A few months ago I bought Flight Simulator 2004 from a friend and at first I got really into it -- I downloaded some scenary add-ons, graphics upgrades, etc. Then I heard about some of these real-time air traffic controller projects going on and I got REALLY excited.So, I started watching the "Learn to fly" videos that came with FS2004 and after watching a couple of them, my interest level dropped off and I stopped playing. I'm not sure what the reason was, but I didn't have much free time so I'm willing to give the game a second chance.Whats the best way to learn how to fly in FS2004? Should I sit through all of the videos and learn that way? Should I just play fooling around in-game? Should I watch some videos of other peoples flights to get me excited first? If you look at my other thread you'll see I'm also trying to find some good add-ons for the game so perhaps that will help me get more interested in the game...ALSO-- I'm using dual monitors with XP and FS2004. As a newbie, what should I put on my 2nd monitor while I play?

The lessons are a good way. The other is once you have a good base, try multiplayer. When I fly with others, (try and find a regular group as to cut down on the frustrations) it seems to raise my level and push me to learn more.I hope this helps a bit.Mark.

Definitely get it online with VATSIM, it will raise your awareness, enjoyment and knowledge level. Jay Eklund - Pilot 4332Senior VP Denver Operationshttp://www.pacificwestairways.com

best way to learn? learn with your heart... you say in your first paragraph that at one point you got "really excited"--that's it! find something you want to know or do, perhaps always wanted to know or do, find something you will love doing. knowledge and skill will come in time, just do it... whatever it is--impersonating an airline captain, preparing for your real flight training, learning about maps and navigation, traveling to places you always wanted to see... each of these will make you focus on a different aspect of the simulator--instruments, scenery, flight modeling... just follow your heart and never lose that "really excited" part:)best of luck!vilk

Yea I agree...put aside the manuals & the help files and just muck about with it!!!! Its the best way to learn the sim and IMO you actually learn and absorb more that way. Once you have done all that....*then* delve deeper by going to the videos & help files!And it really does pay off if you decide to pursue flying in real life. I can honestly say I breezed through my PPL & IMC ratings thanks to years & years of flight simming! Specially when it came to understanding how VORs worked etc etc. Starting from SubLogic ATP & FS4 to FS2000 (cant wait to move on to FS2004!)

I tried to figure out how to get ol-line (multi-player) and was never able to get going. This may sound stubid but its the way it is for myself. If you or someone can explain how to (in english, mmeans I read the instuctions on the web page). I realize people will read this and think or say to them selfs or others "well if the guy cant read and understand instuctions he is a lost cause". I am able to work the Bush Flying Unlimited site and fly on-line with Team Speak and it works. I just cant seem to figure out what I am not doing. I know that the Vatsim is a more serious type of (multi-player) simming, and respect the fact that the group (Vatsim)is set up as I understand it to be. I would really like to be able to get it working and enjoy the company. I hope someone can help out in my effort to get on board. Agian I have read the site (Vatsim), and tried to understand and use the system. So if someone can maybe discribe the steps I would appreciate it. If it means cutting and paste, or simply making a few notes that make the task easy for a "knukle head" like me I would be very thankful.Mark.

To answer your second question, It's nice to have the GPS display on the second screen, especially when you're a new flyer, to gain better situational awareless.Dam

As a fellow new-ish person to the flying sims I would recommend to find the things about the game you enjoy. For me it was watching The Final Countdown and Top Gun that got me interested in finding a flight sim with the f14's. Band of Brothers is another good one to get you into the prop vintage cargo/transport (DC 3) and then Cast Away is one to get you revved up for flying in bad weather in a commercial jet (airbus 321? or md 11?).This worked for me. Hope you get hooked too!

It sounds sort of strange to me, that in this forum you state "I bought Flight Simulator 2004 from a friend", while in another forum you state this: "A few months ago I borrowed Flight Simulator 2004 from a friend".Which is it? Did you buy it, or are you and your friend "sharing" the same software? Just curious, as the latter would be considered piracy, which is frowned upon by most people.Darrell