FlightSim.Com - Opinion-Editorials

Please note that Op-Ed articles are entirely the opinions of their authors and do not express official policy or opinion of FlightSim.Com

What It Is Like To Be A VA Owner, Manager Or Commander
David Zaleski shares his experiences with virtual airlines.
No Need For Revolt, It's About Being Flexible
David Zaleski questions the need for a shake-up in the virtual airline world.
Keep On The Sunny Side
Mike McCarthy tells how FS has affected the lives of two young boys.
Let The Virtual Airline Revolution Begin
Michael Talbot offers some thoughts on virtual airlines.
A Diamond In The Rough
Ed Davis offers some thoughts on virtual airlines.
Backups -- And Off-Site Backups
Mike McCarthy offers some good examples of how things can go wrong and why backups are such a good idea.
A Call To Developers
Jeff Tucker questions the pricing of some commercial add-ons.
A Rookie's View Of Terrain Mesh
Mike McCarthy considered the benefits of improved terrain mesh in FSX.
Thanks To A Brotherhood
Ron Blehm looks at the special brotherhood that flightsimmers share.
The Search for Payware Perfection Redux
Alejandro Hurtado looks at the problems with add-ons.
The Pointless Search for Payware Perfection
Mike McCarthy looks at the problems with add-ons.
FSOutsider
Mike McCarthy reacts to Microsoft's closing of ACES Studios.
Is Happiness Something That You Find?
Ron Blehm explores the need for having the newest, latest things.
Attention Users Who Edit .Air Files
Adobe AIR causes some concern for flightsimmers; Mike McCarthy explains the issues.
FlightSim.Com Has Blogs
What is a blog and why would you want one? Mike McCarthy explains.
Coffs Harbour Flight Simulation Group
John White describes the benefits of having a local flightsim club.
What Makes A Good FS Plane?
Jef Van Laer considers the qualities of good add-on aircraft.
The FS Merry-Go-Round
Andrew Herd considers the long history of Flight Simulator versions.
Mike's Musings #13: Piracy? Or Honesty?
Mike McCarthy discovers the world of software piracy.
Mike's Musings #12: Open Component FS Addons
Mike McCarthy described the advantages of "openware" -- open component flightsim add-ons.
Vintage Sims Compared To New Machines
Phil Blankenship offers his view on the latest Flight Simulator versus earlier versions.
FSX "To Be Or Not To Be..."
Nigel C. Martin finally takes the plunge and installs FSX and much to his surprise likes what he finds.
The State Of FlightSim
Nearly a year after the release of FSX, Paul Hansen examines the state of the hobby.
Mike's Musings #11: Announcing FS Open Source
Mike McCarthy suggests the formation of an association for flightsim open source software development.
ILS
Could you handle it if given the chance to fly an ILS in a real plane? Pat Highgate got the chance to find out.
Mike's Musings #10: Add-On Standard File Format
Mike McCarthy suggests a standard for distributing add-on files, hoping to make installation simpler for everyone.
Report On Microsoft And FSX
David Pickett examines the current state of our latest sim.
Learning To Like FSX
Phil Colvin struggles with FSX.
Mike's Musings #8: Jet Aircraft IFR Flight Testing
Mike McCarthy describes how he evaluates jet aircraft.
Mike's Musings #7: FSX Disaster Recovery Part 2
Mike McCarthy discusses more on what to do when FSX tweaks go wrong.
Mike's Musings #6: FSX Disaster Recovery Part 1
Mike McCarthy discusses what to do when FSX tweaks go wrong.
Customer Expectations
David Zaleski examines what customers expect from developers.
Developer Expectations
Chris Trott examines what customers should expect from developers.
Are FS Developers Playing Fair?
Do premature product announcements harm other developers? Devon Leslie offers his opinion.
Mike's Musings #5: FSX Nirvana Demystified
Mike McCarthy tries a simpler is better approach to FSX tweaking.
Mike's Musings #4: FSX Nirvana
Mike McCarthy finds the solution to running FSX well.
Flying "Outside The Box"
John Franco shares some aviation dreams.
Mike's Musings #3: FSX - The Research Continues
Mike McCarthy finds upgrading rewarding.
The Advantage Of The Basic Virtual Airline
Keep things simple, in flightsimming and virtual airlines, suggests David Zaleski.
Mike's Musings #2: Thoroughly Modern Mikey
Mike McCarthy find upgrading rewarding.
Mike's Musings #1: FS2004 And FSX
Mike McCarthy thinks about upgrading...
Old Fashioned...
Is the latest and greatest really necessary for happyness? Mike McCarthy considers...
For "The Corner"
Can a flightsimmer handle a real plane? John Joerg offers his thoughts.
Retirement
John White discovers retirement leads to more flightsimming.
Microsoft Flight Simulator: More Than Just Entertainment
Andy Johnston describes how the Canadian Department of National Defense uses Flight Simulator in accident recreations.
Op-Ed: FS: A Personal Niche
John Franco describes his personal niche within the flightsim hobby.
Op-Ed: Flight Level 3-4-0: Above The Pond Scum
Viewing other world events, Ron Blehm comes to appreciate how well flightsimmers usually get along.
Op-Ed: It's The Video Card, Stupid!
Never underestimate the importance of the right hardware; Bill Smith learned this the hard way.
Op-Ed: The Virtual Airline Revival
Jim Lambert updates his recent experiences with virtual airlines.
Op-Ed: Ten Years Of Files
Andy Johnston looks back at ten years of add-on files.
Op-Ed: Adventures In Scenery Design
Nels Anderson discovers that there is more to flightsimming than just using the work of others.
Op-Ed: Virtual Airline Revival Breath of Fresh Air
Jim Lambert describes his recent experiences with virtual airlines.
Don't Just Sit There...
Too much sitting in front of the computer simming can have consequences but Ron Blehm has some suggestions.
My Foray Into The World Of Virtual Airlines
John Murcutt discovers the benefits of expanding his flightsim activities.
Get A Life? Already Got One, Thanks!
Brad Quiring explains that flightsimming actually has enhanced his life.
The Pros And Cons Of Being A New Virtual Airline Part II
David Zaleski looks at operating a new virtual airline.
The Pros And Cons Of Being A New Virtual Airline
David Zaleski looks at operating a new virtual airline.
FSX Too Soon?
FSX is coming, but is the announcement too soon? Devon Leslie offers his opinion.
Terrorists, Natural Disasters and Flight Sim: Making a Connection
Ron Blehm examines how flightsimming puts us in contact with people all over the world.
Going The Extra Mile
Otis Watson examines the reasons behind neo concept aircraft design.
The Life, Death And Resurrection Of An Airliner
Ron Blehm looks at how flightsimming keeps old aircraft alive.
Planning For The Future
Andrew Tucker offers some ideas for designing your current computer system to meet future needs.
Flight Simulation and Your Health
Is flightsimming a hazard to your health? Sean James examines some of the potential issues.
Microsoft Flight Simulator As An Aviation Training Device
Bob Jacobs compares Microsoft Flight Simulator to certified PC Aviation Training Devices (PC-ATD's).
Beyond 2004
Andrew Herd considers what lies beyond FS2004 while a sidebar by "Mad Max" Merlin suggests including combat within MSFS.
