
Around The World In ... How Long Does That Take? By Ron Blehm (27 March 2011)
Around the world in 80 days is a classic story, but with modern aircraft can the trip be done in 80 hours instead?
Flight Experience Singapore By Rohan Nair (27 October 2010)
Flight Experience Singapore offers anyone who cares to try the chance to fly a realistic Boeing 737-800 simulator.
Going Solo! By Chris Liddell (13 October 2010)
Many flightsimmers dream of taking the next step and training for a real pilot license; here is one man's experience.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner By Alex Czarnecki (20 October 2010)
Learn all about Boeing's latest jet, the 787 Dreamliner.
Canarsie! By Tony Vallillo (27 September 2010)
American Airlines pilot Tony Vallillo tells the story of the Canarsie Approach to KJFK and what it is like to fly it.
Final Argosy 4 - Fini Flight By Tony Vallillo (29 June 2010)
All things come to an end, and with one final round trip flight to Rome Captain Tony Vallillo ends his career flying the big jets.
A Sociopath's Guide To Flight Simulation By Richard Burgess (10 June 2010)
Flightsim fiction where the hobby takes over the subject's life; rated R for violence at the end.
I've Flown Some Crazy Stuff For You! By Ron Blehm (18 May 2010)
Inspired by a meeting with some like-minded flightsimmers and a museum visit, Ron Blehm investigates giant seaplanes from the golden age of aviation.
Kelly Pietrowicz "Flying Babe" By FlightSim.Com Staff (28 April 2010)
Meet airshow performer Kelly Pietrowicz "Flying Babe".
Fly To San Diego By Ron Blehm (26 February 2010)
Some history and technical background on San Diego airport.
35 Degrees North Latitude By Ron Blehm (14 January 2010)
Fly around the world at 35 degrees north latitude, an exploritive adventure.
Twenty Degrees (Or So) East By Ron Blehm (18 November 2009)
Fly half way around the world in a straight line along twenty degrees (or so) east longitude.
737-400 Simulator - British Airways, Cranebank By Jonny Caldwell (9 October 2009)
What's is like to fly in a simulator like the real airlines use? Here's the story of the British Airways 737-400 simulator at Cranebank.
Manchester to Izmir via Istanbul By Oliver Heaton (23 September 2009)
Take Turkish Airlines flight TK1944/TK334 from Manchester to Izmir via Istanbul, a complete illustrated story.
Final Argosy 3 - The Mercury By Tony Vallillo (28 August 2009)
With only a few flights in his airline career left, Tony Vallillo bids on American Airlines Flight #1 "The Mercury".
River Cruises - The Thames By Derek Swanson (25 August 2009)
River cruises by air make for some great sightseeing; here's a trip in the UK along The Thames.
River Cruises - The Rhine By Derek Swanson (9 August 2009)
River cruises by air make for some great sightseeing; here's a trip along The Rhine
River Cruises - The Rhone By Derek Swanson (27 July 2009)
River cruises by air make for some great sightseeing; here's a trip along The Rhone from Switzerland to France.
Final Argosy 2 - Last Tango In Paris By Tony Vallillo (18 July 2009)
Airline pilot Tony Vallillo winds down his career with another favorite route, a round trip from JFK to Paris.
River Cruises - The Po By Derek Swanson (8 June 2009)
River cruises by air make for some great sightseeing; here's a trip along The Po, starting in the Alps and ending at the Adriatic Sea.
Texan Aerobatics - In The Metal By Derek Swanson (27 May 2009)
After years of flightsimming, the author decides to try real world flight -- an aerobatics adventure in a T-6 Texan.
Holiday Flights Above NL-2000 North To South By Jeroen Arends (8 May 2009)
Jeroen Arends continues his series with holiday flights abovethe NL2000 scenery from north to south.
River Cruises - The Nile By Derek Swanson (23 April 2009)
River cruises make for some great aerial sightseeing; here's a trip the Nile in sections, from Luxor to Khartoum.
River Cruises - The Jordan By Derek Swanson (14 April 2009)
River cruises make for some great aerial sightseeing; here's a trip along the Jordan from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.
DC-3 Airways Recreates World War II Air Assault: Operation Varsity By Sherman Kaplan (25 March 2009)
DC-3 Airways pilots recreate the World War II Air Assault: Operation Varsity 60 years almost to the day after the real thing.
The Question By Hans-Joerg Krohn (18 February 2009)
Pernaps the most asked question about flightsimming is whether it prepares a person to fly a real plane; the author puts this to the test by traking on Lufthansa's 737 NG simulator.
Come And Visit Australia By Bastian Blinten (12 November 2008)
Tour the continent of Australia in this thoroughly described and illustrated adventure.
The F7F Story By Joe Thompson (23 October 2008)
The Korean War was the last gasp for prop driven fighters; here is the story of the F7F that played a significant role in that conflict.
Final Argosy - Under The Southern Cross By Tony Vallillo (9 October 2008)
After announcing his retirement, Tony Vallillo begins his Final Argosy, a series of farewell flights, this one from JFK to Buenos Aires.
