I've been flying in FSX for quite a while, but I have always preferred to fly smaller GA prop planes (ie Cessnas, Mooneys, the Lancair, etc). However, I have been wanting a new challenge with jets and wondering which plane would make the most sense to begin to learn in.I have searched around the forums and its clear that the default jets are subpar at best. The newer releases like the NGX seems like it would be a beast and probably not optimal to begin training on. Contrary to that, I've also heard that learning an airliner is no more difficult than a small private jet... Needless to say, I'm confused and would love to hear any opinions or experiences about learning to fly jets.Thanks in advance.

It's not a new product (circa 2007) but the "Coolsky MD-80 Pro" from Flight 1 has a brilliant integrated training system built in; it points at what you need to press for procedures and checklists .........and in the early days when you may not yet know your APU Bleed from your AHIRS, there are some aircraft configuration template settings, that will put the whole aircraft into states; Ready for Taxi, Ready for Take Off, etc ..... with all functions set correctly.It's awesome for those needing to learn their first complex jet.

I love the NGX, but have still barely scratched the surface with it. It is a magnificent and complex beast.That said, you can just plonk it on an active runway with all systems online, hit full thrust, give it some flaps and be up and flying pretty quickly......landing it safely with that kind of laissez-faire approach is an all together different prospect though!The first payware jet I brought was the Flight 1 Citation Mustang - it is a small, logical step up from prop GA and will still let you experience jet flight and modern systems without too steep of a learning curve.I have yet to buy another tubeliner - the NGX was the first and frankly, is all I need for now - there is enough learning and fun to be had for a lifetime IMHO.(though I can see myself buying the PMDG 777 in a flash!)

The best one to transition is with the default 737. You can learn how to handle this jet without worring about the FMC as it still uses regular GPS on its Autopilot. When you have mastered take-off, landing and flying around with this one then move up to the PMDG NGX 737.Have fun...

I can personally recommend the QualityWings B757 as I was in the same situation a few weeks back. This product is considered a "medium" level systems simulation (but there is also a "Lite" mode for true neophytes) and flies very nicely indeed - so, while its not anywhere near as in-depth as the PMDG offerings, I think it is a perfect first-step jet airliner.Cheers,Chris B."Flapsdown"

To be honest, the toughest thing about learning an airliner such as the PMDG 737 NG (or indeed the Wilco Evo 737 Classics, iFly NG etc), is not the aeroplane itself, since for the most part you can use the autopilot to drive it around, as indeed the real thing is flown much of the time. The hard bit is the Flight Management Computer and the SIDs and STARs jets fly, since all that stuff looks a bit daunting when you first see it. Nevertheless, like most things, it's not actually as hard as it looks, and all of the decent jetliners with FMCs come with tutorials to introduce you to that sort of stuff, usually with a tutorial flight that teaches you how to plan the flight as well as carry it out successfully.Simulations of older jetliners such as the the B 737-200 which Just Flight, Captain Sim and MILVIZ are all currently either working on or have just released, have no FMC, and are basically big Cessnas when it comes to operating them, navigating using VORs just like your GA aircraft does, and with similar functionality in terms of automation to a GA aircraft, although these too come with helpful tutorials, so you are not simply thrown in at the deep end. So you may want to consider this if you think an FMC seems like one task too many to learn in one go alongside learning the aircraft as well.But having said that, one thing which will certainly allay any qualms you have about learning how to fly jets and all that FMC business and SIDs and STARs, is this book:http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/1453860819You can find that book as a PDF download too incidentally, if you can't wait for Mr Postman to deliver it, although I do recommend the paper version because it is spiral bound, so it stays open whilst you use your sim if you want to refer to it.The book is aimed squarely at simmers in your position, and it is an excellent and speedy way to learn all you wish to know. It is suitable for any half decent Boeing airliner for FSX or FS9 and quite apart from being very well written by an ex United Airlines skipper who flew the 737 amongst other stuff, it is actually amusing too, since Mike Ray is a very engaging writer who knows exactly how to put the reader at ease when tackling what seems like it would be a daunting task. He makes it all very easy to understand, and you could be flying a jet such as the PMDG 737 NG like a pro in a couple of days with the aid of that book, honestly. I thoroughly recommend it for exactly your situation, since there is no better intro to doing what many regard as 'complex jets' properly in FS.Don't be afraid of buying the PMDG NG or any of those other fancy FS jets. It's not as tough as it looks. Incidentally, the Wilco 737 comes with an abridged pdf version of that book as part of its documentation, although the full book is better to have.I do recommend going for a 737 of some sort though. The real thing is so ubiquitous that much of the information about its complexities has ended up being freely available online, so it is easy to find out pretty much anything you like about the thing if something puzzles you, which makes it an excellent choice for a first crack at an airliner, and the 737 is quite a user-friendly aeroplane when you get to know it, which is in fact one of the main reasons it is so popular in the real world. Al

Wow, thanks for the tremendous response guys. I really appreciate the time you took to help me. I feel much better, as it seems that the various addons you mentioned are within my grasp. It sounds that I may work on picking up some basics from the default 737, while I decide from the different options listed above. I sounds that starting with a more basic jet without an FMC to worry about is the way to go.

SIDs and STARs are really simple to learn tho, you should learn how to fly them in a small GA prop before attempting it in a jet. You just need a plane that has the required IFR stuff (normally two VHF nav radios is enough, for some procedures you need an ADF radio as well). Most of the SIDs and STARs are flyable with basic IFR equipment (other than rnav procedures)

Corporate jets!

For what you want, the Eaglesoft CJ1 is perfect, check its specs on their website.

I would recommend Flight1 Citation Mustang - easy handling, FADEC (basically a computer which operates the engines), nice VC with glass cockpit. When flying (firstly VFR at V_LD) study the PMDG 737NG manuals. When You read all the stuff, try some IFR flights (to become familiar with departures, arrival and approaches). If You think You have mastered Mustang, grab a bigger plane.My way of learning was: F1 Mustang, QW 757 (great plane, somewhat light on systems), PMDG J41 and 777/737 is next in the queue.

I think, first You have to decide which plane You want to fly. Boeing, Airbus, MD, small private jet...etc. And then we can suggest You the best payware model so You can start reading the manual / tutorial. There is no complicated model... there is more simulated model. And this should not scary You. A few days and You are ready to do a normal flight.

My way of learning was: F1 Mustang, QW 757 (great plane, somewhat light on systems), PMDG J41 and 777/737 is next in the queue.

Thanks BartEnder, this is just the kind of thing I was curious to see. I do lean towards the the smaller jets and the Mustang seems to be a front runner at this point. After I adjust to the increase in system complexity and the aircraft speed, I can consider the J41 or NGX.

Most of the SIDs and STARs are flyable with basic IFR equipment

Thanks, Sekstifire. I have some basic knowledge with SIDs and STARs. I think the systems are more of the challenge for me at this point.Really, all the recommendations have been appreciated and I'm researching all of them. I think I just need to jump in the pool, thanks!