Where To Fly
With real world constraints limiting your time, where do you fly? Chip Barber offers some ideas.
The Thrill of Release
Flightsimmers are not patient, at least author Chip Barber isn't, when waiting for the next great thing to be released...
The Life of an Aircraft Technician - The Near Escape of Parador Airways Flight 459
Andrea Monticue adds another real life adventure to the series on aircraft technician life.
I'm A Fun Flight Simmer And Thanks To Developers I Have A Bright Future
Flightsimming looks great to Brad Quiring.
Designer Support
David Eckert speaks out on the need to support flightsim designers rather than picking them apart.
What Type Of Flight Simmer Are You?
Flightsimmers are a diverse bunch. Chip Barber tries to decide where he fits in.
Fuel Tank Is Full: Have I Forgotten Anything?
Bill Smith shares a cautionary tell on the importance of completely planning a flight.
Is There Life After FS2004?
Ron Salt attempts some foretelling of the future.
One Man, His Credit Card And FS2004
The great uses for a secret credit card, as related by Devon Leslie.
More Steam vs Glass
Noel Sivertson adds his thoughts on flying older aircraft.
Steam vs Glass
Charles Kohler advances the charms of flying older aircraft from before the days of glass panels.
Avast Pirates!
John Williams discusses the problem of software piracy.
The Life of an Aircraft Technician - Advice to New Technicians
Andrea Monticue offers advice to new aircraft technicians.
Make Your Simming Personal
Get involved with other simmers to make flightsimming more meaningful, suggests Ron Blehm.
The Life of an Aircraft Technician
Andrea Monticue tells about the real world life of an aircraft technician.
Flightsim Modules
Noel Sivertson describes his specialized approach to simming that he calls flightsim modules.
Add-On AI Packages
Tim Watts shares his experiences trying to find the ideal AI traffic setup.
Standardizing Panel Windows
Noel Sivertson issues a call for standardization in pop-up panel windows.
Surviving FS2004 - The Final Frontier
Converting to FS2004 and Gmax has been a problem for some designers, but Ron Salt opines that it must be done and offers some help.
Fly To Pago Pago In This Contraption? Are You Sure?
Bill Smith learns to tame the tailwheel and finds himself enjoying flying the vintage Douglas DC-3.
Getting More out of your FlightSim Experience
Should night flying be considered IFR no matter the weather? Ron Blehm and a group of fliers try a night scenario and report their results.
Surviving FS2004 - The Upgrade
Some people take flightsim's little imperfections as a challenge to be solved. Ron Salt takes on one of those challenges in FS9.1.
The Wishing Well
When you're already a real airline pilot what do you wish for in new and interesting flightsim features? Tony Vallillo offers his ideas.
Are We Asking Too Much?
Are flightsimmers asking too much of their sims? Andrew Tucker thinks it over and finds that we have it pretty good!
The Concept Designers Rules Of Engagement
Otis Watson offers some suggestions to help keep neo concept designing fun and friendly.
Final Boarding Call
FS2002 hold out Bill Smith finally upgrades to FS2004.
A Flight Simmer's Salute
John Whiting laments that too many aircraft designers take shortcuts, but also finds that gems are out there if you look for them.
Panel Design Gripes
Andy Johnston offers his thoughts on common flaws seen in flightsim panels.
Flightsimmers Dreams
All people have dreams, and flightsimmers have very special ones; Hans Linde describes his.
Going Retro
Noel Sivertson describes how flightsim allow him to relive fondly remembered former eras of flight.
VFR Comes Of Age In FS2004
With FS2004 and various add-ons, highly realistic VFR flight is now possible, as John Dow describes using words and videos.
Childhood Fantasies Of Flight Becoming Reality
Gary J. Smith finds that through flightsimming childhood dreams of flying now come true.
Why I Keep Simming
In spite of the complainers, designer Richard Maxted continues to enjoy his time spent simming.
Son Of Surviving FS2004
Ron Salt learns more on how to cope with altitude oddities in FS2004.
New Wave Of Aircraft
Curt May examines the new files of concept aircraft.
Surviving FS2004
Ron Salt learns to stop worrying and love Microsoft's hidden upgrade bomb.
"The Good Ol' Days" Could Be Now
Flying was much harder in the old days and with flightsims we can experience some of how it was, as Ron Blehm discovers.
Flight Of The Heart
Terry O'Brien shares his life long love of flying and some of the people who helped expand it.
Of Calculators, Autopilots And Irate Trig Teachers
Realizing he had become merely a flightsim spectator instead of a pilot, Brad Quiring sets out to change how he uses flight simulator.
Earl's Story
Most long time flightsimmers dream of taking the controls for real and recently Earl Watkins got his chance.
Repainting The World
Sergio Costa complains about the lack of good quality repaint kits for both freeware and payware aircraft.
Virtual Airline vs. Real Therapy
Flight simulation can be an escape from real world pressures, or it can be a chance to create your own simulated pressures...there's something for all tastes, finds author Ron Blehm.
The Next Generation In Flight Simulation
Flight simulation can be about not only recreating exact models of real world aircraft, but as Otis Watson describes, it can also be about designing neo concept next generation aircraft.
What Is "Real" vs What Flightsims Can Realistically Accomplish
Many flightsimmers do not understand the trade-offs and choices that developers have to make, and the problems with trying to meet different expectations, etc. Rick Ryan takes a look at the subject from the developer's point of view.
The Boundary Layer Of Fantasy And Reality
Where do fantasy and reality cross when it comes to flightsimming? Are flightsim concept planes just fantasy or potential real planes just waiting to be built. Samual Nahura explains.
A Christmas Wish
Devon Leslie takes a look back at a momentous year in aviation and recalls both the good as well as the bad things aviation has brought.
The Next Generation Of Flight
A poem by Otis Watson celebrates the 100th anniversary of powered flight.
Thank You!
Who says end users never say thank you to developers? Steve Shipwash proves that wrong.
Obvious Flaws That Are Still Being Ignored In FS2004
Christopher Gordan finds some well known flaws that continue to be present in FS2004 as in earlier versions.
Is The Default Keyboard Layout Still Relevant?
With the growing importance of the virtual cockpit is the default keyboard layout still useful? John Dow says no, but offers an alternative.
It's The Little Things That Count
Benjamin Leece shares some pet peeves about flightsim aircraft design.
Can There Be Another Supersonic Airliner?
Ron Magtanong looks at the history of the Concorde and wonders if supersonic passenger travel will be available again in the future.
Flight Modelling The Hard Way
Andrew Herd offers an interesting discussion on the complexity of creating truly realistic flight models.
Arab And Israeli Flight Simmers
Peace through flightsimming? Mahmoud Fadli suggests the possibility as while persuing our hobby we can leave real world prejudices behind.
Is Every Two Years Too Frequent?
Like clockwork, every two years we get a new version of Microsoft Flight Simulator. But Michael Hoyer wonders whether that is too often.
The History Of Flight Simulation
Ryan Barclay looks at the past, and future, of flight simulation.
Allkindsware
Freeware, public domain, shareware, payware, etc. it doesn't matter... Carlos JP Torre de la Vega likes it all.
