I can't imagine getting much pride from programming waypoints into a computer

It's not about pride, it's modern technology. That's the way modern commercial aircraft from small executive jets to A380 are equipped and navigated today. And that is not conflicting with all these pilots' abilities to handle VOR/NDB/ADF navigation IF really necessary. As for MSFS, I have started my virtual flying with C172 (and then some better addon GA) practising all the classical navigation rules. There was even a period when I flew an addon 747-200 (still before the RFP era) navigating with maps and being able to fly virtually from, say, Frankfurt to Singapore without an FMC that the MSFS world did not have yet. Later I practised INS/CIVA navigation with the excellent RFP and other addons (including Tupolevs). And finally complex addon aircraft came into MSFS with most systems simulated icluding FMS. Today, as I prefer heavy metal in the sim, I fly my LHMD82, DAF100, LVLD763 or PMDG 744/MD11 programming FMC, not only for waypoints and airways, but also doing the vertical profiles, fuel planning, departure and approach procedures, constraints, etc. Frankly speaking I enjoy it a lot, trying to fly the airliners as they are flown in real life (yes, of course I know the numerous flightsim limitations) and never feel a somehow worse virtual pilot.Anyway, we are talking about a PC game, aren't we? :(

srgalahad: It's not about programming waypoints into the computer that attracts me to the use of the FMC. It's about seeing the plane do what you ordered it to do all by itself. This means you did it right, and that's a very powerful feeling. it means you didn't study the plane in vain, you know how it is supposed to work and you can make it work. If it wasn't for this feeling, I wouldn't have used the FMC. That said, I sometimes enjoy flying by hand for a change, but when I do have a FMC, I use it.

I fly with INS. It's completely autonomous of FS9 flightplans. But it keeps me awake as I have to be vigilant in order to ensure waypoints are not entered incorrectly.vololiberista

"Anyway, we are talking about a PC game, aren't we?"No we are using a simulator.. :( As I said before, the FMC's in our sim (we are on a sim site here and dont talk about the real ones) are a great marvel, and a fine piece of a true art of programming, all of them!Now, as a simmer, just, for testing try to fly at least 1500 nm with a FMC and the INS (CIVA)You will after a couple of flights notice:- time goes by with the INS without notice..- crosscheck needed to Vors with the INS, the FMC will goes its merry way.- you can walk your dog, if you have one, with a FMC in the meantime- you get bored on longer flights with the FMC- etcNow, the state of the art is what it is, an FMC.. and use it!, even use GPS, know your plane, learn, etc.Eventually, after some time (years) you will fly, but it gets boring soon, hence the FMC. Then you look into some exitement, andthen the INS, or VOR to VOR etc steps in.Its just a matter of time... if you, like me, want to know your plane inside out.Oh, and.. hmm.. can the FMC/GPS flyer do dme approaches, circle to lands etc without it ?I went the same route a few years ago.. stunned by the automation, what eventually will become dull and boring.Comments ?Johan