I'm sorta new to flight sims. Can a kind soul out there provide a link or perhaps some suggestions on must-have FS add-on programs (either freeware or purchasable). For instance, I've read about FSNavigator and some others.Help would be appreciated.

Freewares- FSUIPC, sorry couldn't remember the URL but just do a search at google "FSUIPC,flight simulator"- FSMetar - http://fsmetar.socair.org - real online weather downloader - Richard's B727 panel - rp727pn3.zip at avsim file libraryPaywares- Dreamfleet/Flight1 Piper Archer www.flight1.com- Dreamfleet/Flight1 Cessna Cardinal www.flight1.com- soon to be release SSW Airbus A310-300 www.simsoftworkshop.com - check their manuals in download section- FS navigator Sorry I didn't mentioned others, these are what I have time to type. For payware read reviews before you buy it. Someone else could make a better list than me.

This really depends on what kind of planes you like to fly. After some experimenting, I have come to the conclusion that at least for now I'm only interested in General Aviation. Some add-ons that I can really recommend ...FREEWARE (all available at AVSIM's file library)* RealAir Simulation's Cessna 172 update - as real as it gets for the good old default Cessna. Get it even if you are an airline pilot.* Brian Gladden's Zenair CH 801 - fantastic STOL performer* Dave Eckert's Stearman - exceptionally beautiful* Roger Dial, Steve Small and Mike Hambly's P-51D Mustang Reno Air Racing - very nice package of four Mustangs, great fliers* FFS Extra 300L - pure fun to fly this aerobatic plane* Antti Pankkonen's Eurocopter EC130 - if you remotely like helicopters, get this one* FSAvionics FSGarmin 530/430 - highly realistic GPS, former payware, now available for free in the file libraryPAYWARE (short google search will give you the right website)* RealAir Simulation's Siai-Marchetti SF.260 - my favorite plane, perfect flight model, exterior, virtual cockpit * FSD's Commander 115 - a work of art, especially great virtual cockpit, fast for a single prop* Dreamfleet's Piper Archer and Cessna Cardinal - I like the Cardinal better, but you can't go wrong with anything from Dreamfleet. Great all-rounders, worth every cent* RealityXP's Garmin 530XP - basically the same GPS system as the freeware one mentioned above, only much better implemented. Usable as a gauge in 2D and virtual cockpits (much greater immersion vs. the FSAvionics program that is only available in a separate window), working TCAS, great auto pilot couplingThat's my personal list. I hope other people will post their's as well ...VOlker :]P.S.: Oops, forgot one thing: Active Sky! There's a freeware and payware version of this. Don't know about the mentioned FSMetar, but I'm very happy with my ActiveSky wxRE!

hi VOlker I've searched the library for FSGarmin 530/430 but couldn't find one. What's the file name?

Try these:fsgarmin53020.zipfsgarmin43020.zipfsgarmin_keygen.zip... or search for fsgarmin. You'll also need the Garmin trainer from Garmin's website, but I guess that's all explained in the readme.VOlker :]

Freeware:RealAir C172Milton Shupe Dash 7MelJet 777 and 747-400Payware:767 Pilot in CommandFlight1 MeridianPSS AirbusA320 PIC (if your system can handle it)Dreamfleet Cardinal and ArcherFlight1 DC-9CaptainSim 727Upcoming Payware:PMDG 737NGDreamfleet C310Dreamfleet 727SSW A310

Always wondered why people consider FSNav a must-have. I tried it and ditched it, didn't like it AT ALL.Besides crashing my machine, the interface didn't appeal to me.FSBuild is superior, and paper charts to track your progress.For weather, ActiveSky...Bill Grabowski's/Nick Botamer's ERJ http://www.project-erj.com makes an excellent airliner to learn the ropes.