Come And Visit Asia By Bastian Blinten (4 October 2008)
This article provide a wide ranging tour of all corners of Asia, visiting countries large and small, high mountains and even flying below sea level.
Come And Visit Europe Part 2 By Bastian Blinten (3 September 2008)
A continued exploration of Europe using a variety of aircraft and visiting many countries including Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia and more.
Final Argosy By Tony Vallillo (7 August 2008)
All good things end, including a pilot's career; faced with this reality but with #1 seniority, the author takes advantage of his final days to start a series of favorite flights.
Come And Visit Europe Part 1 By Bastian Blinten (8 July 2008)
A tour of Europe that you can fly yourself, using a variety of planes and visiting many parts of the continent.
Engine 13 Is Moving Up By Ron Blehm (4 July 2008)
Tying firefighting and flightsimming together may seem like a stretch, but aircraft are often used in forest fires as this story explains.
Return To Service By Joe Thompson (13 June 2008)
The author traces the history of the big Lockheed L1011 TriStar and then "rescues" one for use in Flight Simulator.
Teddy Travels The World By Ron Blehm (17 May 2008)
Inspired by a book, Ron Blehm considers how flight simulator can be used to share the wide world of culture and geography with our children.
As Real As It Gets By Bastian Bechtold (14 May 2008)
As real as it gets, a report on realism in flight simulations.
Come And Visit South America By Bastian Blinten (2 May 2008)
An inspiring trip through many parts of South American in a variety of planes that you can duplicate using your flight simulator.
High (Simulated) Flight By Randy Link (23 April 2008)
Inspired by the most famous aviation poem, here is a flightsim version.
Inteview With Just Flight's Alex Ford On F-Lite By FlightSim.Com Staff (23 April 2008)
Learn from Just Flight's Alex Ford about their easier to fly F-Lite airliner series.
Novel Idea By Ron Blehm (29 March 2008)
Not just a novel ideal, but an actual novel (the book kind) inspires a series of flights through Central and South America.
Come And Visit The U.S. And Caribbean By Bastian Blinten (26 March 2008)
Inspired by other travel articles and favorite locations in past versions of Flight Simulator, the author takes a flying tour of the U.S. And Caribbean.
Eagle Air Charter By Andy Hatcher (13 March 2008)
Charter flying requires a pilot to be ready for anything, as proves the case in the aid mission described here that ends with a difficult landing.
Come And Visit Africa By Bastian Blinten (9 March 2008)
The continent of Africa offers plenty of adventure for the flightsim pilot, as described here in a series of flights during the regions summer season.
Short Haul II By Tony Vallillo (18 February 2008)
Usually duplicating a real world jetliner flight requires quite a bit of flying time--but not this flight!
Come And Visit North America By Bastian Blinten (12 February 2008)
Think you know North America? The author describes a tour you can duplicate with your simulator to areas you've probably never ventured to before.
Exploring The World's Top Ten Wine Making Regions: Loire Valley To Tuscany By Aaron Smith (25 January 2008)
Flying is more fun when given a purpose, and the purpose of these flights is to explore win country in France and Italy.
Aerobatics By Bastian Blinten (23 January 2008)
Aerobatics are great to watch and can be duplicated using your flight simulator as the author here describes.
Come And Visit Spain By Bastian Blinten (7 January 2008)
Using an unusual traveling plane, the author offers a tour of Spain that you can duplicate with your flight simulator.
Holiday Flights Above NL-2000 v3 Christmas Release 2007 By Jeroen Arends (26 December 2007)
A tour of the NL2000 Christmas 2007 expansion scenery, part of one of the most ambitious flightsim scenery projects ever.
Floundering Around Part 18: Floundering Around The World By Ron Blehm (2 December 2007)
For the final article in this series, the author takes the ultimate challenge--a trip around the world--doing it in a 737 and offing ideas for your own flights.
On Albatross Wings By Joe Thompson (20 November 2007)
A flying adventure in the Grumman HU-16E Albatross amphibian, following its crew as they fly the Caribbean from their base in Nassau.
Atlas Jet KKK4455 Manchester to Ercan via Istanbul By Oliver Heaton (13 November 2007)
Due to its troubled political climate, a flight to Cyprus is a bit tricky, as described here.
Floundering Around Part 17: New Guinea Highlands By Ron Blehm (2 November 2007)
This time the Floundering Around series of flights that you can fly yourself expores the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
FS2002 Deluxe By Bastian Blinten (12 October 2007)
Can you still enjoy the old FS2002 version? You can if you turn it into your own deluxe version with available add-ons.
Floundering Around Part 16: Nevada Tour By Ron Blehm (25 September 2007)
The Floundering Around series of flights you can duplicate yourself continues with a round robin flight to a military airport in Nevada.
Flight Simulator As A Learning Experience Part 2 By Daryl Lowey (24 September 2007)
Part 2 on how airshow performer took a damaged Starduster and combined it with Flight Simulator to offer educations aviation demonstrations.
Floundering Around Part 15: Floundering For Places To Fly - Paul's Tour By Ron Blehm (9 August 2007)
This installment covers two themes, visits to places the Biblical writer Paul would have frequented and generally finding new and interesting places to fly.
