This was the day that I thought would never come. After almost 5 years of great service and megabytes of aircraft, panel and scenery add-ons, I deleted FS98 from my computer! All gone! The only thing that remains is my logbook, which had already been transferred to FS2002 a few months ago. I hung onto FS98, just in case I needed to go back to it. However, once I installed FS2002 on my new P4 1.58 Ghz computer, I never looked back!

I was one of the many who regarded FS2000 as a "work in progress." Although I did install it on my computer, I opted to stay with FS98. I didn't want the frustration of being a guinea pig. However, I did recognize that there were new technologies in the formative stages. So, it was with great excitement, I looked forward to the release of FS2002.

I must admit that I had the product for about a year before I started using it. I knew that I had to upgrade my system first. After I did that though, I jumped in with a vengeance. As I look at a stack of CD's next to my computer, I estimate that I have spent close to $1000 in FS2002 commercial add-ons. On the other side of my desk, there are reams of paper that are the manuals for the panels of these add-on aircraft. I have been completely blown away by the level of sophistication of all these planes, panels and scenery. In FS98, I would crudely navigate by an add-on GPS. Now, I can use an FMC, FMGC and hopefully one day, an INS. I'm still trying to get the hang of that one.

What impresses me the most is the level of commitment, passion and follow-up that developers have exhibited in support of their products. After purchasing "in bulk" as I did, odds are there were going to be either some minor problems, or questions regarding certain issues. For the most part, any issue I had was addressed and rectified in a timely fashion. Even when I didn't fully understand a solution, any additional questions were answered fully with patience and courtesy.

A lot of my concerns were resolved on product bulletin boards. I am awed by the constant lurking in these forums by members of the respected development teams. My posts were usually addressed within a half an hour.

Let's face it; these developers aren't in it for the money. They have their own lives, families and careers. And yet they stand by their products enough to make sure that any user will be guaranteed 100% satisfaction. Designing any product is time consuming, but providing support can be even more.

I have a fully functioning flight simulator because people have taken the time to make sure that I do. I have no qualms about buying a commercial product because I know it will be supported.

I could mention names of some of the people who have gone out of the way to help me. But I think if I did, I would be neglecting a lot of other good people who are in the trenches as well. So, I'll just thank everyone for their hard work in developing some very remarkable add-ons. My simming experience has been greatly enhanced by them.

More importantly, I thank you for all of your support. Keep up the great work!

Rob Olson
RockmanO@aol.com