Radar contact is a very good alternative to FSX ATC, not as smooth as FSX ATC, but little things like getting you to tune your transponder and they come back with "Radar Contact" is a nice touch. Ideal Flight handles RC perfectly (check 'Pause' setting in IF C&D). IF gives you the Advance to TOD or Advance to Next Waypoint in-flight menu items to save going at 4x. Also provides Pause at TOD or Next WP for those that like to leave the autopilot on. Incidently, if you go at over 4x, FSX Ai will cease.

Wow, can't believe I never heard of PE! Looks cool

Wow, can't believe I never heard of PE! Looks cool

It was launched very recently.

But seriously - does anyone actually do a 8 hour flight AT the computer (not starting it then walking off until they are ready to start descend).. .. G

Absolutely, I do. And that is with a family consisting of wife, two small kids, dog and cat.

But seriously - does anyone actually do a 8 hour flight AT the computer (not starting it then walking off until they are ready to start descend).. ..

Its a pretty common sight online, and during organised events (e.g. cross the pond, but there are many more, and most weeks theres a long haul event going on somewhere) you can get dozens of aircraft on the same track all doing oceanic reporting every half hour or so, can make for busy times on the radio, is good fun. I hear you though Gazza, it must be pretty lonely if your the only one crossing an ocean. But back to the original question, I'd encourage you just to get online, vatsim or ivao, and give it a go. You'll learn a lot just by doing it. And lots of the control areas have excellent online training resources for pilots, e.g.http://www.vatsim.net/pilots/ptd/http://pilotcerts.laartcc.org/page/Home