FSX For Pilots - Real World Training: An Interview With The Authors By FlightSim.Com Staff (28 July 2007)
The FlightSim.Com staffs interviews the real world pilots who wrote the book on using FSX for real world training.
Showtime! By Tony Vallillo (22 July 2007)
You've seen the photos or videos of Saint Maartin...where the planes practically land on the beach. Here's what it's like from the pilot's perspective.
Glacier Girl Takes Flight To Complete Its Mission By Bill Otten (1 July 2007)
The real world Glacier Girl P-38 spent years covered with ice, but now returns to flight and flightsimmers can duplicate the trip.
The New Seven Wonders Of The World By Ron Blehm (8 June 2007)
With the announces of the New Seven Wonders Of The World, it seemed like a great opportunity to flightsim to some interesting destinations.
Japan To Hawaii In A DC-8 By Joe Thompson (13 May 2007)
A travelogue from Japan to Hawaii in a Douglas DC-8 that you can duplicate yourself in Flight Simulator.
This flight was created by Alejandro Irasquin and includes a back story, some history of the DC-3 you'll be flying, and a trip through Central America. By Ron Blehm (6 May 2007)
Floundering Around Part 14: A Central American Adventure
Low & Slow Over Italy By Joe Thompson (13 April 2007)
A low and slow round robin flight over Italy in a classic Beechcraft D18S.
Thomson Fly Tom 3837 Manchester to Antalya By Oliver Heaton (10 April 2007)
The author imagines being an airline pilot on Thomson Fly Tom 3837 Manchester to Antalya.
Floundering Around Part 13: Rocky Mountain High By Ron Blehm (2 April 2007)
This flight created by Tony Radmilovich takes you to a series of high altitude and otherwise challenging airports in the American southwest.
Fog! By Tony Vallillo (24 March 2007)
Boeing 767 captain Tony Vallillo describes a real world transatlantic flight into a foggy Paris and the first actual CAT III autoland in his long career.
The Return Trip: Flight FCA37 By Tom Wootton (5 March 2007)
The author takes us along on a simulated First Choice flight FCA37 from Mexico to the UK.
Floundering Around Part 12: Berlin Airlift By Ron Blehm (1 March 2007)
This flight was created by Hans Linde and tells the story of the Berlin airlift, and provides instructions, history and aircraft so that you can fly it yourself.
An Ilyushin Flight In Russia - Flying The IL-76TD By Joe Thompson (14 February 2007)
Fly a Russian airplane in a part of the world where NDB's are still used for navigation, on a flight from the Baltic to Siberia.
Kenmore Air By Odnod McDondo (9 February 2007)
Odnod McDondo describes how a book on Kenmore Air inspired some of his flightsimming, as well as being some good reading on its own.
Floundering Around Part 11: A Heavy Commuter Run By Ron Blehm (30 January 2007)
This article is done with the help of Bill Smith, who uses a real world trip to Japan as an inspiration for a series of flightsim flights.
Formation Flying With Patrouille Suisse By Tony Vallillo (25 January 2007)
When you already fly for a living what kind of flying do you do for fun? How about formation flying with Patrouille Suisse.
Floundering Around Part 10: The Hajj By Ron Blehm (30 December 2006)
This article takes us to the Middle East, where air traffic is especially busy this time of year leading into Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.
Floundering Around Part 9: We Do Kivu By Ron Blehm (27 November 2006)
This article takes us to Africa, a continent that many flightsimmers probably don't spend much time in. The flight is a round-robin starting in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cold And Dark By Tony Vallillo (11 November 2006)
Flightsimmers make much out of starting their flights "cold and dark". Airline captain Tony Vallillo offers his thoughts on how "cold and dark" happens in the real world.
Three Men And A Baby Boeing By Bill Smith (4 November 2006)
Bill Smith describes an evening of sim pilot fun exploring the world with a friend's highly realistic Boeing 737 home cockpit.
Flight FCA36 By Tom Wootton (2 November 2006)
Tom Wootton offers another example as he takes us along with him on simulated First Choice flight FCA36 from the UK to Mexico.
Floundering Around Part 8: Boeing 767 By Ron Blehm (26 October 2006)
This article is a long distance jetliner flight covering parts of the world that many flightsimmers probably don't explore: South American to Africa.
Flight Simulator As A Learning Experience By Daryl Lowey (25 October 2006)
Having a damaged Starduster biplane on hand gave the author the idea to combine the two and offer up a real airplane that could be "flown" using Flight Simulator connected to its normal controls.
Around The World 2006 By Cedric De Keyser (22 October 2006)
Cedric De Keyser has put a lot of thought into his journey and now begins his multi-part presentation with an introduction, some thoughts on aircraft and then the first legs and he heads off through Europe.
Just Flight And Preparation For FSX By FlightSim.Com Staff (19 October 2006)
An interview with Just Flight and their preparation for FSX.
Bathed In Sweat - The Joys Of Online Flying By Bastian Blinten (5 October 2006)
So what is online flying with real people acting as ATC really like? Bastian Blinten decided to expand his flightsimming skills and give it a try.
