For the past year or so I've greatly reduced my active participation in non-technical flightsim forums, although I do read nearly everything in "stealth mode" (aka: lurker mode). Very seldom will I even comment on anyone's "opinion" of a product in which I've had some participation. I do reserve the right however, to correct any factual errors as politely and gently as possible.

When I'm looking for unbiased opinions on a product I typically don't visit the developers forums directly for that, and clearly there are others that feel the same way.At any rate, I still feel that you would serve your organization better if you allowed your customers the right to voice their opinions in third party venues without fear of rebuttal directly from the developer. Consumer opinion is not up for debate. It is what it is.

First, we agree that consumer opinion is indeed "what it is" but do not agree that "it is not up for debate".That statement will not hold the water of truth due to the fact that consumer opinion on a given consumer product varies widely and is actively debated on a somewhat regular basis.A familiar consumer product debate would be the oft repeated FS9 VS FSX debate. Second, if you feel that we somehow can or could control our "customers right to voice their opinions in third party venues without fear of rebuttal" you mistakenly assume that we have some sort mystical power over our customers.That statement does not meet the test of truth in any way. We've stated that we believe that a large majority of our loyal customers simply choose to avoid the strife that often occurs in public FS Forums. Why would you or anyone else not recognise that a large segment of the FS Community would, by choice, never darken the door of public FS Forums? Third, you've stated your opinion but please understand that we've committed no crime and will continue to participate.

When I'm looking for unbiased opinions on a product I typically don't visit the developers forums directly for that, and clearly there are others that feel the same way. Just as if I wanted an opinion about the quality of a restaurant I will not pay a visit directly to their dining room to ask their patrons. I'm going to go to an outside source such a Zagat. Perhaps that's why you play such an active role in these types of threads outside your own forum as the information flow is far less controlled.

I am with you on that one, I have always found dev controlled forums to be moderated far to heavily to allow that sort of discussion Eaglesoft's is no exception - as is their right, it is their forum. Although it would be better for all if they didn't always jump in mob handed whenever their products are discussed here, I suspect it would be better for them in the long run as well. G

We are often puzzled as to why folks act in certain ways toward Commercial FS Developers. We know many other Devs who've expressed the same. Commercial FS Developers are not your enemy folks. They simply build and offer for sale an FS Product at a price.The beauty of a market is that Developers may build and offer for sale FS Products and FS Consumers may accept an offer for sale based on their own criteria.For their own benefit it is known, or should be known, that consumers should always practice what is commonly called Caveat Emptor. The idea that Commercial FS Developers cannot or should not participate in public FS forums while Consumers can post any absurd thing about Developers and/or their Products seems to be a very unbalanced and unfair proposition. Consider the end result of such a state for the community as a whole.

I took the bite on the CJ1+ for FSX. I must say I'm pretty pleased with it thus far. The price is somewhat steep for the depth of the simulation, but with the promise of continuous updates (especially FADEC!) I'm willing to pay it. The VC isn't perfect, but the level of detail is appropriate for my uses. I'm getting strange performance problems with it though; after a few minutes my FPS drop to about 9. I'm assuming this is a bug or something, because I get 40+ in more detailed products like the feelThere ERJ v2. The displays are crisp, and when my computer isn't freaking out they're very smooth. One thing that bugs me is that I haven't figured out yet how to keep the MFD from displaying every dang airport in the area, it's very cluttered. The FMS is somewhat difficult to navigate at first, but I'm getting used to it. The FMS offers VNAV calculations, but there's not actually a VNAV mode on the FGS (I hope that becomes a future update as well).The performance and flight dynamics seem accurate, although I guess I wouldn't really know, not being a CJ pilot. It's very easy to handfly, climbs quickly, cruises easily at 1000lbs/hr or less, and smooth landings are a piece of cake! In comparison to the CJ1 (v1), I find its got a lot more power and slightly higher fuel flows. Otherwise, its pretty much the same plane (besides the panel). I must say though, honestly I'm happiest with the exterior model. Like every Eaglesoft product, it's impeccable and just beautiful to look at! I guess in conclusion, if you're a Citation fan or enjoy a good balance between high speed and short runways, this is a great aircraft! When the FADEC comes along and I can figure out why I'm getting terrible framerates, it'll be hard to tear myself away from it!

Thanks for posting Carl. Your forum membership is now active so we can help you there.

The FMS offers VNAV calculations, but there's not actually a VNAV mode on the FGS (I hope that becomes a future update as well).

VNAV is most certainly available and working. See page 41 of the Universal FMC User Manual.pdf for explanation, and page 43 of same for the section titled "Vertical Navigation Operations." Hint: VNAV is implemented in the FMC itself rather than from an external mode controller. That's one of the reasons for the name "Universal" since this allows for VNAV operations regardless of existing external hardware. Any autopilot system with an LNAV mode may be used. There's even a somewhat unique mode of operation called VTO (Vertical Direct To).

VNAV is most certainly available and working. See page 41 of the Universal FMC User Manual.pdf for explanation, and page 43 of same for the section titled "Vertical Navigation Operations."

I think I see what you're saying. I told you I got lost in this thing! "The FMS computes a Vertical Pitch Command that is recognized when VNAV is selected on the FGS Mode Select Panel." That's the line that threw me off I suppose.

I think I see what you're saying. I told you I got lost in this thing! "The FMS computes a Vertical Pitch Command that is recognized when VNAV is selected on the FGS Mode Select Panel." That's the line that threw me off I suppose.

Yes, that does seem a bit ambiguous since it may not be clear to everyone that the row of buttons under the screen on the FMS is the "FGS Mode Select Panel..."

Yes, that does seem a bit ambiguous since it may not be clear to everyone that the row of buttons under the screen on the FMS is the "FGS Mode Select Panel..."

Ha, makes sense now. With every new plane there's always new acronyms...