When flying VFR I can get the ATIS info about 80 miles from the airport. I'm not able to request a full stop landing from ATC until about 20 miles from the airport. Is this realistic in real world procedures? It seems a little late and hurried to position the aircraft that close to the airport.

yes, it is a bit close ... --

that's about normal...getting ATIS 80 miles away is not though :) I usually like to call tower about 10-12 miles out in real life. I first check ATIS @ distination, and if the conditions are okay, i cancel flight following, and return to 1200 sqawk for the local tower.FS9 however, doesn't do a very good job of simulating real world ATC. Sometimes, certain airports will have their own center/clearance, so they'll notice the traffic-tower before you arrive (as the case when i fly to KSBA). Santa Barabar's center will ask me to transition to tower usually about 8 miles out (keeping the same assigned sqawk). This feature is not simulated in FS9 unfortunally....along w/ a host of other ATC stuff.-feng