Default Cessna Caravan. Ideal step up as the detailed info is included in the FS package. Cruises high, substantially faster than the 172, yet flies very similar. Introduces you to the turboprop engines and if you want more exact flight dynamics there are various options around the net. Free, and you've already got it.Surprised no one has mentioned this yet, particularly as there is a payware version in the pipeline that will enable you to take your practice and expertise and apply it immediately on release.However, the best step-up from the 172 must be the DreamFleet 177 - comes in both fixed and retractable gear versions, two engine varieties, brilliant flight dynamics but a simple reach from what you're used to now. A huge range of repaints and an active support forum rounds out what is still one of the best overall packages for FS.Allcott

>Flying lessons are ok but I would *never* use default planes>in those lessons. Have I any choice about which plane to use in the lessons? I tried the realair C172 in some lessons. It didn't work in all cases. In a earlier thread someone had tried but it didn't work at all. The Lessons is designed for the defaultplanes so what will it be with something different?

>cases. In a earlier thread someone had tried but it didn't>work at all. The Lessons is designed for the defaultplanes so>what will it be with something different?I have no idea why it wouldn't work. This is the same aircraft - only much better. Sorry can't help you here - makes no sense to me. There is something wrong with the lessons or (more likely) with the student.Michael J.http://www.reality-xp.com/community/nr/rsc/rxp-higher.jpg

I would vote for the RealAir Marchetti.You will absolutely love this airplane.www.realairsimulations.com

I'd say RealAir Simulations Marchetti SF.260 as well! Faster than the Cessna 172, aerobatic capabilities, less forgiving during slow flight and on approach. That's the biggest strength of all the RealAir flight models in my opinion: you can actually crash these planes if you are not careful - something that never happens to me in any other manufacturer's planes.Back to the SF.260: this plane has one of the most amazing virtual cockpits ever produced, absolutely breathtaking! This VC alone is worth the money. Combined with the fighter-style bubble canopy you have a fantastic view of the landscape around you, perfect for VFR flying. On the other hands the gauges are very sharp and smooth, so it's a great IFR training platform as well.To sum it up: the SF.260 is, in my opinion, the best allround GA package available. And so much fun to fly ... :)Just my 2c (EUR),VOlker :]

I like the default Mooney, it

> I believe this is the fastest single>engine piston aircraft too, but I could be mistaken. you are mistaken ;)There are a few single engine piston aircraft that are faster. But the kit-airplane Lancair IV is probably the fastest of them all - 330 mph !!!!Michael J.

>A great addon I just found is the PMDG Beechcraft 1900D. It's>only $14.95, flies great and will get you introduced to the>next step up from a single. It's alot of fun to fly, has a>simple auto pilot but I fly it almost exclusively by hand as>it is just a pleasure. >>check it out.How good is the documentation? How extensive? The suggested SF260 and Meridian seems to be very competent products. What can this PMDG Beechcraft 1900D offer that they can't.

>>Also I would like it to>>behave as close to the real thing as possible>>I could certainly recommend this payware:>>http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=esdmer>>It is certainly VERY realistic and has tutorials, etc. 5-star>rated product that gives you a single engine, fast cruise and>turbine engine operation. But its instruments are complex and>it is definitely a significant step-up from your C172. There>is close to 200 pages worth of documentation to read. But if>you want a real thing - here it is (WinXP only).>How good is it compared to jets? Is it not a very seep learning curve? It seemed to me that everything is done bt the autopilot.May I do some handflying self (without departure from realworld routines)

I second (or third) the Default Mooney. The Baron is also a good step up from the 172. I disagree with your statement about not being able to fly long distances in the 172, you can do it but you have to make fuel stops. I prefer it that way because you get to admire more airports and scenery on your trips.If you want to spend some money here are the current paywhere planes I spend most of my time in:DF Piper Archer, slightly faster than the 172, but still in the same class. I'm currently flying this plane around the US.The Carenado Cessna 210M is my second favorite. It will cruise up to 175kts TAS, seats six, and has enough fuel for about 8 hours of flight (~1000nm range).The Flight1 Cessna 421 is my long haul flyer. It's still a great plane in FS9.The DF Cardinal's are great also, but still in the performance range of the 172, although the turbo RG version is faster.I also have the DF Cessna 310, and FSD Cheyenne, but they stay on the ground.

>A good payware twin is Milton Schupe's Aero>Commander, especially the AC500.Heh, I think you mean freeware there. Milton's Aero commander is great, and it's free.

Hey nothign wrong with the BeachCraft Baron 58 from Flight Simulator. That's the one I use all the time when I'm not flying the Bombardier LearJet 45 for Eagle Air Virtual Airlines.It's both a complex and high performance aircraft. It can fly high, fly fast, fly for pretty long distances, haul 5 passengers and luggage, and it's easy to fly.Overall good plane for General Aviation flying.

Ditto the default Caravans. And the default C182 with the tweaked dynamics (got them on AVSIM, but disremember the particulars).Also, the PMDG B1900D is a great package. It goes very well with the RXP stuff, too.FSD C-115 is my primary XC single right now, though I use the C182 for shorter trips. Any of the FSD twins are good - but the Navajo is for high-end machines (as is the great Porter). If you insist on using FS Panel Studio to tweak your panels, be aware that FSD has very strict security measures built into their great panels.After reading this thread, I am tempted to go back and try the Flight 1 Archer and Cardinal, too, as they seem to be the top of the line singles for less-than-max-performance computers. Hah! Ain't it fun?

What about just jumping into a heavy and learning from there? the way I figure it, if you can learn to master a jumbo, everything else is a step lower. I never touch the autopilot or other computer navigation except maybe tune into a high altitude VOR to get a general direction of where I'm going...There are excellent upgrades for the default b777 and b747 available here. They add realistic flight dynamics and with the built in VC, its a dream to fly. The only problem is repaints, you aren't going to find that many because of the limited default models.Also PMDGs 1900d is very well done, smooth VC, excellent looking and flying with tons of repaints. Framerates might be a little slow but not sure how it runs on slower systems, there is a link to their website in a previous post, check it out for yourself!

It was a while since I opened this thread. Since then I have purchased the F1 Meridian and PMDG B1900D. I'm considering the Aerowox B200 and FDS Panther, and also some Jets.>Also, the PMDG B1900D is a great package. It goes very well>with the RXP stuff, too.>I found it a little bit to simple, and the gauges are small and difficult to read. I would also like to have a litt