hello I'm using FS2002 and would like to take flight planing to the higher realism. Seeing the limitation of the flight planer in FS such as no SID and STAR insertion prevent me from seeing the "big picture" of the route I'm going to flyy, especially with FMC. Which planer should I go for If I'm looking for the highest realism. I see 2 alternatives here FSbuild and the pricy FSnavigator. Or some techniques to add SID STAR using FS planer so I could save the money. thanks.

I use Nav3, its free. Although it for FS2002, I do use it for FS2004.You can make the flight plan then export to FS200xxx and also export to Squawk Box. Here's a web page for Nav3, Let me know what you think, Bob McDuff http://nav.consequential.org/

I use FSBuild freeware edition, www.fsbuild.com

Hi Marvel,I can only add this small point, I use FSBUild for every flight I do in MSFS. I fly the PMDG 737 with is very complex FMC and FSBuild does an excellent job providing the .pln and .rte files needed for this great add-on.Ernie Alston's program is powerful, robust and does require "some" study, however it is IMHO, the best flight planning tool available to us simmers. I have used most of them, and right now, there is none to compare.Try it, you won't have anything to loose.CheersBob

what do you guys make of flight sim commander 7.1, how does it compare to fsnav and fsbuild?Paul.

Hi Paul,Good Flight Planners are like good women, once you get one don't look for another (LOL).I used to use Flight Sim Commander many years ago, but stopped when FSNav had more feature.FSBuild for my MSFS situations is the best for meCheersBob