Hi,I'd like to introduce kids to flying through the use of a MSFS. I'd like to show them how to do flight planning using something like DUATS and FlightPrep Golden Eagle. Is it possible to use DUATS if you are not a pilot?Also, is it possible to build a MSFS flight plan from DUATS output?Thanks,Thomas Perry

Unless there has been a change you need at least a student pilot certificate to get a duat or duats account.

It's been a while since I first registered, but I believe all you need is a 3rd class medical to get access. I would however leave that website to "real" planning purposes and use some of the great tools available for MSFS i. E. FSNavigator or FSBuild.Cheers,Petehttp://members.aol.com/pzsoulman/myhomepage/logo.gifAMD64-3400,1GB/2700DDRAM,WinXP(SP2),DirectX9.0c,Geforce6800(128MB)(Det.71.89), CH Yoke/Pedals

I could swear I saw something recently that allowed non-pilots to use the system. Perhaps I'm thinking of an offer from AOPA. Unfortunately, they require membership for their stuff as far as I know.The reason I like Golden Eagle is it is very nice graphics, complete, real, and best of all for my students, free.I'm open to other options however.Thanks,Thomas

Thomas,AOPA offers a great flightplanner (AOPA's real time flight planner) which I use a lot when I fly my little 172. Have you ever considered joining AOPA? It's really incredible what you get for joining them, plus you would support a great organization!!!I don't know if you have a license yet, but if you're in the US maybe you want to check out www.beapilot.com and get your cheap intro-flight at your nearest airport ;-) Next thing you know is you'll go get your medical :-)Cheers,Petehttp://members.aol.com/pzsoulman/myhomepage/logo.gifAMD64-3400,1GB/2700DDRAM,WinXP(SP2),DirectX9.0c,Geforce6800(128MB)(Det.71.89), CH Yoke/Pedals

Yes,I've been a member for almost 10 years now, and had my license for a little longer. I started using AOPA's flight planner as soon as it came out, but over time, I've come to like Golden Eagle better. What I am looking for is a flight planning software that is hopefully free (i.e. Golden Eagle) to give to my students so they can take it home and practice with it/use it.I imagine I'd get in trouble for giving out my access codes so that isn't an option.ThomasN15802KASH

I guess you do need a pilot certificate to access DUAT. https://www.duat.com/form/getaccess.frm

They were able to set up a separate educational account for me. Now we'll have to see if any of my students abuse it.Thomas

using DUATs and even AOPA flight planner, you could potentially file the flight plan for real with a click of button.Imagine a bunch of flight simmers in there filing away fake flight plans mixed with real ones.Not a good idea.