Just wondering if you guys think it's still worth it to buy PIC(767) now, with FS2004 on the horizon(maybe). This seems like a pretty cool forum if I may say so, reading through this morning definitely has me interested. Is PIC still the best AIRLINER package available ? Really ? Nothing released since matches up ? These are sincere questions. I have a few of the newer releases from other developers, and while I have been happy with them for the most part, I still come across references to PIC all the time, and that makes me curious. Finally, why ? Why makes the package so good ? Thanks to anyone who takes the time to give me any info. Regards,Brian

Brian,This is probably one of the more biased forum to be asking this question, but I'll try to make an objective stab at your questions:1. Is this package worth buying?Hands down. Yes. If you're hard core about the heavy metal you fly, then absolutely. If you're into accurate cockpit simulations and flight modelling, this panel is for you. If you place higher value on features such as GMAX models, reflective fan blades, chrome trim on your engine nacelles, and virtual cockpits - no. This package was designed for FS2000 and has none of the new whiz bang features out of the box.The good news is that several members of this forum have made Herculean efforts to integrate many of these technologies into PIC. Lee Hetherington has produced a merge of the popular POSKY 767 v3 and the PIC panel. Randy Smith and Mr. Geddes have produced VFR landing views, added taxi and landing lights, rain drop effects, and new sound packages to the panel. All are excellent and MUST HAVE's for any serious PIC pilot.2. Is this going to work in FS2004.If I had the answer to that question, I'd be rich :) Short of scrying into the crystal ball, there simply is no way of knowing. I can tell you that there are no plans presently to upgrade PIC beyond the current offering. This product is well into its 3rd year and the relationship between developer and publisher has more or less dissolved at this point.I own several of the more popular packages...many from DF, many from PSS. I find enjoyment in all of them. I still believe PIC offers the best 'functional' panel around. By functional - I mean: everything pretty much works as advertised. Are all 767 functions modelled? No. But a large majority of them are. The FMC is one of the most complete you will find. The autopilot is very accurate, and this plane will fly very close to the real numbers and handle like a real heavy (as so attested by many of our resident airliner pilots).Is it bug free? Mostly. One thing that set PIC apart from the get go was the extremely fine toothed comb they put on this through the beta. It's the most solid add-on for FS I have ever purchased. The few bugs that have been found are rather esoteric and do not impair your ability to fly the plane. Most fall into the 'minor visual annoyance' category.The artwork is a little dated, but its accurate. I don't think you'll find panels that are "better looking" than PSS. But you won't be disappointed with the PIC graphics either - but they do 'feel' a bit like they are from an earlier day and age (which they are!) All views are 2D - there is no virtual cockpit.Modelling of systems failures and emergencies is an element that sets this package apart as well. No one has really done this as well - although a few packages looming on the horizon are trying.Good Luck!J

That is a very very nice reply JaseBest Wishes,Randy J. [email protected]" A little learning is a dangerous thing"

One thing has to be said.Even with high-end computers like mine you always have to do some tweaking around for best performance and good frame rates. Even if FS2004 comes out I bet that most of us will have to buy a new pc to get it to run. So I think that with all the developing that is being done with fs2002 it wiil live for a long while in my opinion!I don't worry much about fs200x right now, so if you think it is worth the money, buy it! It is real the most accurate add-on package yet!Regards,Bjorn

Yea, I would get it. Use it for at least another 2 years. I am on a 2yr cycle with 1 of those years behind MS's latest release. What that means is say FS2004 comes out in Nov 2003. I won't upgrade to it till around fall of 2004. Reason being is it gives developers like say Simflyers to update all there sceneries to work in the new platform. Same with aircraft developers and other 3rd party software (and hardware for those that have PFC flight controls). I am not one to spend all this money on software just to stop using it the minute FS2004 comes out and have to wait 6 months for patches to show up. Why give up all that just to fly default aircraft into default scenery?

Thanks everyone for your answers. Special thanks to Jase for being so thorough in answering. I guess I should be clear that I never had any doubt that PIC was a good product, but alot of good products have been released since. My question basically was "Where does PIC stand ?". I have the answer I was looking for, and now you all will have to deal with yet another noob user in your forum, lol. Besides, for all we know, the CFS3 team got thier hands on the next FS release, in which case I'll be flying '02 for along time to come. Brian

>I am not >one to spend all this money on software just to stop using >it the minute FS2004 comes out and have to wait 6 months for >patches to show up. Why give up all that just to fly default >aircraft into default scenery? Why would you have to stop using fs2002 when fs2004 comes out. I'm sure they will be able to coexist happily on the same computer. My main reason for getting the new fs when it comes out is to keep up with all the addons that are uploaded here at Avsim on a daily basis. It's a nightmare downloading and innstalling a years worth of addons all at once.- Oyvind