If you already have the iFly 737, stick with that. Get the PMDG 777 for the latest twin long haul. And for retro long haul, grab the iFly 747-400. Simply superb is the only way to describe it.

 

So you cover all bases with those three.

 

Mark L.

For realism and overall enjoyment I would have to say Pilot Edge.

 

 

however I'm not sure I'm a fan of having to pay for the updates

You do not pay for updates within the same major version 3.0 3.1 3.x if you get 3.0 you have free update until 3.9.  A jump in the major release will require new purchase.  Personally I will stay with 3.x for a longtime, unless 4.0 will blow your mind away then... I still use FSX-SE for my favorite add-on like the Flight 1 Mustang.  The way to guard against future cost is to only buy add-on that has free update for any many platforms as possible.  The MJQ 400 is one of such product, that and the Airbus from Aerosoft.

For ground textures you might want to look at FTX Global Base  https://fullterrain.com/  .

 

Doug

 

After watching this side by side comparison I get the impression that FTX Global is awful.

 

 

What is up with that grand canyon?

 

It does look like it make some of the autogen look better but for $100? 

 

I think they have really slick marketing.

 

Maybe with Global+Vector+Mesh it looks good but how much money would that cost?

 

 

What is up with that grand canyon?

ORBX wearing green glasses   ! GEXP3D is better but alas is more expensive.  There are many folks who have FTX Global and then switch to GEXP3D.  ORBX definitely has a green inclination.

 

 

if you get 3.0 you have free update until 3.9

 

Unless they decide to jump from 3.5 to 4.0

They wouldn't do that though would they ........ Oh

Unless they decide to jump from 3.5 to 4.0

They wouldn't do that though would they ........ Oh

Just curious, have they?

 

I'm not a p3d user, but it's possible that I may take the plunge, although fsx steam seems to give me the enjoyment I need out of a sim, and it seems all the add-ons are prices 10-20$ more than fsx add-ons

 

 

Just curious, have they?

 

They did exactly that from 2.5 to 3.0

Majestic Q400 pro, no question or doubt. It's so good I cant even think of the right word for it.

 

That good eh? I have been looking at that aircraft. What makes it stand out if you don't mind me asking. Is it really difficult to learn?

.

FSUIPC ... having different button/axis profiles for different planes is essential to me.

(and it has many many other nice features in the registered version, e.g. autosave, lua scripts, ...)

 

Everything else is luxury

That good eh? I have been looking at that aircraft. What makes it stand out if you don't mind me asking. Is it really difficult to learn?

 

Yes, it's that good.

 

The Q400 does have a bit of a learning curve, but it's not difficult.  The Universal FMC is a little less sophisticated than what you'd find in a Boeing (and you cannot import flight plans--you have to key them in manually), but if you have a general understanding of how an FMC works you can easily adapt.

 

The beauty of the Q400 is this:  First, it is not a frame rate killer.  Majestic claims that if the default aircraft work on your machine, the Q400 will too and they are absolutely correct.  Second, its flight model is second to none.  It's a quirky plane in real life and by all accounts they have captured its behavior perfectly.  It does not "fly on rails" which makes it a challenge--in a good way.  Third, it is automated enough to not be overwhelming, but it is a plane that has to be flown vs. a plane that has to be 'managed.'  This makes for some truly exciting final approaches and landings.

 

I love the Q400 because I usually don't have time to do long-haul flights, and I like that you can fly at low enough altitudes to enjoy the scenery.  Plus, I can get in and out of airports where jetliners fear to tread, and I prefer going to places that are off the beaten path.

Yes, it's that good.

 

The Q400 does have a bit of a learning curve, but it's not difficult.  The Universal FMC is a little less sophisticated than what you'd find in a Boeing (and you cannot import flight plans--you have to key them in manually), but if you have a general understanding of how an FMC works you can easily adapt.

 

The beauty of the Q400 is this:  First, it is not a frame rate killer.  Majestic claims that if the default aircraft work on your machine, the Q400 will too and they are absolutely correct.  Second, its flight model is second to none.  It's a quirky plane in real life and by all accounts they have captured its behavior perfectly.  It does not "fly on rails" which makes it a challenge--in a good way.  Third, it is automated enough to not be overwhelming, but it is a plane that has to be flown vs. a plane that has to be 'managed.'  This makes for some truly exciting final approaches and landings.

 

I love the Q400 because I usually don't have time to do long-haul flights, and I like that you can fly at low enough altitudes to enjoy the scenery.  Plus, I can get in and out of airports where jetliners fear to tread, and I prefer going to places that are off the beaten path.

 

Thanks for the great reply!!

 

That actually sounds exactly what I am looking for. I prefer to fly a bit over just 'manage'. That's why I got bored of the AS A320 series. I bought the Milviz 732 as it allows a more 'raw' airliner flying experience. I also don't have time for long hauls and like to go off the beaten path. So this sounds like a perfect plane. Do you need that FS2Crew as some suggest or ok to fly without?

 

Thanks again!!

Do you need that FS2Crew as some suggest or ok to fly without?

 

I wouldn't say you need to watch it, but it really speeds up what you can learn about the plane. Its an excellent course and I'd really recommend doing it tho.

 

Edit: I read that wrong, I thought you said Airline2Sim! I do not have fs2crew but it's on my list.

I wouldn't say you need to watch it, but it really speeds up what you can learn about the plane. Its an excellent course and I'd really recommend doing it tho.

 

Edit: I read that wrong, I thought you said Airline2Sim! I do not have fs2crew but it's on my list.

 

Hehe. gotcha. Was wondering what course you were speaking about.