Despite its shortcomings, I do often use FS9's ATC with my flights. After departure, as long as you keep to the planned route they leave you alone, and only vector you off that plan at the end (sometimes a bit early!) to align you with the final approach fix.I tend to use HDG mode until vectored by ATC onto the route and then LNAV until the vectors for arrival are issued at the other end. For this I tend to go back to HDG and LVL CHG. The problem comes with the fact that FS9's ATC only tends to ask you descend, climb and turn 'in the open' ie with no regard to any waypoints or reporting points. Which kind of precludes use of the FMC from the descent point, doesn't it? Or am I missing something?Ben

Well, you can use the FMC to a point with the FS ATC. I would recommend getting an alternative: Radar Contact.