It's an aircraft I've always wanted to fly, I know there are several versions out there of the MD 80, which are the better versions?

Visually it is fantastic and it performs pretty well from a FPS standpoint. VC texturing is also excellent. It has a few minor bugs but they have been working on them. They also have a cone tail model in the works. It is not as complex from a systems standpoint as the other versions out there but it is a little more complex than CLS's previous products. It still has the basic CLS FMC that is not really usable for navigation.I don't get in to the really complex stuff so I really like it. In fact, I think it is the best product they have created so far. If you are looking for something that models a lot of the systems, you probably won't be happy with it.One thing I really like is they have included an easy way to install the CS weather radar, Reality XP weather radar and the ASE XGauge in to the VC. You can have all three installed and switch between them in flight. It becomes part of the panel; not just a pop up window. I wish more add ons would do this. If you don't have the standalone version of the CS weather radar, you will have to modify their instructions a little. The sound pack didn't agree with my system but the TSS MD80 sound pack works well with it.In the end, I highly recommend it as long as you know what to expect as far as complexity is concerned

You might check this out:[/url]http://forum.avsim.net/topic/290591-cls-md80-first-impressions/page__p__1798435__hl__cls+md-80__fromsearch__1#entry1798435I have the Maddog, the Coolsky Super 80 Pro (and Classic) and, now, the CLS version. I second what Duckbilled has said, except I would upgrade the FMC to "functional -- barely" in that it will follow your flight plan for you and you can go direct to a particular waypoint. Other than that, however, it lacks the functions of the other two offerings. I don't fly the Maddog because the VC graphics are in desperate need of updating, even though that is the most complete simulation. The Coolsky bird has a better (although not stunning) VC and a lot of functionality. Plus, it has an amazing in-sim tutorial system that makes it very friendly for beginners or forgetful older simmers.The CLS version is all about the looks. The VC is better than either of the other two. I have had a lot of fun with it. It is not as "serious" is all. It really depends on what you are looking for and how much time you are willing to investing learning the thing.

If you're into FMCs and systems then take the Flight1/Coolsky models, although the texturing of the aircraft turned out to be rather bland. Should you choose the CLS model, make sure you have the trim set at 4 degrees. Dave