Atlantic Canada In A YS-11 By Joe Thompson (26 September 2006)
The story of a day of round robin flying in eastern Canada using the Japanese built NAMC YS-11.
Floundering Around Part 7: High Altitude Sickness II By Ron Blehm (21 September 2006)
Another story of high altitude flying in the mountains of South America that you can duplicate yourself.
1321 km In Silent Wings By Thomas Sevaldrud and Adrian Mesbah (11 September 2006)
Thestory of a real time 1321 km glider flight using Silent Wings.
A Tale Of A Whale By J.H. Thompson (31 August 2006)
The true store of a cross country flight of a Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight. It's a very personal story, with lots of background about the Skyknight.
Floundering Around Part 6: High Altitude Sickness By Ron Blehm (24 August 2006)
A story of high altitude flying in the mountains of South America that you can duplicate yourself.
Aqua Simulator 2006 By Adnan Arif (4 August 2006)
Stretching the abilities of FS2004 to use it as a boating simulator.
FlightSim.Com Visits Microsoft Aces Studio By FlightSim.Com Staff (24 July 2006)
The FlightSim.Com staff visits Microsoft Aces Studio, where Flight Simulator is created.
International Flightsim Convention (IFC) Denver 2006 By FlightSim.Com Staff (18 July 2006)
The FlightSim.Com staff visits the International Flightsim Convention (IFC) 2006 in Denver.
Floundering Around Part 5: BAe 146 By Ron Blehm (12 July 2006)
Some adventures flying the BAe 146 four engine jetliner, with trips around New Zealand and the Canary Islands.
Flying The Ford Trimotor By Nels Anderson (25 June 2006)
The Ford Trimotor is one of the Flight Simulator default aircraft and fortunately a few real ones are still around and flying; the author describes such a flight and compares it with the flightsim plane.
FS Fiction By Andy Johnston (30 May 2006)
There are many ways to enjoy flightsimming and recently Andy Johnston has embarked on something a bit unusual: a serialized fictional flightsim story of his adventures as a pilot trying to make a living flying.
Floundering Around Part 4: Frozen Floundering By Ron Blehm (23 May 2006)
In this continuing series of flying adventures that you can duplicate in Flight Simulator, the author visits Antarctica in some classic aircraft.
Destination: Hong Kong By Bill Smith (16 May 2006)
After visiting Hong Kong in real life the author decided to visit it again in Flight Simulator.
Golden Hawaii Part 1 By Tony Vallillo (6 May 2006)
Real world airline pilot Tony Vallillo shares one of his trips, flying to the holiday paradise of Hawaii.
A Visit To The Piper Aviation Museum By DreamFleet's Louis Betti (25 April 2006)
A Visit To The Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where many Piper aircraft were built.
Confessions Of A 757 Trainee Part 3 By Kris Heslop (15 April 2006)
Part 3 of a series in which airline pilot Kris Heslop describes transition training to the Boeing 757--doing curcuits!
Interview With Shawn Firminger By Mike DeCastro (4 April 2006)
Interview With Shawn Firminger, ACES Studio Manager for Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
Floundering Around Part 3: "We Do, Skardu" By Ron Blehm (6 April 2006)
Another in the Floundering Around series of flights you can fly with your simulator, this time offering some rugged mountain flying.
Around The World In Flight Simulator By Bastian Blinten (3 April 2006)
Flight around the world in flight simulator is almost as daunting as doing it for real, but Bastian Blinten has done it several times using different sims.
Confessions Of A 757 Trainee Part 2 By Kris Heslop (31 March 2006)
Part 2 of a series in which airline pilot Kris Heslop describes transition training to the Boeing 757, this time covering full flight phase in simulators.
Women's History Month: Breaking The Gender Gap By Cap Mason (9 March 2006)
For Women's History Month some early women pilots are profiled: Louise Thaden, Ruth Nichols, Laura Ingalls, Amy Johnson and Harriet Quimby.
Women's History Month: Pioneers in the Skies and in Space By Cap Mason (9 March 2006)
Celebrating Women's History Month with profiles of Amelia Earhart, Jacqueline Cochran, Sally Ride and Patty Wagstaff.
Women's History Month: Lilya Litvak By Cap Mason (9 March 2006)
During WWII Russia actually had women fighter pilots; here is the story of top ace Lilya Litvak, "The White Rose of Stalingrad".
A Fighter, a Flapper, a Kiwi, A Voyager and a Captain By Cap Mason (9 March 2006)
For Women's History Month several female pilots are profiled, including Lt. kara Spears Hultgreen, Bessica Raiche, Jean Batten, Jeana Yeager and Emily Howell Warner.
General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. By Mad Max Merlin (5 May 2006)
Celebrating black history in aviation with a profile of General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
Confessions Of A 757 Trainee By Kris Heslop (26 February 2006)
In part 1 of a series, airline pilot Kris Heslop describes the start of transition training to the Boeing 757 including lots of simulator time.
