I am new to EPIC and I am would like to buy one. I would like to know some things first about it. I know some C++ so EPL should be easy for me? Is there a book you get on how to program it? Also I am thinking about making parts of a 737 or other boeing and I am wondering what sim is best. I love FLY2 but I dont think EPIC will work with it that well. How are the physics in MSFS? I hope the physics are the same. To deltaflight if he is listening. How did you create your wonderful throttle quad? I dont feel like paying 8 grand on one.Thanks William English

William,You should get in touch with Ray "Lawndart" Sotkiewicz. He's the moderator of the EPIC programming forum here at AVSIM. He has worked with EPIC for some time and can give you a good reading on what to expect. You can post to the EPIC forum or stop at his web site: avsim.com/bluesideup.Mikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

William,Go to this site, http://www.a320project.com , click on the Flightdeck Solutions link, then Accessories. Airbus throttles are almost ready. Boeing to follow.Richard

Thank you sir! I love boeing aircraft! My mind just cant grasp the the look of airbus! I have been looking at his site. I was going to ask if he is going to make one for boeing but I forgot. I have been busy lately! Also on R & R website I read something about real gauges being able to work soon. That is going to be cool!Something else I forgot to ask. Do you think the throttles will be really expensive? Around $500 would be great!Thank you!William English

William,Depends on what you want to build. I decided to build an Airbus for one reason, airliner yokes a very expensive. Cheapest I've seen was around $700.00. Over $1,000.00 with rudder pedals.http://www.flypfc.com/entertainment%20products/jetliner.htmlWith an Airbus you can use a joystick just like the real thing. I use a CH Flightstick Pro, USB model. Also, Airbus is mostly a glass cockpit so gauges are no problem either. About throttle pricing, here's a quote from Pete's presentation at the Frankfurt sim builders meeting:Peter went on to say that builders willing to build will not have to wait for fully assembled units and pricing would be very very reasonable in kit form. Some interestingonnovations led to some excellent cost down steps and production kits are not expected to exceed $4-500 Euro.

Sounds cool! I have a weird question. Why do people like airbus? I think the thing looks ugly. I am going to ask Pete right now if I can. My favorite aircraft is 727 and 737-200. For some reason I like the older models of both. I guess its that JT8D!ThanksWilliam English

Also I been thinking about yokes too! If you could get the yoke from the aircraft that you wanted. Buy the PFC yoke. Remove the yoke that comes with it and attach your own. It would be very close to the real thing.William English

And I would reply, why do you base your decision on the plane's exterior apperance? You'll spend most of your time on the flightdeck, right?Richard

Hallo William and all others,i am working together with Peter Cos. he showed the A320 throtles in Frankfurt which will be available in this Summer. next type to follow will be the 737 NG type. and yes it is planed to offer the kits for 4-500 us$.the decission about boeing or Airbus is one point everybody has to do. some Airbus fans dont like the Boeing and vise versa. each type has his special advantages.i am helping Peter on the FDS webdesign. and i just started the pages with accessories( 737 Annunciator kits, new Backlight Switches kits, CDU kits)which were shown first time in Frankfurt.so look at this pages in short periods because it is growing very fast.next plans for end of this year are shells. Peter will offer s wooden skeleton. it will enhance your insight appearance of the flightdeck.http://flightdecksolutions.com Greetings from Leipzig GermanyAchim Bethke

I havent baught EPIC yet but from what I am reading in the manual I am getting the hang of it real quick. I am drooling it looks like lots of fun! Why do people like airbus besides the ease of no yokes. Will the throttles have spots to accept pots/already built in? Shells sound awesome! You guys are just great. I wish there was some way to help you and Peter. Whats next full sims for sale for a dollar hehe?ThanksWilliam English

I am not trying to nock the airbus but its just my personal preference. I think airbus cockpits look too space age feel. I like a cockpit full of switches and dials. I have always liked it this way.William English

The throttles are planned to have the detentes and of course pots to connect them to the sim. The next plans for the future are explained in the frankfurt Report which can be found on FDS webpage.The switches for all types will need some time to do them all. next several types of throttles , shells and the new series of the Elite panels at the horizon.....now Peter is concentrated in development of accessories needed to coomplete your flightdeck.happy landings Achim Bethke

Sounds very cool. I think I am going to wait before I buy any of Peters stuff. I am going to buy some of it. I am just waiting buecase he upgrades it all the time! I cant wait!ThanksWilliam English

you dont have to wait:Peter responded a great deal to the builders while he was developing the NOVA panels... Since then he has finished the A320, A340, B737, B777, B747 and CRJ. Those Nova Panel designs are now frozen. Peter added more contour to the panel shapes, Improved the mounting setup and worked on minor things that needed work.The newest aircraft to come out will be design frozen on release. EMB145, A330 and the B717.As far as items that get improved, Peter is always willing to work out upgrades with the builders..The planned Elite Panels will be a new Serie for the Highend user(or for real Aviation training devices). They will have a more complex backlighting and hardware mounted. So this will be the highend serie and be more expensive.For the serious flightsimmer the Nova serie will be the right decission, because the relation of realism to cost is best here. Happy landingsAchim