Hi all,
I wasn't sure where to post this, so I decided here and hope this is an appropriate place to post such message. First, I apologize in advance as I'll probably be all over the place in this post.
I am not new to the Flight Simulator world. I've actually flown FS2004 for years on my older PC and in 2020, purchased FS2020 for my PC I use right now. I However, my computer is not up to par with the hefty requirements that is required of the simulator. I think what I do need is to purchase a new graphics card, but that'll have to come at a later time.
The other day, I decided to bite the bullet on buying X-Plane 11 to see what it's like. I'm not sure yet if I do like it. I first tried the demo version of X-Plane, but half that demo time I was figuring out how to work the simulator, keyboard shortcuts, etc... by the time I finally got in the air the demo time was practically over. That's when I just decided to purchase it in full.
It is a huge difference, more realistic (which is cool) than Microsoft Flight Simulator or at least FS2004; I don't know about the newer version as I haven't flown on it yet.
I admit, I guess really enjoyed and was spoiled of all of the automatic advantages Flight Simulator had (setting squawks, other little details that can be now set manually in X-Plane). I tried flying a Citation on X-Plane & for the life of me, couldn't even begin to find where to turn the engine on, let alone setting the squawk.
I also don't care for the ATC on X-Plane; I liked how in MSFS, you had the ability to request certain runways. X-Plane, you can't. I understand in real life, I don't think pilots of that discretion either when it comes to taxiing, right? Is there a freeware package somewhere that improves the ATC for X-Plane?
Lastly, how does one just fly VFR in X-Plane? I can't figure that one out and always have to file an IFR Flight Plane.
It probably sounds like I'm being lazy wanting most everything set for myself already as Microsoft Flight Simulator did. I get it though, as a more realistic flight simulator that X-Plane is, and in real life most of that stuff is not pre set for a pilot. So I don't want to come across as that lazy person if this makes sense.
All this being said, what is everyone's recommendations? Do you think I'd be better off sticking with Microsoft or keep trying X-Plane. So far, I'm just being left with confusion when it comes to X-Plane but I keep trying when I have the time.
Thanks.