I completely agree with Brett. Besides which, radio navigation is lot of fun. I guess we avgeeks get our kicks in odd ways, sometimes. :(

I'm all up for it! I guess I got ahead of myself. But in my own defense, I didn't know I was getting ahead of myself :( Another great link, Paul. Bookmarked. I'll hit it up tonight.Thanks again for the replies.

Chock snuck his post while I was replying to others :) You guys are all correct, of course. I normally just get in a small plane (I bought the A2A Piper J3, for example) and tool around some of the gorgeous scenery, especially FTX' incredible stuff. I go up, fly around and visually find another airfield to land and do so without ever touching a radio. I just wanted to learn more and 'go farther' in my knowledge, and so I googled around and found this IFR tutorial. I'll focus my learning on the proper steps. Thanks Chock for the suggestions on the 3rd party stuff. To me, the most overwhelming part of all this FSX stuff hasn't been learning to fly, it's been managing all the 3rd party software! :(

To aid you in your quest, be sure to check on SkyVector for charts while flying USA - they have both VFR sectionals and IFR enroute charts, plus you can easily access terminal procedures (approach plates, stars/dp's etc)http://skyvector.com/All Free

Yup, it can turn into a mad obsession with all the add-ons you can get for FS, but it is very educational to learn about all this stuff, and a good challenge too, so there is nothing wrong with pushing yourself a bit. Just so long as you are having fun.Al

To aid you in your quest, be sure to check on SkyVector for charts while flying USA - they have both VFR sectionals and IFR enroute charts, plus you can easily access terminal procedures (approach plates, stars/dp's etc)http://skyvector.com/All Free

Holy crap that's impressive. Thanks!

Yup, it can turn into a mad obsession with all the add-ons you can get for FS, but it is very educational to learn about all this stuff, and a good challenge too, so there is nothing wrong with pushing yourself a bit. Just so long as you are having fun.

I'm having more fun than I ever imagined I would. I literally bought FSX on a whim about 3 weeks ago, and now I'm a junkie. No one warned me an $18 sim would turn into 'the money pit', as you guys rightfully call it. hehe

I completely agree with Brett. Besides which, radio navigation is lot of fun. I guess we avgeeks get our kicks in odd ways, sometimes. :(

Brett knows..................that over the years, I have completely forgotten what radio navigation is. :( He say's than tuning VORs is part of his pre-flight. When I looked at my panel, I couldn't even find a NAV radio...I guess I never installed one..That's what I get for buying aviation GPSs since the mid 90's....................... I'm hooked on the magenta line.. :( L.Adamson --- advocate of the GPS & down with the VORs

lol! They do come in handy!

Brett knows..................that over the years, I have completely forgotten what radio navigation is. :( He say's than tuning VORs is part of his pre-flight. When I looked at my panel, I couldn't even find a NAV radio...I guess I never installed one..That's what I get for buying aviation GPSs since the mid 90's....................... I'm hooked on the magenta line.. :( L.Adamson --- advocate of the GPS & down with the VORs

If it's in the airplane, have it ready to use (and most important, know how to use it) :( Which means new pilots gotta learn it, before getting too addicted to technology.. B)