Payware Add-Ons: The Reason I'm Leaving The Hobby
Douglas Falshaw thinks that flightsimming costs too much and so is giving it up.
Add-on Costs Too High?
David Eckert suggests the people stop complaining about the "high cost" of add-ons. Consider the economics involved and perhaps you'll be convinced to give the developers a break.
A Turn To Payware?
Jon Lam offers another perspective on the payware versus freeware debate.
Freeware And Payware
Peter May no longer takes developers' work for granted and suggests that others offer the same sort of support that he now does.
Nothing Is Truly Free
Adam Carlson points out a good reason why you may be seeing more payware these days.
A Change On Our Community
Miguel Bras feels that too many add-ons are now payware instead of freeware.
Online Flying
Leonidas Somakos explains why online flying, and especially fly-in events, bring flight simulation one step closer to reality.
The Middle East And Virtual Aviation
Mahmoud Fadli finds the virtual Middle East to be less active than it should be and encourages virtual airline and individual activity in the region.
St. Aubin Airport
No doubt many flightsimmers have shared the disappointment expressed by Aurelien Carrigan on visiting the flightsim version of a favorite airport and finding it not as real as can be.
Why Old Classic Panels Are Better
Analog panels from an earlier era are done better in flightsim versions, according to Luis Kmentt Jr..
End Of The Concorde
David Bayliss laments the end of Concorde flights.
Microsoft's Century of Flight Could Be A Step Back
According to well known designer Ralph Zimmerman Microsoft's current path of development could leave the next version of Flight Simulator missing a very important component.
Save The Cutty Sark
The definition of "aircraft" gets stretched when talented designers such as Shigeru Tanaka put their skills to the test. Normally you would not think of the Cutty Sark as something available for flightsim use, but it is, and here George Bowser encourages those who love the flightsim version to help save the real one.
A Team Approach To FS Development
"No man is an island" when it comes to flightsim add-on development, and there are advantages to that, as described by Jason Durbin
A Flightsimmer's Tribute To Meigs
James Hermida offers a tribute to flightsimming's most beloved airport.
Breaking The Bank With Flight Simulator
Devon Leslie takes a look at twenty years of flightsim history and what it takes to keep up with the new versions and improvements.
Space Cadets
Yes, real airline pilots really do use flightsims. Tony Vallillo explains how and why.
Flight Simming - As Real As I Want
Maybe flightsimming doesn't need to be "as real as can be", but only as real as the user wants to make it fun. Derek Swanson explains.
Albert
Some flightsimmers don't quite get the difference between simming and the real world. Andrew Herd explains it to them.
Thank You For Your Support!
Rob Olson comments on fully commiting to FS2002 and the great support provided by add-on developers.
Future Displays
Hammed Malik discusses how future display technology could greatly improve the realism of flight simulators.
FS2004 Wish List
Rick Attfield makes some suggestions on what could be improved or added in the next version of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Perth Awakens
Aircraft available in the near future have the potential to change the Perth, Austalia airport from a relative sleepy one to a busy hub. Jason Durbin speculates on how changing technology can offer interesting effects.
As Real As It (Can) Get?
Hans Linde comes to a surprising realisation about how the ever increasing realism of flightsims does not actually increase the impression of flying a real plane.
CFS3 Support For FSDS
Dave Eckert argues that designers should have a choice in tools, and not be forced to use only Gmax.
From Virtual To Reality!
Many flightsim pilots have taken intro flights in airplanes. Nick Hall does it in a helicopter and compares the experience to flightsim choppers.
FS2002: As Real As It Gets?
Even non-techies like Victor Knight want more than comes included with FS2002, and finds aid in add-ons and hope in the future arrival of the next version.
Where's My Helipad?
Rick Attfield asks for better helicopter support in future versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Plea To Microsoft Flight Simulator Developers
His recent upgrade to FS2002 leaves Paul van Dinther wondering why the sim is still missing some obvious features and lacking in ease of use.
Gmax Planes As AI Traffic
M. Porcaro discusses the need for more planes and repaints designed with Gmax to allow for more options in AI traffic.
The Future Of Add-on Development
Jason Durbin expresses some concerns about the difficulty in creating add-ons for future flightsim versions.
Old Vs New
Still complaining about the faults in FS2002? Phil Colvin takes a look at just how good we have it compared to years past.
Virtual Pilot Or Virtual Plane Spotter?
Are flightsimmers too hung up on the view from outside the plane? Philippe Vanagt thinks the important view is the one inside the cockpit.
Military Aircraft
Les Dillon questions the value of military aircraft being created for civilian flightsims.
Flying The 89 Zone
Rene Maes discovers an interesting quirk in FS2002, "The 89 Zone".
Why Simple Is Sometimes Better And Cheaper
Daniel Moses offers his comments on design of FS2002 panels and the available types of aircraft.
Perception Of Reality
Rick Attfield compares the real world and the reality of the sim world and finds that reality is what you decide it is.
2004 And Beyond
Andrew Herd ponders the world of flight simulation in 2004 and beyond, and considers what great things would be possible with more dialog between Microsoft and independent developers.
Air Transat Flight 236
Devon Leslie offers a fictionalized account of how things can go wrong in real airline flying.
On The Nose
Even flying with one of the world's best airlines doesn't guarantee trouble free flights, as Chris Mitchell discovered.
Mommy! Charlie Took My Airshow Away
Devon Leslie comments on how world events causing insurance rates to skyrocket have filtered down to effecting things like air shows.
Can I Fly This Thing?
After many years of flightsimming, Dennis Schagen puts his skills to the test by taking an intro flight in a real airplane.
Glitches Galore
Chris Mitchell tells his tale of computer glitches coming at just the wrong time.
From The Perspective Of A Line Technician
One way to get your foot in the door of the aviation world is as a line tech. Stephen R. Goldsmith did it and describes his experiences.
"A Teen View" Couldn't Have Said It Better
Ben Sutton comments on age discrimination.
A Girl In The Skies
Yes, there are female members of the flightsim community, and here Salina Chan tells her story and describes what attracts her to aviation.
My Experience Starting A VA
J.C. Howell shares his experience in starting a virtual airline to meet his own special flying interests.
A Teen View
Rick Attfield expresses his feelings that age really should not make a difference in how flightsimmers are treated by fellow flightsimmers.
Strangers In A Strange World
Finding enough time to meet the interesting challenges of flightsimming can be a problem when real life intrudes. Hans Linde wants in on the secret that others use to do it all.
Honestly?
Rick Attfield discusses the merits of freeware versus payware and asks how many can honestly feel that developers of payware should be denied their due.
Southwest's "LUV" Program Isn't Full Of Love
Bill Pope offers some comments on the current state of airline travel and security measures.
Life At The Boeing Company
What's it like to actually work building 747's? Shawn Anderson shares his experience.
Taking To The Skies
Mark Richards shares the experience of his first flight lesson and compares it to flightsimming.
FS2002 Freeware Panels...Are We Paying Attention To What Was Achieved in FS2000?
Writer Luis Kmentt Jr. contends that many FS2002 panel designers are producing panels of lower quality than we had in FS2000.
The Reviewer's Tale
Andrew Herd describes the journey that lead him to become a flightsim reviewer, and the fallout it brings--dealing with the Freeware Fanatics, Space Cadets and others.