For Black History month, a profile of Janet Bragg, African American Aviator By Cap Mason (22 February 2006)
Janet Bragg, African American Aviator
Floundering Around Part 2: Seven-Thirty-Samos By Ron Blehm (16 February 2006)
An adventure you can fly yourself, from western Europe to the Greek vacation hot spot of Samos Island.
Short Haul By Tony Vallillo (3 February 2006)
Just how short can a commercial airliner flight be? This American Airlines flight may well be the record holder.
A Long Haul In A Hercules By Joe Thompson (15 January 2006)
A lengthly flight adventure, Osaka to Moscow, in a C-130 Hercules, including flight plans, scenery, charts and more.
The true story of the earliest flight simulator, the Link Trainer, dating back to the 1930s. By David A. Dingler (10 January 2006)
Where Flight Simulation Really Began - The Link Story
Floundering Around Part 1: Puget Sound By Ron Blehm (4 January 2006)
The first in a series of flying adventures that you can duplicate yourself in Flight Simulator; this one is a seaplane adventure around Puget Sound.
QF11: "Five In-Flight Movies Between Australia And The USA" By Bill Smith (2 January 2006)
USA to Australia is a long flight but some simmers do it, as describe in this story about duplicating Qantas flight QF11."
Flying The Hump By Andrew Herd (27 November 2005)
The story of the WWII aviators flying "The Hump", a dangerous mountain route into China where supplies were desperately needed.
The Big Question: How Close To Reality Are We Flying MSFS? By Jens Peter Bruun-Hansen (20 November 2005)
The author takes up one of the hobby's most asked questions--just how close are our sims to real flying?
An Interview With Alex Ford Of Just Flight By FlightSim.Com Staff (17 November 2005)
An interview with Alex Ford of Just Flight, looking at his role as publishing director and some infon how Just Flight works.
Variations On A Theme III By Ali Mujtaba (10 November 2005)
Ask several flightsimmers "what is your favorite airliner" and you'll surely get a number of different answers, as these five people show.
"Virtual" Career By Tony Vallillo (7 November 2005)
Real world airline pilot Tony Vallillo looks at virtual pilot career options created by flightsimmers to enhance their reality and enjoyment, including a looka the program "Airliner Pilot".
Around Thailand in a DC-6 -- Flying Cargo in Southeast Asia By Joe Thompson (3 November 2005)
Flying cargo in Southeast Asia as done the old way, in a Douglas DC-6, including complete route description. and links to scenery and more.
Transcon - A Flight From JFK To SEA By Tony Vallillo (10 October 2005)
Real world airline pilot Tony Vallillo provides a look at what's it is really like to pilot a transcontinental flight.
Interview With Wolfgang Schwarz By FlightSim.Com Staff (22 September 2005)
An Interview with Wolfgang Schwarz, author of Traffic 2005.
Real Vs. Sim Flying: Cessna 172SP By Ken Glaze (20 September 2005)
The author compares the Cessna 172 available in Flight Simulator with the real world plane in which he has spent many hours.
Minneapolis Tower By Ryan Butterworth (3 September 2005)
A tour of Minneapolis Tower.
Why Not Model? Grumman A-6 Intruder By Evan Levesque (31 August 2005)
A history of the Grumman A-6 Intruder carrier based attack plane and options for flying virtual versions of the plane.
Two Aussies/Two Yanks Around The World By Dick Graham (16 August 2005)
Four pilots share an around the world flight, each taking random legs, using different aircraft and flying in real weather conditions.
An Association For Virtual Pilots By J. Conner (15 August 2005)
A look at the Virtual Pilots Association.
A Little Bit of Boeing History: or How to Do a Barrel Roll in November 707 By Andrew Herd (15 July 2005)
The true story of how the first Boeing 707 did a barrel roll during a demonstration, including a look at the physics behind it and how to do it in Flight Simulator.
Got Nothing Better To Do With Your Time? By Hans Krohn (23 June 2005)
Got nothing better to do with your time? Then build your own cockpit, as the author did.
A General-Purpose Panel For Use In Simulation Or Games By Elden Slick (14 June 2005)
The author shows how to build aa general-purpose panel for use in flight simulation or games.
Around The World In About Two Hundred And Eighty Days By Nigel Mason (24 May 2005)
The author flys around the world but takes his time and enjoys the view!
So You Want To Be A Beta Tester? By Chip Barber (23 May 2005)
Many think that being a beta tester is just a way to get early releases and free software, but there's much more to it than that.
Golden Argosy II By Tony Vallillo And Chuck Gehman (17 May 2005)
An airline flight from New York to Rome with a twist--side by side stories from a real airline pilot flying the route and a flightsimmer trying to accurately duplicate it.
RV-ating 3 - Heaven on a Hill By Andrew Herd (23 March 2005)
It's one thing to build a virtual airplane, but real pilots can build real planes too, as told in this story.
Baroness Raymonde de Laroche By Jennifer Conner (21 March 2005)
The story of an aviation pioneer and details on how to recreate her famous flight.
Great Airplanes 6: Vickers Vimy By Andrew Herd (19 March 2005)
A look at one of history's great airplanes, the Vickers Vimy, including its Flight Simulator version.
