>I second the Realair SF260, but before you go there have you>tried RealAirs free upgrade to the default 172? It changes the>flight Dynamics significantly, making it much more realistic.>Yes I have tried the RealAirs 172.What and where is this SF260?

Where can I find those planes from PMDG?

I have downloaded and installed all this. Thr result was that I got an error message from FS9 saying potentially incompatible softwareand a sort of GPS file. If I choose to not load it I get no GPS and if I load it FS9 crashes.

>I'm not sure what you mean by ''glass' cockpit or regular>analog gauges '?>Glass cockpit refers to the new computer-based gauges. If you go to the Merdian page I gave you above there are screenshots that show what the Meridian's panel looks like. You will see it is full of 'glass' - certainly looks very different than C172. So this is your #1 task to decide what kind of panel you prefer. Glass panels give you much more information and ultimately (in my opinion) are superior. But you have to invest more time up front to learn how to use them. Obviously you don't need glass panel on an aerobtaic airplane. Michael J.http://www.reality-xp.com/community/nr/rsc/rxp-higher.jpg

Yes I know there is a lot of freeware planes. But one thing I miss about the one I have looked at is good tutorials and extensive documentation. Often you only get a checklist and list of referencespeeds.I wan't something with extensive and good documentation so learning to fly the plane goes well and with lot of aid.For example the flying lessons learn us to fly the Beechcraft Baron 58. Is this not a good choice? No one has so far recommend it.Also must not payware be better the freeware? If you don't get something extra with a such a product why pay for it? And how can they then sell it?

My advice - stay away from default MSFS airplanes. They usually have pretty awfull flight dynamics that will make you learn bad habits. Also many freeware airplanes share original flight dynamics. Use only airplanes that come with flight dynamics designed by such acclaimed personalities like Rob Young, Steve Small or Ron Freithmuth (sorry for any misspelling). There may be another name or two that I missed here.Michael J.http://www.reality-xp.com/community/nr/rsc/rxp-higher.jpg

Well, for me the checklist, specs and reference are usually enough to get me up an flying a new aircraft. The aircraft are not that different. For example, if you master the Baron 58, it's just a matter of getting used to the heavier feel, added drag etc. as well as the panel layout of the Aero Commander and of course, make sure you're using the correct trim and flap settings as well as airspeeds. Things like the difference between a taildragger vs tricycle, single engine vs twins require some practice and reading to get used to however."Also must not payware be better the freeware?"Not necessarily. There are some freeware addons that are as good as any payware. One thing many freeware packages lack are custom sounds but some even come with their own sounds." If you don't get something extra with a such a product why pay for it? And how can they then sell it?"Depends on the aircraft they're trying to sell. For example, there's no freeware PA28 with the same features as the payware Archer from Dreamfleet.However, the new freeware Super Decahtlon is very similar to the payware RealAir Decathlon in terms of feature so it might impact the sales of the payware version somewhat. I bought their Scout and SF-260 but I probably won't buy the Decathlon because the freeware one is good enough for me.

>>However, the new freeware Super Decahtlon is very similar to>the payware RealAir Decathlon in terms of feature so it might>impact the sales of the payware version somewhat. I bought>their Scout and SF-260 but I probably won't buy the Decathlon>because the freeware one is good enough for me.The freeware Decathlon is quite good............... but RealAir really has the edge for "slipping". And without flaps, slipping comes in quite handy! But then the more realistic slips & spins is a specialty of RealAir airplanes, and not found in most freeware OR payware.L.Adamson

I have been at the page about the meridian and even read some reviews. This really seems to be a great product.I suppose that if I go to a more complex aircraft it would benatural and realistic to except a glasscockpit.

Does this also means that I should stay out of the flying lessons in FS9? Do I learn bad habits here also? The lessons has been an important reason for me using default planes.

Flying lessons are ok but I would *never* use default planes in those lessons. You may wait for a very good Cessna 172 which will be available from Flight1 or use their already available Cessna 152.You will see big difference in handling. Oh, by the way, RealAir has excellent payware C172 ....Michael J.

>Flying lessons are ok but I would *never* use default planes>in those lessons. You may wait for a very good Cessna 172>which will be available from Flight1 or use their already>available Cessna 152.You will see big difference in handling.>Oh, by the way, RealAir has excellent payware C172 ....>I don't have that much problem with using the default 172. It get's from point A to B with proper control inputs. Requires right pedal during the takeoff run & climb, and pitches up with flap deployment. The add-ons have some other advantages, but the default does quite well with it's VC.L.Adamson

Try the Beechcraft 1900D from PMDG.Pretty cheap, excellent flight dynamics and exterior and the cockpit is definetly a step up compared to the default Cesna 172. Their website is: http://www.precisionmanuals.com

Yes buy British be patriotic (even if you aren't a Brit lol)SF-260 from RealAir is the Dogs B*llocks as well say here in the UK.www.realairsimulations.comNothing (payware or freeware) comes close to the accuracy of the airfile and flight dynamics.EDIT=====Try out the FREE Real Air C172SP! It has the most accurate flight dynamics and is available for free download from their websiteEDIT ENDS====Adam

>>I second the Realair SF260, but before you go there have>you>>tried RealAirs free upgrade to the default 172? It changes>the>>flight Dynamics significantly, making it much more>realistic.>>>Yes I have tried the RealAirs 172.>What and where is this SF260?>>Click this link and click on the 'MSFS Aircraft' TABhttp://www.realairsimulations.com/She's a beaut!