Totally my opinion of course. And I still use 2002 which may have something to do with it.And I'm not here to have a go at PMDG either because they are doing a fantastic job.But while everyone seemingly is waiting for the PMDG 747-400, since FS'02, one of the best sims available that rarely gets metioned - RFP 747-200 - has been thrilling me every time I fly it. A big call, but I reckon it IS the best sim available for '02. I know 767 PIC is awsome which I love flying. And it perhaps set the standard - some say still does - for all sims to follow. And DF's 737 is also a noteworthy mention. Its panel and the rest is right up there with the best.But these were intended for MS2000. Perhaps improved maybe for '02.But the RFP 747-200 add-on is near perfect. The GMAX modelling is first class. The detail is beautiful. The panels are amazing. Which includes about 4 or 5 of them! So much detail. The manuals. Some say TOO much info. But its all there in helping you/me fly the 'whale' as it should. The autopilot - I love it. No LNAV/VNAZ here. Although the IAS climb system works just as good along with the FFRATS/autothrottle. Things happen fast on take-off. Well, for me it does!No FMC? Who needs one when you have an INS? So easy to use. Not hard to use a route finder of your choise then get the waypoints printed out to use. It's FUN!So there ya have it. I've never had ANY problem/bug that needs fixing/patching. As good as it gets in the flight sim world. Like I said, everyone is waiting for the -400 from PMDG.But I'm SO glad that for the last year or so I've been enjoying flying the -200. Because it's near perfect. And ya can't ask for more then that.

No FMC? Who needs one when you have an INS? So easy to use. Not hard to use a route finder of your choise then get the waypoints printed out to use. It's FUN! Well certainly all the 747-400s need a FMC and it's fun too! FMC is the future for real life large jet flying these days and with fuel issues putting many of the big companies out it's even more true.. I don't have the RFP but it does not appeal to me in the least but this is all on a personal not modelled note...Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4]http://www.rawbw.com/~bdoolin/shinault/southparkcartmad.gif[h3]I WANT MY 747![/h3]Caution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)

It didn't apeal to me either 'till I tried it. It's flyin' a bit more the old style.All I know is I won't ever be bothered with the PMDG product. Give me the 'classic' anyday!

I also put off purchasing the RFP '200 for quite a while, but I'm really glad I purchased it. The hardest part for me was learning to use all the autopilot modes correctly, although learning to use the fuel management system was also difficult. But that was all part of the fun, and I did feel a great sense of accomplishment when I finally learned to use them.An excellent sim, with great flight dynamics and extreme hardcore realism. I would recommend it any day. The CIVA INS is another really great touch. That in itself is like a whole other sim. Its not exactly "set and forget" like an FMC, but this airplane is not exactly "set and forget". From fuel management, to the INS, you have to constantly manage systems for the entire Chicago to Tokyo Narita flight ........which I actually did.An excellent addon.

I have it. Systems modelling trully is first rate. Everytime i land her i get a huge ego boost, and that, without even having tried anything longer than 2-3 hour flights...Having said that I am sure that thing could be better, especially on what concerns aesthetics. I never fell for the main panel bitmap, to my eyes it looks a bit outdated. Also, I find it impossible to do anything half meaningful with the otherwise very well designed VC. It's nice to have active camera and wander around in the cabin for hours and hours (well, maybe for a couple of minutes...) enjoying glorious FPS (all 12 of them :-roll ) but that's it. Sometimes I try to do some taxiing from the VC (I've got an Athlon2400+, GeForce4 128Mb etc). It gives you a great perspective, but I only try that in dead default airports (e.g. LGIR, my test centre) with no AI around so,no, most of you will never land her from the VC in Gary's Heathrow, in the middle of a storm, with every single flightplan in the history of B.A. installed and active...In any case i think that Ralph is moving on to other things, so,there's little chance for further enhancements AFAIK. Those interested should have a look at their forums for thechnical advise, modifications etc. Many friendly and helpful people including the man himself!Kind regards,

I was not a 742 fan until I tried RFP ....rates number one in my sim. :) regardsEdhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/94266.jpg

What sold me on the RFP 747-200 was the videos that come with it (and can be downloaded free from their website). While you can't fly it successfully without reading the manual, you definitely get a headstart be viewing the videos. Also, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in today's jets that are primarily computer controlled, so, unlike in RFP, you don't really get a sense of aircraft systems. Therefore, without a doubt, RFP is the single best add-on for teaching systems.RFP knock of the 767 PIC in my book as best add-on. If you are on the fence, I'd give RFP a try. You won't regret it!RH

>>>I also put off purchasing the RFP '200 for quite a while, but I'm really glad I purchased it. The hardest part for me was learning to use all the autopilot modes correctly, although learning to use the fuel management system was also difficult. But that was all part of the fun, and I did feel a great sense of accomplishment when I finally learned to use them.<<<

I don't own it, but it is a fantastic product. Keep in mind: RFP won a Bravo Zulu award... ;)http://darkstarorder.com/sigs/Batman/SigFinal.jpgKen Weik [link:maam.org|MAAM-SIM][link:library.avsim.net/search.php?CatID=root&SearchTerm=kenneth+weik&Sort=Added&ScanMode=0&Go=Change+View]My AFCADs

I think it is just too complicated for the average user, but then again, the folks who post and tend to visit AVSIM.com and FlightSim.com are not your "average" users. So, now folks don't have a good excuse not to own RFP. I am glad I did and hope they patch in for FS2006.RH

I dont mind the complexity, it is just that this a 3 person crewed aircraft - my limit is 2 max (just not realistic in those terms)if this was any 2 crew package - it would be on my hard drive

HAd RFP V1 and purchased RFP V2 the day it was released. It is indeed a fantastic product. The detail is incredible and the systems modeling is beyond belief. The RFP V2, and the PMDG 737 NG are my absolute favorite commercial jets. The ATR is my new favorite commercial turboprop, and the 172R from Flight1 is my favorite GA aircraft.

I don't think that it's the most under-rated just doesn't get a lot of "this is the best". It's my favorite airliner:a) The price: 30$:( The support: Fast and precise answers from the developers;c) The fun: It's hard to beat the joy of using a complex system like this in VATSIM.d) Personal experience: The Globe Cargo and the contact with retired 200 pilots;e) Almost "no bug" release;f) An excellent model;Also believe that usually the users feel that the plane is too complex to use however there are several videos, a comprehensive manual, a getting started manual etc. Jos

RFP-742 is the best add-on for me, too. :)As for complexitiy of the systems - as Jos

Does anyone know where I can still get the FS2002 version? http://www.thechequeredblag.com/forum/html...cons/unsure.gif