I said call me silly because I think that an aircraft feels incomplete to me if there is no 2D cockpit. Now many people are voicing all of the workarounds that I would have to go through to look out the side windows. Only some have addressed the fact that there is NO 2D cockpit in the aircraft and it appears that fact is being marginalized by some.So the reality check here is that I like the 2D cockpit better then the VC and think that we're kind of being snubbed not to have one. By the way, what is the reason for the snubbing of the 2D cockpit?Mark

Quite simply (IMHO) because the VC's are so crystal clear that you can use them just like a 2D panel if you take a few minutes to set it up... Just position your eyepoint where you want it and where it suits you and you can do everything from the VC now. Including "snap to views." Yes we have given you a few very easy workarounds to use the VC just like the 2D panel if you like but I am not sure what you want us to say about no 2D panel? Obviously add-on developers will never be able to please everyone no matter what they do and that is just a plain fact... I am sure if the lack of a 2D panel had drastically affected Carenado's sales they would address it but as a majority are now very comfortable and happy with the VC they have to weigh the financial gains of a 2D panel V the extra work and I am guessing they already figured that one out...If you don't like the workarounds we have given then unfortunately you won't be flying a lot of the Carenado birds or birds like the PMDG J41 or any other bird that is released with a VC that is so stunning and realistic putting a 2D panel in there would be just be a step back in realism. (IMHO) Especially with a GA bird where it is not like you need to see all the switches for the lights the whole time... Perhaps in a heavy where there is so much going on and so much to do, but not in a GA when you only need to see a few gauges the whole time... (even then your instructor will tell you to look out the window not at the gauges) I also remember reading somewhere along my forum travels that it has something to do with the crystal clear 3D gauges not being compatible with the 2D panels but I could be completely making that one up and talking out my arse...Regardless, the fact of the matter is just about everything including television and movies are moving to 3D. It really is the future whether you like it or not so I would expect as we see things like 3D monitors and 3D gaming glasses becoming more mainstream that 2D panels will become a thing of the past... This same complaint comes up every time a new bird is released without a 2D panel. It is almost identical to when a developer announces that a particular add-on is only going to be done for one sim and the population of the other sim goes up in arms :( You can never please everyone...Paul

In some ways that makes sense and in some ways it's a bit hard to justify. From the perspective of cost, the newer Carenado aircraft are getting to be a bit pricey for the exclusion of a 2D panel. There simply is no justification for it other then a claim that there is no market for it. I don't have any way to gauge if that is the situation other then the fact that I like them. A lot of other people like them also.So there must be some excuse for not doing it that's related to cost and sales. I don't think it's due to the marketing companies moving towards 3D glasses. At that price point there are many other aircraft that still have 2D panels and reasonably priced or are even free. But I think you're right about one thing, I might not be flying any of those VC only birds anytime soon.Mark

Paul, I just took a look at your home page with all of that flight simulator stuff. I think that you're clinical...and that rig is soooo cool...dude!MarkP.S. If any of the rest of you haven't seen this yet then take a gander at Paul's rig...http://home.comcast.net/~psolk/site/

Paul, I just took a look at your home page with all of that flight simulator stuff. I think that you're clinical...and that rig is soooo cool...dude!MarkP.S. If any of the rest of you haven't seen this yet then take a gander at Paul's rig...http://home.comcast.net/~psolk/site/

Thanks Mark, those pics are actually pretty dated, I have a few more monitors and some Go-Flight modules now LOL...I am soooo clinical LOL... You are pretty astute to pick up on that so quickly... That is what happens when you begin your career as an engineer, everything has to have a logical answer LOL...I always appreciate your input Mark, I know your screen name from numerous posts and I understand where you are coming from. Like I said, I am a VC guy; but ANYTIME something you become familiar with is not available anymore it is a major transition and it is never fun or easy... So I know where you are coming from. It is like when PMDG announced they were done with FS9, not fun or enjoyable but I respect their business decision even if it means I will never see a PMDG 777 in FS9...Cheers, all the best!!-PPS, I really need to update those pics as that scooter is now a mangled mess and I have been on crutches for 5 weeks with 8 weeks to go as a result!!! But like an FS landing, any motorcycle accident you can walk (or crutch) away from is a good one!!! This was the bike before the wreck... Tmax