I just installed Radar Contact and initally I am not too impressed with it for the price.1. It does not allow you to turn on Progressive taxi, which can be a real problem in some of the larger airports. 2. Doesn't seem to see where you plane is as far as position or referenced to AI traffic. 3. Some of the contoller talk sounds like Robbie the Robot4. Weather info didn't agree with Active Sky weather5. Couldn't use keyboard anymore to program numbers in FMC, cause Radar contact uses keyboard number input. Am I correct on this, cause if I am, I may have a half priced, hardly used version for sale on Ebay :).

Hey Bob,I would probably agree with you on points 1,3,4 and 5 (can't remember how it behaved with regard to point 2).Well anyway I installed this used it a little while, generally got a little annoyed with it too. So I quickly found out it wasn't for me either.I really think to get any sort of realistic ATC one needs to consider only online flying. I can't seem to find any software that I've found satisfactory. Others will probably disagree.Just my opinion, hope it helps.AhmedEdit: On reflection I may have been a little harsh as RC does have plus points e.g. descent at pilot's descretion, great background chatter and others. It is a huge improvement on the default ATC but still doesn't feel real enough.

>I really think to get any sort of realistic ATC one needs to>consider only online flying. I can't seem to find any software>that I've found satisfactory. Others will probably disagree.>I agree with you Ahmed...:)

The linked-together sound bites are the worst. Another thing that gripes me is you can't change your flight plan a mid flight. RC doesn't recognize anythng but the filed FP. But I don't think there is anything better as a stand alone software. The online ATC is probably pretty cool. I've signed up for Vatsim but haven't connected yet. It seems pretty intimdating. They require professional protocol. . . someday.Terry

Terry, I have RC and mainly just fly with Vatsim,go to their website and get some online manuals and read them.The next thing is get online and fly,in the comment section of the flight plan state that you are a new online pilot and they will help you. Jeffg

JeffG,Thanks for the encouragment. I really sounds like the best way to fly.Terry

I was intimidated as well!They really need a Vatsim for teaching novice virtual pilots.Waldo

>I was intimidated as well!>>They really need a Vatsim for teaching novice virtual pilots.>>WaldoHello Waldo:I cannot say for certain, but you could give this a try. Go to the VATCAN forum post some requests to the ATC folks. I think you will find most of them very receptive to a request for help. The VATCAN FIRs are usually not as busy (we're small up here).This is not to say you can't find help elsewhere. It's just that I have first hand experience flying in Canada. I do so because the pace is a bit slower (I too feel a little timid... still), and because I fly for...

I've always thought they should have one airport designated for new users on VATSIM where you don't have to worry about screwing up. My guess is there are a lot of people out there that would like to try VATSIM but are too intimidated.Matt

Hi,I wanted to throw in my slant on RC, and how I use it when not flying online. I create a flight plan and load it into RC. I then open the same flight plan in FS Flightplanner and switch it from IFR to VFR and re-save it as something like ATC_VFR. You now have the plan loaded for FS' ATC. I then go to the audio panel and switch the TX button over to Radio 2. Thankfully, the PMDG updates allowed for a switchable audio panel! Radar Contact uses only Comm Radio 1 despite the knob setting, so if your TX button is on Comm 2, you can still communicate with MSFS Ground Control, Tower and Centers. This is a benefit to you for getting progressive taxi, hearing other FS traffic and traffic alerts, and getting realistic AFIS. It also comes in handy for getting the final landing clearance. I'll get taxi and takeoff from FS ATC and then switch to monitoring them as I go along. You still have to get clearances from RC's ATC too.Now it's true that you now have kind of have a duel system with RC and FS, but its only a factor on the ground and on approach. Other than that, I have really come to enjoy the other features that RC offers such as more realistic plane routing (FS kind of weaves you back and forth too much on decent) You can re-route for weather, request an alternate airport, declare an emergency, and let the co-pilot handle alot of the other mundane radio traffic without having to pop up the ATC window.Also, there was a suggested fix that addressed some of the slower 'robot' phrases. It involved setting RC to run at a higher priority (can't remember the exact switches offhand) but this greatly improved the phrase speed. It's not a perfect product, but with some experimenting, I've come to like the product, so perhaps you can re-visit RC and reclaim some value.Also, regarding VATSIM and the suggestion to create an airport that is just for novices: this is a very good idea, but I must honestly say that if you just bite the bullet, find a quieter airport or center and 'just do it,' you will find that it is very rewarding to go live. The only thing that is intimidating is the initial uncomortableness of actually speaking to a human, which is completely natural. I've always had great online experiences.hope that helps someone,Dave HChief Operating OfficerEagle Express Virtual Airlineswww.EagleExpressVA.com

Dave,I tried what you suggested, and as soon as I contacted ground for the active runway , I was told by FS ATC that I was not cleared tor taxi to the runway because the "Airport was IFR"......and I was filed for VFR. At that point, I gave up and am now flying FS9 ATC again. It's not perfect, but is fairly hassle free.

Bob, Forgot about that glitch. I've in the past left the flightplan as an IFR plan and switched to Comm 2 and handled it as above, then cancelled IFR after takeoff to avoid conflicting ATC instructions. Or just ignore FS's 'You were not cleared to takeoff.'The more I think about it... it IS a hassle, but I guess that I desire (like most people) better ATC and wish that RC integrated better with it. I still get positive value from the product. Dave HChief Operating OfficerEagle Express Virtual Airlineswww.EagleExpressVA.com