Using FS9, I am looking for a good addon that gives the crew sounds and checklists, etc..I currently own RFPB 2nd gen, and it comes with S-Combo which I like.I also own a program called "Airliners ENV", which is ok but appears to need a few more sounds.. (maybe crew callouts, etc.).So I was looking at FlightDeck companion but I'm wondering if it's worth purchasing, or is there another product out there that gives the cabin sounds? The FDC website has a few broken links and I'm worried about future support.Thanks for any adviceJeff

HI Jeff, Well, if you are using S-Combo, you can think of FDC as S-combo on steroids. :-) I believe the "broken" links on the FDC web site you refer to are those pointing to the support forum. As far as I know, those are the only ones that do not work. The reason for this is simple--the forum is here on Avsim, and to use it, like all other Avsim forums, you have to be registered. Since you obviously are already registered, you can easily access the forum here. The Oncourse-software web site has a good explanation of the basic FDC software capabilities. It however refers to the original version 1. That version had 6 updates, and there is a pinned post from Dave at the top of the forum that provides access to a cumulative readme explaining what is contained in those updates. All of this capability is contained in the basic version 2, plus some additional aircraft, which is the current version of FDC. Also in the forum, you will find a post from Dave, announcing the imminent release of a free upgrade to version 3 for version 2 users. In that post is a link to the the readme (pdf file) for the update listing all the features contained in it. I would suggest you visit the forum and check out what is there. I think you will find your questions are answered.Oh yeah, I am biased somewhat about FDC. :-)Regards,PaulFDC Team Member

Hello Jeff,I'm biased too, but you may want to check out FS2Crew.There are lots of reviews on the FS2Crew website to give you an idea of what the FS2Crew concept is all about.FS2Crew is intended more for the hardcore, purist type user. I don't know if that's you or not.FS2Crew also has a support forum here on Avsim that you can check out.All the best,Bryan

Hello Jeff.,FDC was one of the first add-on I purchased and never fly without it.Installation is a breeze with total support here in Avsim.Realistic crew environment supports many aircraft, and you have other features such as incorporating ATC chatter files and automated cabin announcements, should you so desire.CheersDan

Hi JeffI always fly with FDC and can highly recommend it.

I consider it an excellent buy and really has a lot more functionality than S-Combo. The update to v3 (FDC) is essentially complete and should be released as a free (that's right, FREE) download to all v2 users in the next few days, so no reason not to go ahead and enjoy it. Ed GreenKCLThttp://www.panelshop.com/DEV.jpg

Thanks for all the answers.I took a look at FS2crew but it appears to only support a few aircraft. Did I miss something?Also, if I get FDC, will it completely replace S-Combo for my RFPB 747 or should I keep both in that case?Thanks.Jeff

FDC will completely replace S-Combo as far as RFP is concerned. You won't need S-combo once you have installed Flight Deck Companion.Ed GreenKCLThttp://www.panelshop.com/DEV.jpg

Hi Jeff.,As far as i know FS2crew is configured to run with the PMDG737. Not sure about RFPB747 (i would guess yes), it obviously works with the default 747. There is also a dedicated forum for FDC here on Avsim., the guys over there will be able to answer all your questions.CheersDan :-)

Hi Jeff,yes, if you buy FDC, you won't need S-Combo for RFP747. I recommend you FDC too, it's a must have add-on.

Dan is for the most part right.Let me explain:The current versions of FS2Crew work with the PMDG 737 series and the Default 737.Each version of FS2Crew is custom designed for that particular aircraft, resulting in super detail and accuracy, not to mention unprecedented 3rd party aircraft integration that makes it very very unique. That said, I don't like comparing FS2Crew to other products that are in vague kind of way in its class, because it's like comparing apples and oranges.Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. One of FS2Crew's weaknesses is that it doesn't work with every aircraft, but that's the price you pay for extreme detail and 3rd party aircraft integration.I don't know if you're interested in the Flight1 ATR, but FS2Crew has achieved seemless integration with the ATR; FS2Crew can read and control every switch, even the FMC.Again, that ability to interface with high-end 3rd party aircraft that use custom code that you won't find in the SDKs (which is basically all of them) is something that makes FS2Crew very unique.The ATR version is under development as we speak, and will be released hopefully soon.Once the ATR is done custom designed versions of FS2Crew will be made for other high end 3rd party commercial aircraft.Hope that helps you make a decision.There are a lot of good choices out there, so choose wisely!Cheers,Bryan