Hi allHaving discovered VCs only recently via the Antonov AN14 ( I mean I knew they existed but never used them )-- I am now "hooked".Could anybody kindly advise of their favourite VCs.Thanks Barry

I presume you are speaking of the Virtual Cockpits. Unfortunately, one cannot swap VCs the way you can the 2D panels but that isn't exactly what you wanted to know, was it? :DSince I fly the helicopters exclusively, my favorite VCs include the default Bell 206 and the new MD500E just recently released (an extremely fine VC). I also like the VC in Antti's Dauphin, any version. Oh! the default R22 has a good VC also. MOST of the VCs on the helicopters I fly are pretty good, although there are a few that are so large, it is almost impossible for me to set them up in such a way that I get proper outside visibility and am still able to scan the instruments.-Lindy :-rotor:-wave

Unfortunately there are very few indeed that come anywhere close to the quality of most 2D panels. Although I don't knock anyone for trying, I would rather see the VC option left out - particularly considering the enormous extra work it involves - unless a designer is really sure that he is going to be able to deliver quality worth having. I shan't name names but there are some astonishingly good external visual models with appalling VCs. If you spend all your time looking at the aircraft from the terminal, fine, but I fly mine!The good news is that there are one or two wonderful offerings. The new MAAM-SIM R4D-6/DC-3 is the best I know. Why? Because not only is it as sharp as the 2D panel but in effect sharper, because you can zoom right in on gauges that remain crisp and of high resolution; the internal reflections on the glass are so real you could eat them; and, because it is perhaps unique amongst aircraft designs in that it has a full set of 2D views for the 2D panel which OVERLAY the VC, an incredible piece of work. When you get bored looking around up front, you can wander back down into the cabin through the crew and navigation area, take a seat near the rear, and look out at the sunset over a wing whilst watching the wing animations do their thing. Awesome.The difference between this aircraft and others who have tried the same thing is summed up in one word: quality. There are many other good offerings too, and I don't discount them; but right now, this is the best out there in my opinion.Mark "Dark Moment" BeaumontVP FleetDC-3 Airways (yes, I'm biased, but heck, it's the best!)http://www.swiremariners.com/newlogo.jpg

Check out Eric Dantes' Twin Otters for its great virtual cockpit. Milton Shupe's AC500 and Eric's Twin Beech Bonanza are other standouts.

Ha! If I weren't so focused on the MAAM bird right now, those would certainly be getting an airing too, yes. Great stuff. Eric's aircraft have a lot of hours on my rig, and I just don't find the time to fly Milton's stuff enough.Although second place would have to go to the other amazing MAAM creation, the B-25 'Briefing Time'.Mark "Dark Moment" BeaumontP.S. Huh. I knew I should be in bed: you said 'freeware', Barry. Well, that does narrow it down a bit, given that both the MAAM birds are sold, in support of the museum. So give Eric's craft a whirl, for a start! Perfect up through the Hunter Valley and maybe up to Mudgee for a little wine tasting!http://www.swiremariners.com/newlogo.jpg

>Check out Eric Dantes' Twin Otters for its great virtual>cockpit. Milton Shupe's AC500 and Eric's Twin Beech Bonanza>are other standouts.Agree 100%, Eric's Dash-6 and Miltons Aero are amazing.See you in the fence...CYYZ

If you like smaller planes, give Bill Lyons' work a try. AFAIK Bill was one of the first designers to include a dynamic 3D cockpit. Most of his planes contain only simple 2D panels simply because his virtual cockpits are so good! Besides the Classic Cub Collection which is a "must have", the Ryan STA package is really wonderful and definitely among my favorites.The Ryan STA is an FS2002 version which works great in FS9. I can't find it at AVSIM's file library, so you might have to look for it at flightsim.com. For the Cub there's an updated package for FS9 which adds new models and liveries, search for Bill Lyons in the FS2004 section of the AVSIM library.VOlker :]

Theres quite a few freeware planes with good VCs. Some fully dynamic and some more suited for sightseeing. I appreciate them all as they add to the immersion afaic. Airhead's Decathlon - Payware quality through and through. http://airhead.hfdd.com/airworthy/04_8kcab.html Maule M7-260 - Another free payware plane with a great VC :) http://www.fsnordic.net/AlliedFsGroup NAMC YS-11 BASE PACK A - A really deep and detailed heavy with a nice VC...Tupolev Tu-154 B-2 With New Virtual Cockpit - dittohttp://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?CatID...04ac&DLID=39347Morane Saulnier 500 and 505 - a slow plane but a very nice one... :)

Hi Barry, You helped me a couple days ago on the mixture control for the AN-14 so I,m going to direct you to a GA aircraft I fly a lot! This aircraft is a beauty (IMHO) in every aspect! Its the Polish UTVA_75! Trust me on this aircraft,its a FANTASTIC plane! You (as far as I know) can only find it on the "other" web site. Do a search for UTVA_75.zip,you won,t be sorry!(small DL, just under 6 megs). This aircraft has been ignored and I don,t understand why??? Check this baby out and let me know! I bet you will love it! P.S. Comes in a bunch of liveries! Fly safe RickB "Someday I will fly in a real B-17"!!!

The Valmet Vinka by Mikko et al has a VC that rivals payware, and the aircraft is also excellent in all other respects. Get it at fsnordic.net.- Oyvind

There are several very nice Aero Commanders in the AVSim file library by Milton Shupe, Scott Thomas and Andr

hiMy favorite freeware with VC's are:Maule M7-260 by Mikko Maliniemi andValmet L-70 Vinka they are available at http://www.fsnordic.net >>> File LibraryAlso I like the VC's in the freeware Aero Commander series here at avsim.Jani

There are so many great add-ons out there that's it's hard to pin down one. PMDG is the best as far as airline simulations go. Then you have CaptainSim's 727 and many others... You have to find what you like to fly and look for add-ons for that nitch. Freeware is other thing as well. With aircraft like the Commander and the Maule, you can

As most know who know me, I am not a big fan of VC. There are however a couple that I do like and do use. The first is Milton's Commander series. The second is Eric Dante's Twin Otter. Both of these are nice and do give a pretty realistic view and feel of a real cockpit. Atleast as real as one can get in a $50 game! Both HIGHLY recommended by me.Don

Also, as stated above Bill Lyon's Calssic Grumman Goose is the best payware V/C around, in my opinion. Also ranking up there is the MAAM B-25.Don't forget Milton Shupes Howard is due out anytime now and it looks stunning.....See you in the fence...CYYZ