FS9-'Views'-View Options-3D Preview the Cockpit zoom seems to be 001.00 as default. I think 000.50 is more realistic especially with runway length, try as I might I cannot get this setting as default. Any suggestions would be welcome. Echofox

Unless I'm am mistaken, when set the cockpit zoom in that fashion it is automatically reset when you exit the simulator (back to 1.00) The only 'permanent' way I know of to set the cockpit zoom level to other than 1.00 would be in the panel configuration file associated with the airplane you are using. Such as in this example:[Views]VIEW_FORWARD_WINDOWS=MAIN_PANELVIEW_FORWARD_ZOOM=0.87 <------------------------; example here ; If the 'VIEW_FORWARD_ZOOM=' line does not exist you need to add it, of course.VIEW_FORWARD_DIR=3.0, 0.0, 0.0VIEW_FORWARD_RIGHT_WINDOWS=30 <--------------------; if you wish to add a zoom command here: 'VIEW_FORWARD_RIGHT_ZOOM=x.xx' and similar for any other view.VIEW_FORWARD_RIGHT_DIR=1.5, 0.0, 45VIEW_RIGHT_WINDOWS=31VIEW_REAR_RIGHT_WINDOWS=32VIEW_REAR_WINDOWS=33VIEW_REAR_LEFT_WINDOWS=34VIEW_LEFT_WINDOWS=35VIEW_FORWARD_LEFT_WINDOWS=36VIEW_UP_WINDOWS=37Another simpler alternative is: While in the cockpit of the aircraft of your choice; press + or - on your keyboard to adjust your zoom (large increments) or press and hold 'Shift' with presses of + or - to adjust zoom in small increments. To make this setting for all views from the aircraft you would need to do this for each window view 2d and 3d, each has to be adjusted separately. However this method will not keep these settings after you change planes or exit the simulator.I hope this helps some.Regards,Mel

Mel, thanks for your reply. I followed your instructions, added "VIEW_FORWARD_ZOOM=" to a test panel and this works. In the time I've had, I have changed aircraft where the zoom has defaulted back to 1.00, but still remains at 0.50 on the test aircraft. Have also changed airports, exited FS9 etc., and on restart 0.50 is default. Obviously as you say to keep this as default the addition has to be made in the each aircraft panel. I will now try the other settings and I'm sure they will also work. Thank you for your help.Regards, Grant

Mel, thanks for your reply. I followed your instructions, added "VIEW_FORWARD_ZOOM=" to a test panel and this works. In the time I've had, I have changed aircraft where the zoom has defaulted back to 1.00, but still remains at 0.50 on the test aircraft. Have also changed airports, exited FS9 etc., and on restart 0.50 is default. Obviously as you say to keep this as default the addition has to be made in the each aircraft panel. I will now try the other settings and I'm sure they will also work. Thank you for your help.Regards, Grant

Mel, have now experimented with different panels etc., everything works as set. BrilliantGrant