I do not enjoy being run over by AI 737s when I'm on final. Not to mention they drag down performance. So, reluctantly, I have banished all AI from my virtual skies. I don't really notice it much, and the frequent near-collisions from AI pilots suffering from Air Rage are not missed. Neither do I miss the relatively sketchy looking AI model sitting at the gate next to me. AI seems to "take me out of the experience" more than enhance it. Even the best canned ATC -- I'm speaking of Radar Contact here -- sometimes gets frustrating. In particular, SIDs and STARs can be problematical. ATC expects you to fly what you file, but unless you include the STAR in the FSX plan, ATC can get cranky. Of course standard FSX ATC is even worse. I want more flexibility. I find that some of my most enjoyable flights are done with "imaginary ATC." I program my FMC, check the winds on arrival and plan my approach and landing accordingly. Flight Simming is a collection of compromises. I don't think canned ATC and AI help me to be "as real as it gets." So it's a man and his airplane in my world for now.

If you want real, VATSIM is really the only way to go. Unfortunately I cant use VATSIM because of my real life always getting in the way of my flights causing me to have to pause and step away from the cockpit quite a bit. Too bad.

Noah is very true, the best experience may come with some online network. Another option could be to run some rw chatter in the background, so at least the frequency is busy.From looking at your last 10 flights, finding online ATC coverage shouldn't be too tricky, Tim.Nice AI models come with the freeware Orbx traffic package or from searching the Avsim library. For the 'canned' stuff VoxATC worked good so far and also keeps that talking sense alive. Since there's a trial version out, which is only time limited, maybe you could try it.

I totally agree Tim. The AI is total trash and running the sim with AI significantly decreases the realism factor for me. I havent tried RC4 or any other ATC addon for that matter, but I agree about the original ATC being useless. Its not even capable of providing separation, so what is the point then, if ATC is not capable of doing the thing that brought us the world ATC in the first place(separation). A couple of years ago I was at the point you seem to be, the patience for ATC an AI had all but run out and I decided to join vatsim. Luckily it was easily the best addon I had ever tried for FSX or any other sim for that matter. And its free to boot!

Hello

So it's a man and his airplane in my world for now.

HelloTry Vatsim or if you want guaranteed coverage (at a price) have a look at http://www.pilotedge.net/

Maybe it's time to take the plunge and give VATSIM a try after all these years. I guess I've been reluctant because I haven't been sure how complicated setting up the technology would be and remembering PPL lessons where actually flying was a piece of cake compared to using the radio :-) Maybe there's a "sandbox" where new people can blunder about until they're up to speed and confident.

Sometimes AI are more trouble than what they are worth, which is essientially ambiance at the airport.Dont tell this to the die hard FS9 "airline pilots" who insist on running 100% and any less than that will make it an unrealistic sim, haha.

Here ya go, Tim:- http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/topic/36195-vatsim-setup-and-use-simple-version/

Thanks for the suggestions. I installed the software per the link provided by Paul and think I have everything set up. I see myself as an observer on VATspy. The only thing is, I don't seem to be able to hear anything no matter which frequency I tune to. (I'm just sitting at KATL with my radio on.)

There may not be anything to hear- Tim if you're still online forum PM me and I can help you out on the network

AHA! I can hear traffic: Philadelphia Approach. Very cool. Depends on where you are I see. Okay that's enough for one day. I'll listen for awhile then figure out how to check to see if I can transmit. EDIT: Okay, thanks to Noah, I am up and running... technically. Now all I need to do is develop some proficiency. Anyway thanks to Noah et al. Setup was not quite as dauting as I antiicipated.

Don't forget, Radar Contact will hold and speed-up AI along your daparture and arrival circuits as long as you the AI option checked in the settings. Like anything else, it isn't perferct but it does clear the approach path pretty well.

Don't forget, Radar Contact will hold and speed-up AI along your daparture and arrival circuits as long as you the AI option checked in the settings. Like anything else, it isn't perferct but it does clear the approach path pretty well.

If you like high levels of AI traffic then AISmooth works well with radar contact as well, that really does help clear the approach path...G