Have Flight Simmers Become Lazy?
Cameron Jones wonders why many people these days seem to just let the planes fly themselves on autopilot instead of actually flying them themselves.
My First Impressions Of FS2002? Hmmm
Jonathan Lamer offers some thoughts on FS2002.
Arrgggghh, Controllers
The system may not be perfect, but air traffic controllers do add a lot of enjoyment and realism to virtual flying, as Paulo Carochas explains.
The Ultimate Upgrade
Flightsimmers should consider the ultimate upgrade--flying for real, suggests Tony Vallillo.
A Perfect World
Tal Zana takes a look at some of the technical issues that prevent flight simulation from being perfect.
VA Response
Ezequiel Gomez Balaguer offers his rebuttal to previous comments about virtual airlines.
If VAs Didn't Exist Y'all Would Probably Need To Invent Them
Luke Kolin offers the latest contribution on the value of virtual airlines.
FS2002 Am I Dreaming?
A case of the flu and a new flight simulator leave Bill Smith wondering if he's dreaming.
VFR Flying Possible In FS2002?
Is FS2002 scenery accurate enough for realistic VFR flight? Rick Attfield offers his thoughts.
That Sinking Feeling
Chris Mitchell describes how a bad landing and a quirk in FS2002 give a surprising result.
Don't Complain...Upgrade
"Professional simmer" Wendell Furbert describes his life as a flightsim user, with the constant need to upgrade computers.
A Good Management: The Basic Principles
Niki Leys explains the basic principles of company management, as applied to virtual airlines.
Super Flight Simulator?
Is there a place for a Super-Pro Microsoft Flight Simulator--something beyond even the current Pro version? John Dow discusses the need and what it should include.
The Difference Between GA And Commercial Flying
General aviation and commercial flying really are different. Dick Wilhelm demonstrates this with a real life flying story.
FS2002: A Mixture Of Dreams, Aesthetics And Software Engineering
Patrick Saint-Dizier offers some thoughts on how well FS2002 approaches reality.
The Virtual Cockpit Unbound
Are virtual cockpits really as great as some people seem to think? Andrew Herd offers a detailed commentary.
Virtual Airlines And The Law
Karthik Sampath warns that you need to take care when using a real airline as a basis for a virtual airline, and also offers an option for those who like simulating real airline flights.
Simulation Or Real Life Flying
Terry O'Brien offers some personal comparisons of real flying and sim flying, as well as some ideas to increase sim realism.
Procedures: A Must For Real Pilots, Why Not For Simmers?
Vincent Brok asks developers for planes that allow for better training in real flying procedures, and suggest that flightsimmers not skimp on using real predures where possible.
40 Cents For The Gooney - A Question Of Richness?
Since our flightsim hobby is based on real aviation it's important that flightsimmers support the groups that keep historic planes flying. Christoph Ruhtenberg explains.
A Hairy Approach To Oakland International
Sometimes flightsimmers face challenges never imagined by real pilots. Daniel Shannon describes just such a "hairy" situation.
How Should We Approach Flight Simulator 2002?
Matt Szluka takes a look at FS2002 and asks what we should expect of it, and finds himself delighting in the feeling of control that it gives.
It's What You Make It
Many flightsimmers think about being real world pilots, if only things had been a little different. Robin Johnston relates his experiences.
Good vs Bad
Rick Attfield focuses on the good features he has found in FS2002, vs the bad.
Bill Gates Lead Programmer Of FS2002...NOT!
Per Ivarsson expresses his gratitude for the fun he is having with FS2002.
What Motivates The Virtual Air Traffic Controller?
Ben Sutton describes the pains and joys of being a virtual air traffic controller.
Those Dear Dead Days Beyond Recall
Do you long for earlier flightsim versions that seemed to have fewer problems? Ulrich Klein did...until the FS2002 made him a believer again in the latest and greatest.
The Virtual World
After a year in the hobby, Patrick Paradis has come to appreciate the real sense of community in virtual airlines and the community in general.
The Glorious Eastern Birds
A wide variety of aircraft are available to flightsim users, but not many eastern European or Russian models. Ugo Conventi writes encouraging designers to consider creating some of these aircraft.
Thank You To Flightsimmers (Part 2)
Phil Denney thanks those fellow flightsimmers who keep it a game and shares a flightsimming experience.
Is FS2002 Really All That Good?
Patricio Fangio bought FS2002 with the utmost of enthusiasm, but found a variety of disappointments.
How About This For A Point Of View?
Flightsims may not be 100% real, but as John Sibley points out, they are real enough and real world events can affect the way we think about them.
Where's My Documentation?
Jerry Endres laments the lack of printed manuals in many recent software releases, and suggests that people speak up about it.
Thank You To Flightsimmers
Phil Denney thanks those fellow flightsimmers who keep it a game and thus help to keep it fun.
Tribute To The Gooney
A real NATS R4D-6 (DC-3) inspired the famous flightsim version. Javier Sanz suggest that flightsimmers offer their support to get it flying again.
Pro Or Standard, That Is The Question
Tom Clark questions the differences between, and even the need for, two editions of FS2002.
Flight Simulator 2002 Made Me A Believer
The increased realism available in FS2002 has inspired a more serious attitude towards flightsimming according to David Obando.
FS2002 POV Button
Changes in FS2002 over previous versions brings some problems, as Ferry Herfst found in trying to use the Point Of View (POV) joystick button.
Bonus, Bugger & Busted
Dean Riches shares his pleasure in being able to run FS2002 even on his older model computer.
Flight Simulation To An Instrument Student
Flight simulation has proven useful to writer Kai Xing, especially in advanced training such as instrument flight.
Save The Virtual Aviation World
J.M. Springthorpe asks that members of virtual organizations, the flightsim community and the world in general get along better.
A Brief History Of The Flightsim - Part One: The Ancients
John Sibley has some fun with flightsim history--really old history that is!
You Can Fly The Heavy Metal
Mark Robinson gives his thoughts about flightsimmers operating real world aircraft plus some comments about VA's.
Hand-Flying The Heavy Iron
Maybe you can handle tough weather--with the autopilot on. But Ryan Argue asks whether you can actually fly the plane by hand.
Life Goes On
Even after September's tragic events life goes on, including flying in both the real world and the simulated on. Rick Attfield offers his thoughts.
FS How I See It
How much realisim, performance, etc. should you expect? Joshua St. Marie shares his thoughts.
Fly Real
Joao Pinto looks at all the factors involved in making flightsim flying real enough to satisfy him.
Goodbye 2000 - The End Of An Era, The Start Of A New One
John Sibley looks back at the last two years of flightsimming as he bids FS2000 goodbye, as well as looking ahead to what the next two years might bring.
Younger Flightsimmers Ask For Equal Treatment
Scott Jensen argues that age should be irrelevant when it comes to flightsimming.
It's Only A Simulation!
Tim Kotula offers his comments about not taking flightsimming too seriously.
Not Flying
Appreciate things while you can, cautions Bill Pope as he touches on flying and other current topics.
Defend Flightsims The Right Way Folks
Per Ivarsson suggests care when defending flightsims against criticism.
As I Look To The Sky
Dennis Waggoner considers changes to real world aviation due to recent events, as well as his feelings about simulated flight.