Flightsim Nirvana By Adnan Arif (9 March 2005)
One man's personal voyage into flight simulator nirvana with his favorite hardware and software add-ons.
Around The World - Navy Style By L.N. "Cale" Yarbrough, USN (3 March 2005)
A navy take on an around the world flight, using naval aircraft and following a strict set of rules for maximum reality.
Bessie Coleman By Cap Mason (1 March 2005)
A profile of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman.
A Night In Elf Hill By Tony Vallillo (16 February 2005)
A look at perhaps the ultimate home cockpit, built from the front fuselage of an actual Boeing 727.
The Tuskegee Airmen By Mad Max Merlin (12 February 2005)
A profile of the WWII fighter group, the Tuskegee Airmen
Great Airplanes 5: DeHavilland Comet By Andrew Herd (10 February 2005)
A profile of the DeHavilland Comet, one of the great classic planes included with FS2004.
Hunting Lightning By Ulrich Klein (2 February 2005)
A pictorial insight into the most popular animated feature of FS2004--lightning.
The Four Conquerors By Michael DeLong (29 January 2005)
The author goes through the process (virtually anyway) of choosing and buying a plane for personal use.
Kai Tak Was A Cakewalk! By Jason Rivard (21 January 2005)
Though Kai Tak is well known for its challenging approach, Gibraltar offers some serious challenges too.
Great Airplanes 4: Messerschmitt Me 262 By Andrew Herd (12 January 2005)
A look at one of history's great airplanes, the WWII jet powered Messerschmitt Me 262.
Products of the Year: 2004 By Mad Max Merlin (31 December 2004)
A look at the best flightsim products of 2004.
Real Vs. Sim Flying By Ken Glaze (3 December 2004)
Real vs. sim flying, comparing flying a real Cessna 152 with the flightsim version.
Great Airplanes 3: Douglas DC-3 By Andrew Herd (22 November 2004)
A profile of another all time great airplane included in FS2004: the Douglas DC-3.
A Trip To The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Facility By Tony Martin (9 November 2004)
A visit to the new division of the Smithsonian, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Facility.
Great Airplanes 2: Piper J-3 Cub By Andrew Herd (21 October 2004)
A look at another all time great airplane that is included with FS2004: the Piper J-3 Cub.
Ramp Work By Dai Griffiths (28 September 2004)
Most flightsimmers dream of being pilots, but there are other jobs in aviation. Here the author describes a summer job working the ramp at Belfast City Airport.
Brussels To Madeira Via Ostend And Return By Cedric De Keyser (8 September 2004)
A challenging flight you can try yourself after reading the article: Brussels to Madeira via Ostend and return.
Australian Flight Simulation Expo By John Dow (31 August 2004)
A visitor's report on the Australian Flight Simulation Expo.
Golden Argosy Part 5 By Tony Vallillo (21 August 2004)
The fifth and final installment of airline captain Tony Vallillo's trip to Rome.
Grumman F-14: A Navy Legend Retires By Evan Levesque (17 August 2004)
A profile of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat which was recently retired by the US Navy, and options for Tomcats you can fly yourself.
Brigadoon: AirVenture 2004 By Tony Vallillo (5 August 2004)
A visit to the world's biggest air show: AirVenture 2004.
Golden Argosy Part 4 - Homeward Bound By Tony Vallillo (4 August 2004)
Airline captain Tony Vallillo continues his description of captaining a flight from New York to Rome, with this segment covering the return trip.
Choosing A Video Projector For Flight Simulation By Mervyn Spencer (29 July 2004)
Want a really big display for your flightsim? Here are tips for choosing a video projector for flight simulation.
White Knuckles Over The Andes By Bill Smith (26 July 2004)
Mountain flying is a challenge even in the big jets, as described in this white knuckle flight over the Andes.
Golden Argosy Part 3 By Tony Vallillo (15 July 2004)
Airline pilots get paid to travel, and some like the author take full advantage; here is describe the glory of Rome.
Golden Argosy Part 2B By Tony Vallillo (29 June 2004)
Fly along with airline captain Tony Vallillo as he gives a behind the scenes look at piloting this big jets, with this segment describing the arrival at Rome.
Great Airplanes: The Ford Trimotor By Andrew Herd (25 June 2004)
A profile of one of the all time great airplanes that are included with FS2004: The Ford Trimotor.
Golden Argosy Part 2A By Tony Vallillo (19 June 2004)
Fly along with airline captain Tony Vallillo as he gives a behind the scenes look at piloting this big jets, with this segment describing the flight from JFK to Rome.
Golden Argosy Part 1 By Tony Vallillo (1 June 2004)
What is it like to be at the controls of a jetliner on a transatlantic flight? Pilot Tony Vallillo gives all the details in the series starting here, with a look at the flight preparation.
Aerobatics In Flight Simulator By Andrew Herd (3 May 2004)
A look at aerobatics and what can be done in Flight Simulator.
Variations On A Theme By Ron Blehm (26 April 2004)
Ask eight flightsimmers to take on the same flight and each comes up with their own unique approach.
