I find there are times where I am in that VC and those virtual controls seems like all that matter at that moment, and the world beyond its cabin windows is the world in which I feel my immediate experience exists. But that bubble always pops within moments of its origin, and I'm back to sitting in a chair in my simpit setup. This might sound like I am going crazy, but this is one of the things that keeps me coming back to FS. I can't say I get this suspension of disbelief very often, nor am I obsessed with it (well, maybe a tiny little bit), but am I thankful that I can get those precious distractions to escape the stress and mundaneness of everyday life...too bad we all cannot own and fly AC IRL, like we do in FSX.

BTW, don't read too much into what I just wrote. I do have other interests beyond FS, some of which are far more important, and sometimes more enjoyable, than spending time in my simpit.

Yup, it's all about the fun and being 'into' it for a while. Best part for me is that the rest of the world and my other worries are not even a thought when I'm into a game.

That is definitely how you know it is a good hobby when it makes you forget about everything else.

I usually find using  old tech like an ADF Approach on a DC3 in bad weather and find the runway lights in front of me at the last minute... is exhilarating and mentally challenging. flying in bad weather or during dusk with street lights (Nigh environemnt) gives me the goosebumbs.

We realise that belief is suspended, when, in our Avro Shackleton simulator, pilots 'bump' in their seats, anticipating touchdown. This is a sim built on a trailer, using original seats, pedals, yoke &  throttles.

FS2004 & freeware Aeroworx South African scenery!