Consider What's Important
World events make Dan Gibson consider what's really important in life and suggest maybe spending some time on those things.
October 16th And Other Virus Issues
Mike McCarthy shares his knowledge on how to combat computer viruses.
Do Flightsim Skills Transfer To Real Aircraft?
Lars Bot examines the usefullness of flightsim skills in working with real aircraft.
Too Much Realism?
Is it possible that some people are too hung up on making flightsimming realistic? Sandeep Heer offers his thoughts.
VA's? Who Cares?
Stuart Blick offers another perspective on how virtual airlines fit into flightsim activities.
VA's: A Bloody Waste Of Time? Part V
Don Muirhead takes yet another look at the value of virtual airlines.
VA's And Youngsters...Got A Problem With Them?
Ben Sutton writes in support of virtual airlines and flightsimmers of any age.
Professional Flightsimming
Serious flightsimming is very important to this highly time former pilot; Carlos JP Torre de la Vega tells why.
VA's: A Bloody Waste Of Time Part 3,000,000,000
Rick Attfield attempts to put an end to the VA arguments and counter-arguments.
Service Counts
Joe Apostolidis offers a reminder that proper service is just as important as creating a high quality add-on product.
Taking The Heat
Mike McCarthy offers some thoughts on the results of publicly sharing opinions, and the private opinions that come back as a result.
VA's: A Not So Bloody Waste Of Time
Mike Thomas takes yet another look at the value of virtual airlines.
VA's: A Bloody Waste Of Time! Part Two
Karthik Sampath takes yet another look at the value of virtual airlines.
WTC Crisis
New Yorker Christopher Steele offers his thoughts on current events and how he feels they should affect future flightsims.
Can It Be Done?
Mike Reskovac debunks the notion that PC based flight simulators are sufficient to learn to fly airliners.
FS2002
FS2002 is postponed and people are up in arms. Andrew Herd writes about this delay and puts it in perspective with the world's more important issues.
For Many Of Us Eye Candy Is A Good Thing!
In response to previous comments, Keith Frechette argues for the value of increasing "eye candy" in new sims.
How To Fly A 747 Into Aspen, The Airline Way
Airline pilot Capt. Bob Prater offers some feedback on an earlier How To article.
Flight Simulator: "As REAL As It Gets"?
Karthik Sampath considers how recent events affect flightsimming.
Truth In Op-Eds - And Precision In Aviation Terminology
Mike McCarthy responds to criticism of previous articles, and reminds readers that these articles are about a game, not the real thing.
Simming Versus Real
Flightsimming is an end to itself, argues J. Woodson, and no flightsimmer should feel less complete because they are not working towards becoming a real pilot.
VAs: It's The Pilots That Make Them
Paul J. Mainville expresses his support for the value that being a virtual airline member has brought.
Headline: Flight Simulator Is A Game
Johnny Tason writes to remind people that at its core flightsimming is still just a game and should not be taken overly seriously.
Don't Get Too Comfortable
Has Microsoft gotten too comfortable with their reputation in flight simulation? Stuart Blick offers his thoughts.
Harmony
David Bellmore has a change of heart and suggests that people get back to the fun in flightsimming.
VA's, A Bloody Waste Of Time? Part IV
Bob Gossett offers his opinions on the value of virtual airlines.
VA's, A Bloody Waste Of Time? Part III
Kurt Van Wagenen adds his thoughts on the values of virtual airlines and hobbies in general.
Acrobatic Manuals
Martijn Pleines argues for the value of real printed manuals in commercial software rather than the online Acrobat manuals that are becoming common.
A VA Is A Leisure Time Activity...Don't Try To Turn It Into Something Else
In response to an earlier article, Charles Wood offers some comments about the value and enjoyment offered by participating in virtual airlines.
Payware Versus Freeware
Colin Ware notes that the extras that come with payware products quite often make them well worth purchasing.
Pricing Versus Quality
Phil Pesce argues that flightsim designers should be spending more time developing quality aircraft rather than scenery that just slows things down.
Hand-Flying The Big Jets
To really be a pilot you should be able to hand fly the plane. Mike McCarthy explains not only why but also how.
How Not To Drive A Virtual Pilot Crazy
In response to an earlier article, Rick Attfield offers some suggestions from the pilot's point of view to virtual air traffic controllers.
The Increasing Complexity Of Aircraft Add-ons
David Eckert offers some thoughts about the increased difficulty now involved in creating add-ons, and the people who demand more and more and want it free and quickly.
Payware Versus Freeware - Who Cares?
There's plenty of room in the hobby for both payware and freeware add-ons, says Tim Kotula, so why spend time arguing over it?
The Thrill Of Space Simulation
Flight does not have to be limited to the atmosphere. Bob Johnson describes how X-Plane users expand the limits of flightsimming.
VA's: A Bloody Waste Of Time!
Karthik Sampath offers some strong opinions about the value of spending time running and participating in virtual airlines.
Complaints
Stephen Giorgianni states his case against some of the anti-payware complaints being made.
Simmers Won't Get It If They Can't Afford It
Is Microsoft pricing themselves out of the game by requiring faster and faster computers for each new version? Larry Stephens offers his opinion.
Real vs Virtual
Steve Armstrong gives his comparison of real versus virtual flying.
Virtual Airlines And The Law
Nick Gage offers a reminder that virtual airlines must act legally when dealing with others.
Paint Coats Or Fur Coats? The Price Is Almost The Same!
Jeremy Morrison offers some thoughts about paying for aircraft repaints.
Laziness In The Simming World
Rick Attfield suggests that more people try to actually fly the plane rather than using GPS, autopilot and other tools to do everything for them.
Summer Vacations
Flightsim activity seem a little down lately...well, as Bill Pope reminds us, during the summer there are other things to do.
FMC's--Why Not?
Tim Wilky wants an FMC in every aircraft he flies.
How Not To Drive An Air Traffic Controller Crazy
SATCO controller and instructor Roger Curtiss offers some tips for better online flying using ATC.
Flightsimming And VFR/IFR Training
Zach Cooke describes how flightsimming has helped some of his real world flight training while causing bad habits that affect other parts.
Me, Myself And Three Points!
What makes for a perfect flight? Three things, as described by Phil Pesce.
Some Simmers Don't Get It
Michelle Sakayama comments that complaints about new sims needing newer and faster machines are not justified--new software should be designed to take advantage of the latest hardware.
As Real As It Gets - And Cheap At Twice The Price!
In a counterpoint to a previous article, Dale Himebaugh argues that flightsim add-ons are fairly priced and that there is no such thing as a free lunch.
A Collection Of Short Stories
Stephen Thomson shares his thoughts on several subjects, including getting into real flying, flying fear, taking command of an airliner and more.
Hate And Admiration
Christoph Ruhtenberg expresses his thanks and admiration to the add-on developers, but also makes a request to them.
Where Is The Sanity?
Andrew Jay asks if some people take flightsimming too seriously and take the fun out of the hobby.
Adventures In A Cake Mixer
What keeps Joe Moffett coming back to flightsimming? Helicopters! In this article he tells why.
Virtual Flight School
Mark Knowles proposes opening a virtual flight school to better train new flightsim pilots and asks for comments and support.