VFR Corner By David Voogd (30 March 2004)
An introduction to VFR flying, including visual navigation, choices in airplanes and hardware include charts and controls.
Flight Simulation vs. Real Aviation: 3D Flight Simulation Technologies By William Harvey (9 March 2004)
A look at available 3D technologies, how well they work in the flightsim environment and their potential benefits.
RV-ating Part 2 By Andrew Herd (2 March 2004)
It's one thing to build a virtual model of an airplane, but some people build their own real airplanes; here is part 2 of the story.
Real vs Sim Flying By Bryan Snider (11 February 2004)
The author takes up the challenge of training to be a real pilot and compares it with his flightsim experiences.
RVaiting By Andrew Herd (27 January 2004)
It's one thing to build a virtual model of an airplane, but some people build their own real planes; the story starts here.
Firestorm 2003 By John Dale (9 January 2004)
An up close look at how aircraft are used to flight large fires.
Learning To Fly -- Conclusion By Joe Zuzul (29 December 2003)
The author completes his journey from flightsimmer to licensed pilot.
The story of Charity Flight 2003, as a group of flightsimmers conduct a long flight and raise money for charity. By Devon Leslie (10 December 2003)
Charity Flight 2003: A Virtual Pilot's Perspective
Rescue at Badger Lake By Jared Smith (25 November 2003)
The story of a daring air rescue at Badger Lake, deep in the mountains.
A Long Flight From L.A. By Jared Smith (28 October 2003)
The story of a long day of flying out of LAX with enough detail for you to duplicate it in your sim.
An Experience In A Qantas 747-400 Simulator By Alan Ramage (9 October 2003)
What is it like to fly the simulators that real pilots train on? The authors tries the Qantas 747-400 simulator.
A Visit To Lady Liberty By Anthony Vallillo (30 September 2003)
Flying the Hudson River corridor through New York City is exciting whether done in a real plane or in flight simulator. Here is how it's done.
Target For Tonight By Brad Wright (10 September 2003)
A first person account of what it's like to fly a massively multiplayer WarBirds III mission.
Learning To Fly -- Cross Country By Joe Zuzul (2 September 2003)
The author nears the end of his pilot training and embarks on a major portion -- cross country flying.
Paris Air Show 2003 By David Bayliss (12 August 2003)
The Paris Air Show is one of the biggest aviation events in the world. The author gives a report on the 2003 show.
WestWind Airlines Flight WW956 By Michael Rowley (16 July 2003)
Join the author in Orlando for WestWind Airlines Flight WW956, a flight you can try yourself after reading the details.
The Return Journey By John Reynolds (8 July 2003)
The author experiences a real world 757 from the flight deck jump seat.
Air 2000 Flight 418 - Manchester To Antalya By FlightSim.Com Staff (22 May 2003)
A flight that you can duplicate in your sim -- Air 2000 Flight 418 - Manchester To Antalya.
Courchevel: One of the Most Dangerous Airports By Vilius Kirvaitis (14 May 2003)
Courchevel in the French Alps is one of the world's most unique and dangerous airports. Here is how you can fly into it.
The Best Seat In The House By Rob Olson (22 April 2003)
The author describes his experiences riding in the jump seat on airline flights.
North American Top Gun By Mad Max Merlin (30 March 2003)
North American Top Gun lets anyone experience realistic air combat flying in a T6 Texan.
Around The World With Horizon Dreams By Cedric De Keyser (7 March 2003)
Part 1 of a trip around the world with Horizon Dreams.
Flying And Loving The 737 Classics Series By Simon Lloyd (27 February 2003)
Flying and loving the 737 classics series offers a detailed explanation of how to fly this popular jetliner.
Learning To Fly -- Solo By Joe Zuzul (11 February 2003)
The author continues his learning to fly series with a major landmark -- solo flight.
Flying Airliners With FS98 By Richard Rice (1 February 2003)
An explanation of airliner flying with FS98.
TWA Flight 806 By Rick Malmsten (27 January 2003)
The author shares the sroty of TWA Flight 806, New York to Paris, with tips on flying it yourself.
FS98...Anyone There? By Richard Rice (23 January 2003)
Even though there are new sims available, the author still enjoys using FS98.
Delivering The Mail Around The World In A Single Engine Aircraft By Ron Jorgensen (20 January 2003)
Description and set of flight plans for delivering the mail around the world in a single engine aircraft.
Armchair Aviator Awards By Andrew Herd (31 December 2002)
Reviewer Andrew Herd hands out awards for some of his favorite review subjects.
Sailing In FS2002? By Brian Smith (10 December 2002)
Sailing in FS2002? Yes, yes you can since sims readily allow for non-flying vehicles. This articles explains how.
Flying The B-1B Flight Simulator By Clyde Durham (11 November 2002)
The military has full motion simulations much like the airlines do, and the author got the chance to try the B-1B flight simulator.
Another Trip Around The Globe By Ron Blehm (24 October 2002)
The author offers his take on a trip around the globe, usin a variety of aircraft.
