The default panels can be dragged to size so that for take offs, sightseeing etc I can see what I need to see but downloaded panels do not seem able to do this.I have seen a feature in X Plane that enables the panel to become transparent which seems a really good idea. Can I do this in MSFS? I am currently learning in FS2000 & waiting to buy FS2004.If not how do you guys take off in a tail dragger? I would like to learn in a Chipmunk which I have flown.My experience of "real" flying suggests that the view in MSTS is relatively very limited & peripheral vision very awkward!I am very new to all this but cannot find the answer by searching. Thank you

You have several choices:1. Press the W key, and you will have a transparent panel with one row of gauges.2. Press the W key again, and you will have a complete outside view with no panel. Press Shift Z to give you the important flight information at the top of the screen.3. Most addon panels CAN be dragged where you need them.4. If you are in a tail draqger, press Shift-Enter until you can see over the nose. You can press Shift-Backspace to move back down later, or just look to the side and then back to the front.Hope this helps,--Tom GibsonCal Classic Propliner Page: http://www.calclassic.comFreeflight Design Shop: http://www.freeflightdesign.comDrop by! ___x_x_(")_x_x___

Thank you - that certainly helps although I do still like the transparant cockpit in X Planes.One thing. I did know about the "W" key but it does not work on my machine as you show it. If I hit "W" I simply loose the panel completely - there is no single row intermediate stage as you suggest. If there were it could well be the ideal option. Any thoughts? Hitting "W" again brings back the full panel.