Competitivity
Flightsimming should be an enjoyable experience, not a competitive one, so says Stuart Blick.
The Shock In The Real Skies
The ever improving world of flight simulation also served as an opening to real aviation for Phil Pesce. Share his experiences as he advances from novice flightsimmer to real life student pilot.
Effects Of Flightsimming On Real Flying
Volker Mueller examines how flightsimming affects his real world glider and airplane flying, for both good and bad.
As Real As It Gets--For A Never Ending Price
Are people being priced out of an ever more expensive hobby because of the cost of flightsim add-ons? Nick Wilkinson thinks so; see if you agree.
The Freedom Of Flight
Rick Attfield compares real world flying with the operations during online multiplayer ATC sessions and finds the sim world is sometimes too strict.
Ultimate Simulator
Have you ever wondered if you could fly that jetliner if called upon? Recently, Ian Mendez had the chance to find out.
Lessons Learned
John S. Beckman reveals how lessons learned from flightsimming have helped him enjoy (or at least panic less on) real flights.
My Way (To Fly)
Everyone has their own favorite way to use their flightsims, and here Eduardo Fernandez shares his.
Shut Up And Fly!
Todd Fredricks, like many others, uses flightsimming as an escape from the outside world. Here he asks that flightsim forums stick to flying and fun.
Respect And Politeness: Let's Not Lose Them
Sometimes we forget that real people are at the end of that email or forum message. Ilya Prokhorenko suggests we remember respect and politeness when dealing with other aviators, whether virtual or real world.
Have We Lost Something?
Richard Baumruck asks what makes the flightsimming experience successful. Perhaps it's making aviation dreams come true, if only in a virtual way.
Flying Etiquette
Flying online with live ATC is only "as real as it gets" if people are courteous and follow the rules. Mahesh Sahasranaman offers some tips.
The Tattoos Of Experience...
"Have you ever crashed?" How do you answer that when the answer is yes? Bill Pope explains that it requires the full story and not a short simple answer.
Flightsimming Can Only Go So Far
Rick Attfield questions the sense of spending large amounts on flightsim cockpits versus taking up flying for real.
Feline Found At Fault For Airline Accident
Cats and computers do not mix, as David Bellmore found out the hard way during a recent flightsim flight.
The Skies We Fly
According to Jason Fields, the flightsim publishers are spending too much time on ground details and missing what is really important--the sky itself.
The Problems With .AIR files
Tyler G. Jenness laments the common problems found in aircraft models, and offers a solution that he has found useful.
Real World Aviation
Nick Smith shares his experiences as a flightsim pilot transitioning to real aviation, and the benefits flightsimming seems to have brought.
Counterpoint
In response to several recent op-ed articles, Michelle Sakayama writes that there are female flightsimmers and technology enthusiasts, despite a culture that often fails to encourage them.
Scary Ride Into LA
Sometimes it would be better to be flying virtually than for real... Garrett Vinoski relates his story of one of those flights.
What's The Problem With Women And Computers--Take 2
Greg Hughes adds his thoughts on the differences between males and females when it comes to flying and other technical subjects.
Lessons Learned For A Future Career
Sometimes flightsim "games" can teach lessons that apply to the real world, as future airline pilot Matthew M. Szluka learned on a recent FS flight.
What Goes Into Designing A Good VA Web Site
Too many VA sites have a "me too" look or other bad design. Karthik Sampath offers some suggestions to make your site stand out.
Editorials, Personal Comments And The Fray
Yes, it's an editorial about editorials...FlightSim.Com Staff discusses editorial policy, feedback and flightsimming in general.
Age - Does It Really Matter?
Teen flightsimmer Marko Kovacevic expresses the feeling that only performance should matter when judging fellow flightsim enthusiasts.
Flightsim Moments
Combine computers with the latest flightsim software or a cool new piece of hardware and sometimes a "flightsim moment" where nothing works and everything goes wrong gets you. FlightSim.Com Staff shares his latest.
Is This Flightsimming Or An Insult Contest?
Daniel Pimentel asks that flightsim message forum users lighten up and stop the flame wars that happen all too often.
Want More Realism In Your VA Flights? Try Online ATC
If something is still missing in your VA's scheduled airline flights, Mario Romilio suggests that you add live air traffic control.
Stormy Weather Anyone?
Former airline pilot Alastair McLeod shares a story about those brave pilots who fly for the weather service directly into storms.
PC Training For Real Pilots
While working on his private pilots license, Joe Davitt explores the value, and drawbacks, of PC flight experience.
Training In Virtual Aviation...What's The Point?
Bill Pope is a real world military pilot who emphasizes the importance of using flightsimming as a learning experience, with advanced virtual pilots passing on knowledge to newcomers.
Flight Simulator - A Unique Program
Flight simulators are different from other sims and games--too difficult for some but alluring for others. Celso Luiz relates his own story of becoming a flightsimmer.
Are Our Flight Simulation Sites Dying?
The Internet as a whole is in trouble, and Mike Clark discusses this issue as it applies to flightsimming.
What's The Problem With Women And Computers?
Marius Visser bemoans the lack of interest women have in flightsimming and other typical male interests.
Quality Standards
Alexis Guegnolle asks if we should have quality standards for files.
What's Right For Some...
Let the market decide which VA's succeed and which fail, says Ian Pearson.
Respect For Virtual Airlines
Tom Ganza questions whether some VA organizations treat all virtual airlines fairly.
The Essentials For A VA
Aman Kumar offers his thoughts on the essential requirements for a successful virtual airline.
Flightsimmer Seeks Real Pilots License - The Story
Transitioning from flightsimming to the real thing may not be as easy as some people think. Dennis Apelt shares his experiences.
A Thank You To Microsoft
Rick Attfield takes a moment to thank the people that have brought us all the enjoyable (and in alternate versions, somewhat problematic) flightsims over the years.
If You Thought Flightsimmers We Crazy...
Is there room for another kind of sim in your life? FlightSim.Com Staff considers the impact of combining trains and planes in his sim activities.
I Want My Blue Skies Back!
FlightSim.Com Staff complains about the limited visibility range in the new Fly! II that prevents ever seeing a blue sky.
Is It That Hard To Become An ATP?
Despite a variety of difficulties, Omar Josef tells how he is persuing his dream of becoming an airline pilot.
Read This Before You Start Another New VA
Another experienced VA operator, Otis Moore, offers his experience and opinions to potential new VA owners.
I'm Mad As Hell...But I Can Still Take It!
Richard Gottardi writes on how an aircraft modeler got hooked on flightsimming.
Is FS2000 Really A Flight Sim?
...or is it more of a scenery sim? Is the most important part--flying--being given too little attention by flightsim designers, wonders Michael McReynolds.
Are Virtual Airlines Being Airlines Or Just Virtual?
Al Lynch Jr. examines whether virtual airlines are being realistic airline operations, or are being started up with too little thought.
At 30000 Feet...
Mick Kreiner shares his thoughts on how joining with others in virtual airlines helps enhance the flightsimming experience.
My Simulation Story
A voyage of discovery, as Paulo Carochas goes from his early days of wondering what to do with his flightsim, to being introduced to advanced flightsimming, to passing his new knowledge on to others.