Lightning And Thunderbolts Of The 367th By Mad Max Merlin (22 October 2002)
Some history of P-38 Lightnings and P-47 Thunderbolts of the 367th squadron during WWII.
Boeing 777 Simulator By Bill Smith (14 October 2002)
A description of a home built Boeing 777 simulator.
Making Scenery As A Team: The Netherlands NL2000 Team By Johan Calje (3 October 2002)
The NL2000 scenery project is one of the largest undertakings ever in the flightsim hobby. Here is some background on the team and the project.
Flight SQ25 - New York JFK - Frankfurt am Main By Peter van Swaaij (19 September 2002)
Detailed description of a flight you can try yourself, Flight SQ25 from New York JFK to Frankfurt am Main.
Ryanair Flight FR8096 Frankfurt - Bournemouth By Nico Schwab (12 September 2002)
The story of a flight you can try yourself, Ryanair Flight FR8096 Frankfurt to Bournemouth.
Tales Of The Men From Tuskegee By Mad Max Merlin (9 September 2002)
A history of the Tuskegee Airmen.
What Goes Into Designing A Flightsim Aircraft? By Andrew Herd (6 September 2002)
Most people have no idea just how much is involved in creating a flightsim model of an aircraft. Using hte MAAM-Sim R4D-6 as an example, the author shows all that is involved.
Airbus vs Boeing: Who Is Moving In The Right Direction? By Devon Leslie And Rick Attfield (29 August 2002)
A nose to nose debate -- Airbus vs Boeing: Who Is Moving In The Right Direction?
Learning To Fly By Joe Zuzul (27 August 2002)
The author decides to take the next step from flightsimming and learn to fly real planes.
A Change In Pace: The ATC Simulator By Ryan Butterworth (8 July 2002)
A look at the ATC simulator at the University of North DAkota that is used to train air traffic controllers.
Flight Review--CX102 By Ashwin Ratnam (2 July 2002)
The story of Cathay Pacific flight CX102 from Brisbane to Hong Kong, a flight you can recreated yourself.
Delta Airlines 141 From EBBR To KJFK By Rik Vyverman (18 June 2002)
A flight you can try yourself, Boeing 767 from EBBR to KJFK.
Do You Remember? A Pictorial Flightsim History By Ulrich Klein (1 June 2002)
A pictorial flashback into the history of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Vienna - Innsbruck (And Return) Flight Review By Cedric De Keyser (22 May 2002)
A flight you can try yourself, Boeing 747 from Vienna to Innsbruck (and return).
Pannon Tu-154 Adventure: Budapest To Athens By FlightSim.Com Staff (14 May 2002)
Flying a Russian jetliner in eastern Europe: Pannon Tu-154 Adventure: Budapest to Athens.
Around The World In A King Air By Tony Radmilovich (21 March 2002)
The author finds that as flying skills increase, a sim pilot needs new challenges. Flying around the world in a smallish turboprop aircraft cretainly meets that need.
An Interview With Johan Dees By Adam Nardone (14 March 2002)
An interview with Johan Dees, flight dynamics engineer with Phoenix Simulation Software.
737-200 Simulator - A Report By Malcolm Kenworthy (13 March 2002)
The author tries his hand at a real world Boeing 737-200 training simulator.>
Condor A320 Adventure: Dusseldorf To Tenerife By FlightSim.Com Staff (19 February 2002)
A flight you can try yourself, Condor Airbus A320 from Dusseldorf to Tenerife.
The Real World By Karl Gjertsen (2 November 2001)
The author decides to examine the question of just how realistic flight simulator is versus the real world and offers a pictoral comparison.
Flight Without Power: The Exquisite Challenge Of Soaring By Christopher J. Gordan (1 October 2001)
Have you ever tried soaring? Flight Simulator offers gliders to fly as well as powered planes and the author encourages you to give soaring a try.
Hangar Flying By Ted Thomas (1 September 2001)
An introduction to a column on hangar flying.
A Trip To The University Of North Dakota Aerospace Camp 2001 By Martin Rottler (23 August 2001)
The author describes his stay at the University Of North Dakota Aerospace Camp 2001.
Exposing A Long Held Secret And Short Biography Of The SAAB JA37 And The Real Jack Veggin By Jack W. Veggin Sr. (21 August 2001)
Exposing a long held secret and short biography of the SAAB JA37 and the real Jack Veggin.
Interview: Camil Valiquette By Adam B. Carlson (18 December 2000)
An interview with aircraft designer Camil Valiquette.
Interview: Aaron Swindle By FlightSim.Com Staff (1 October 2000)
An interview with sound designer Aaron Swindle.
An interview with the International Aircraft Design Group (IADG). By FlightSim.Com Staff (15 September 2000)
Interview: International Aircraft Design Group (IADG)
A True Flight Story - The Eye of the Storm By Loren Daniels (1 September 2000)
A scary night flight, complete with everything but the Gremlin on the wing!
Porter Around The World By Art Burke (30 August 2000)
A flight around the world the slow way, in a Pilatus Porter.
Beta Tester Tips By Brad Burton (15 August 2000)
Being a beta tester is not simply an way to get software early, it's a job that comes with responsibilities.