A Beginner's Tale
Craig Tomlin shares his experiences in learning to fly virtually using FS2000.
Association? Yes, But It's More Then Passing A Test!
Michael Morrison comments on the need for a flightsim association and what an association should do and offer.
Things We Want To Be In MS Flightsim: Are They Really So Significant?
Do we actually need all the features we want? Ilya Prokhorenko offers his thoughts.
Let's Get Stim Elation By Turning Simulation Into Stimulation
David Chettleburgh offers some stimulating thoughts on flightsimming, the world's best game (and why it's really OK to call it a "game").
Is Realism Better?
Is all the realism of the advanced flightsim jetliners too much? Peter Saul suggests going back to the simpler things in flightsimming.
Association Of FS Pilots?
Jonathan Winn wonders if there is interest in an association of flightsim pilots. See what you think and then take his poll.
Fly!2K vs Flight Simulator 2000
Fred Clausen offers a side by side comparison of two top simulators. See if you agree with his findings.
How Realistic Do We Think It Is?
Have you every really scared yourself making a mistake while flightsimming? Rick Attfield shares his experience.
What About General Aviation?
Is general aviation being overlooked by flightsim aircraft designer? David J. Coakley thinks so.
A Flightsim Fantasy
David Chettleburgh discusses a feature that future flightsims are not likely to offer!
Flightsimming Future: What More Should We Expect?
Everyone has ideas on what features future flightsims should add to what is available in the current generation of sims. Vivek Saxena shares his ideas.
One Week Airlines
Many virtual airlines are started with little thought as to what it actually takes to succeed--and are lucky if they last a week. David Bellmore asks that more thought be given before starting a VA.
Has The Supply Of Virtual Airlines Exceeded The Demand Of Pilots?
Jonathan Rone suggests new and potential VA operators consider this questions carefully.
Spanish Flightsimmer Community Is In Good Health
Our worldwide hobby has many local hot spots of activity. Jorge Codina and Juan Ignacio Torregrosa report on activity in Spain.
The Madness Of FS!
Finding flightsim happiness requires simplifying your flightsim setup, says Johnathan Sacks.
Military Fast Jet Aircraft Wish List
Jon Watkins would like to see more military jets being created for FS2000, and offers a wish list of his favorites. Take a look and see what you think.
United We Stand...
Aman Kumar suggests the future of flightsimming needs more pooling of talents into groups.
Real Aviation Opportunities
If you want to go beyond flightsimming into real aviation there are many opportunities, as Javier Sanz describes.
A New Dimension In Flight Simming
To add a new dimension to flightsimming try adding a co-pilot to fly with you. Bill Smith found this may bring surprising results.
When Will We Truly See "As Real As It Gets"?
Tega Aduh voices a complaint about a common panel feature that he feels prevents things from being as real as possible.
FS2002
What do you think about the upcoming FS2002? Marc Daniels has his opinions and suggest people wait and see before rushing off and buying.
How Much Flightsimming Is Too Much?
What does a flightsimmer with five free days do? Bill Smith decided to fly around the world.
Dreams Of A 'True' Flight Simulator For The PC
Rick Attfield dreams of his perfect flightsim. See if you share his dreams.
FS Future - Follow Up
In a follow up to his previous article, Hugo de Vos speculates futher on the use of virtual reality to enhance future flightsims.
Is Eye Candy Necessary? Oh Yeah!
Does flightsimming require pretty scenery, highly detailed aircraft, etc. to be enjoyable? Daniel Pimentel says yes.
The Ratings Game
FlightSim.Com Staff offers some thoughts about the use of numeric ratings in reviews.
Are We Too Sensitive?
David M. Grindele asks if flightsimmers get too caught up in arguing and forget to enjoy their hobby.
Fear, Rabbit's Feet And Vegas
Bill Pope writes about fear, risk and danger, both in real flying and in sims.
Spoiling The Fun
Have flightsimmers become a bunch of old grouches, letting arguments spoil the fun that the hobby should bring? Bill Stack offers his thoughts.
Are We Going To Fade Away?
Steve Pilkington has been a flightsimmer since the early days, but is happy with FS98 still and tired of upgrading. How many others share this view?
Virtual Airlines: Just How Real Can It Get?
Most virtual airlines do not actually operate as real airliners do. Darren Hess and Michael Collier describe real operations and ask how real can VA's get.
Aviation Interest Starts With Flightsimming
Discovering flightsims can lead on to a greater interest in real aviation and even a potential career, as Javier Sanz describes.
Flightsimming For Dummies
For a newcomer looking in to the flightsim hobby the initial view can be intimidating. Daniel Pimentel suggest that maybe we need a "Flightsimming For Dummies" to help.
FS Future
Hugo de Vos speculates on the use of virtual reality to enhance future flightsims.
How 'Bout Some Reality!
Sitting around an airport, looking at real planes, got Osman Tunagur thinking about some down and dirty aspects missing from flightsim planes.
Who Is Really The Best VA On The Net?
Though a question impossible to answer, Tyler G. Jenness points out those features that a virtual airline should have if they are to make this claim.
Review Writing
One way to share your hobby with others is to write about it--reviews, tips, Op-Eds...Aman Kumar has enjoyed his writing experiences and encourages others to give it a try.
Flight Simmers Anonymous
David Bellmore writes about the addicting qualities of the flightsim hobby and what you can do to save yourself.
Are Flightsimmers Too Sensitive?
Being in the public eye, as flightsim freeware developers are, requires a thick skin. Lee Norrie suggests that flightsimmers try to realize that when dealing with undesireables within our hobby.
The Bias
Ever feel like an outcast because of your enthusiasm for flightsimming? Sean Hanson knows the feeling but still defends his hobby.
Too Many Planes - Not!
Can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to flightsim add-ons? Art Burke says no!
Looking Forward
Cameron MacDonald examines the current flightsim state of the art and looks forward to what we can expect in year to come.
Virtual Excitement
If normal airline flying is getting old for you, there are other types of virtual organizations that provide different flying challenges. Jerry Plotts describes one possibility that will really test your flying skills.
Why Freeware?
Why do we enjoy freeware so much? Osman Tunagur says it's partially the thrill of the hunt, and to continue to enjoy the thrill we need to protect the people who provide the freeware.
Highly Complicated Enjoyment
After a year of flightsimming Jonathan Winn has gotten past the initially overwhelming complexity of flight and offers encouragement for newcomers.
Starting A Virtual Airline
Seasoned VA member Christopher Trott offers some worthwhile advice to anyone starting a virtual airline, especially about dealing with virtual ATC organizations.
Kill The Boredom...Join A Virtual Airline!
One problem for flightsimmers is figuring out what to use their sim for. Tom Garrett provides one answer.
An Insidious Killer - A Warning For All FS2000 Pilots
A little glitch in FS2000 real weather usage could doom your flight. FlightSim.Com Staff writes on avoiding it.
The Answer To Worldwide Peace - Flight Simming?
Manny Aquino reflects on the virtual world that flightsimming has created, not just inside our computers but among the people involved in the hobby.
Problems For Smaller Virtual Airlines
Are smaller VA's treated fairly by groups such as those that provide online ATC services? David Bellmore thinks not.
Everything That's Cool In Flight Simming Is Usually Free
Author Rob Olsen writes on how good we have it with all the high quality free add-ons available and encourages people to recognize the desigers who create all this good work.
The Planes Of Flightsimming
Author Fred Clausen would like to see a greater variety of add-on aircraft available rather than so many jet airliners. See if you agree.
Scenery Here, There And Almost Everywhere
Is the U.S.A. being underserved by commercial scenery developers? FlightSim.Com Staff thinks so and asks for something to be done.
The Tale Of Simmerville
Patrick Wink relates a cautionary tale on the state of the flightsim hobby.
Just How Successful Is FS2000 - A Follow-Up
Rob Olson offers a follow-up to his previous article comparing FS98 and FS2000.
Take A Stand Against Piracy - Don't Just Give Up
In another opinion on the current state of flightsimming author Matthew J. Ried suggests taking a stand.
The State Of The Community
There is currently some reason for concern about the future of freeware and the flightsim community as a whole. Here one opinion as expressed by James Yardley.
Setting The Standard
Everyone has their own standards for what makes a good flightsim add-on. In this article Matthew Murray shares his. Read it and see how his ideas compare with yours.
Just How Successful Is FS2000?
FS2000 has been out long enough now to have fully established its place with flightsimmers. But how successful has it been, especially versus FS98, the previous version? Rob Olson provides his answer.
Delays
Don't you just hate delays? The current state of real world air travel makes writer Malcolm Kenworthy yearn for the joy of flightsimming as he relates in this recent airline tale.
Around The World In 600 Days?
Use flight simulation to expand your, and even your family's, horizons. Peter Stark makes his simming more real by setting off around the world in a light plane. You might want to do the same. Learn more about Peter's enjoyable trek here.
What Makes A Serious Flightsimmer
Flightsim software can be treated as a game or as a realistic simulation. John Dow offers his thoughts on the difference in approaches to flightsimming in his personal take on serious simming.
How Do You Flightsim?
Flightsimmers have different ideas on how to make simming "as real as it gets". FlightSim.Com Staff offers his "rules" for flightsimming...read what he has to say and then think about your own ways of flightsimming.
Less Is More - Once Again! Stutters Be Gone
Our latest technology can also cause problems, as FlightSim.Com Staff discusses here. Sometimes it's better to stay simpler rather than use the latest panel technology which can have negative effects on simulator performance.
Making Your Virtual Reality Real
Writer Kurt Van Wagenen wonders why more flightsimmers don't turn their aviation interest into the real thing--a pilots license. He took this step and thinks others could too.
Legal Eagle-Flight 0666 Now Boarding
Legal issues can be a problem for flightsimmers involved in virtual airlines if care isn't taken. Jeremy Morrison offers his thoughts here.
What! No Autopilot?
For the flightsimmer who has grown too used to the easy navigating made possible by modern instruments going back to an antique plane offers some real challanges, as Bill Smith found out in the flight that he describes here.
Open Those Window Shades!
For some people, airline travel has become at best routine and at worst something to dread. But really it's a marvel that ought to be enjoyed. FlightSim.Com Staff offers his thoughts.
The Public Needs Your Help...On Flying
There is a lot of misinformation in the media and amoung the general public about flying. FlightSim.Com Staff comments on this and suggests that as people knowledgeable about aviation, flightsimmers help change this perception.
More Guilty Pleasures
For those obsessed to some extent with the flightsim hobby it proves to offer a variety of guilty pleasures which only increase with time and experience, as Bill Smith describes in his thoughts on flightsimming.
Drat! There's Always Something
It seems that even the best add-ons always have something wrong, usually something obvious and often pointed out by users even before the product is released. FlightSim.Com Staff offers his thoughts on this situation.
A Flight Simmer's Intimate Secrets Revealed
Bill Smith, "flightsim therapist", does an analysis on flightsimming and reveals why destractions prevent total satisfaction.
The Magic Of Flightsimming
Why do we flightsim? The rewards to the true flightsim pilot make it all worthwhile, as FlightSim.Com Staff writes, including sharing some of his best flightsim experiences.
Obsessive Compulsive Flightsimming
The truely obsessed flightsimmer can do anything...even fly the FS98 helicopter using keyboard and mouse, as Bill Smith describes in his thoughts on flightsim obsession.
The Flight Modeling Issue: FS2000 Pet Peeves
In this article on FS2000 add-ons, John Stanton offers his personal feedback to developers on what he'd like to see in FS2000 aircraft and panels.
The FlightSim Experience: Has It Lost Direction?
Has flightsimming lost its direction--going towards more and more "eye candy" and away from the real simulation of flying experiences? Bernie Stafford thinks so, and in this opinion piece offers his thoughts on the current state of flightsimming and where he'd like to see it go in the future.
"Honest Abe" Reviews
Do you sometimes get the feeling that you can find "happy only" reviews? Even the best products have flaws but do reviewers tell you about them? FlightSim.Com Staff offers his thoughts on "Honest Abe" reviews.
Less Is More - A Plea To Designer
Flightsim designers sometimes seem to forget that the add-ons they create are actually meant to be flown with, not just generate pretty pictures or slide shows. FlightSim.Com Staff offers a plea to designers to trade-off some fanciness for flyability.
Simming Step By Step
Flightsim users often get frustrated by trying planes and procedures that they are not ready for. Author Bill Stack offers some common sense suggestions for beginners, recommending that they learn to fly step by step.
Force Stick Mark IV
The Force Stick concept continues to attract attention. In this article Dave Best offers an alternative system that includes a basic electronic and mechanical description.
Force Stick Mark III
In his previous article, FreeTrainer developer Paul van Dinther offered a proposed design for the Force Stick sim control device. After further feedback from readers he now offers a number of refinements.
Force Stick: The Design
In an earlier article, FreeTrainer developer Paul van Dinther proposed a new sim control device he called the Force Stick. Based on further thought and feedback, he now presents a proposed physical design.
A Report On Greece
The country of Greece has many resources available to the flight sim pilot. Greek native Kyprianos Biris describes the scenery, information, ATC and more that should entice you the fly some of the beautiful and challenging routes to this country.
The Ideal Aircraft Control
No current flight sim control system really simulates the way real aircraft controls work. FreeTrainer developer Paul van Dinther proposes something new that he calls the Force Joystick. See what he has to say, and then join in with your opinion.
On Being Moral
The flight sim community has seen all too many cases were developers have had their work improperly taken and used by others. In this article, Rev. Edward A. Kellum discusses the morality of the issue and encourages developers and others to do the right thing.
Variation Makes For Challenges, Enjoyment And Rewards
Doing the sames things over and over can get you in a flight sim rut. Author Bill Stack suggests many variations to get out of that rut and making flight simming more challenging and rewarding.
What's Wrong With Microsoft Flight Simulator
Private pilot Chuck Forsberg considers MS Flight Sim as a training tool for pilots, points out its problems and compares it with other available sims.
Protect Your Future
Panel designer Roy Chaffin discusses copyrights and related issues involved in proper and legal use of freeware and other material.
Realism + Pragmatism = Great Flight Simming
Author Bill Stack of Training Associates weighs in with this opinion piece on the current state of flight simulation and people's reaction.