I have been using FE for a while now and was wondering whether or not to get AS. Do they both do the same thing, work in conjunction with each other or what? What is the difference in the two programs?Is one of them enough or would both of them be better?Thanks.Jim

To be honest, I've simmed a lot with both of them and I can't tell the difference.

You should definately get AS, it creates online weather based on stored info in weather stations (if I got it right), and also in conjunction with flight plan. Also, if you can figure out the method, it updates the textures (all of them) based on weather data input. It is really impessive, probably the most significant environmental improvment of my sim.Eagle

Just for the record.Flight Environment provides great textures for weather, sunsets, and water. It relies on the FS9 weather generator.Active Sky generates weather (either reading real weather from its own server or by user design) and also provides textures for all but the water.Many people (myself included) find Active Sky's weather rendition far superior to FS9's default weather. (FS9 is quite good. Active Sky is superb.) So by choosing Active Sky you are getting a definite and palpable upgrade to the environment in which you fly.People have different tastes as to which texture set is better. (My personal preference is Flight Environment...YMMV.) You can use both products together: using Active Sky to generate weather, winds, clouds, and so forth; using Flight Environment to generate textures for that weather, sky, clouds, and the water below.Both developers deserve the accolades they have received.Best,Mike

Ask someone to point you to screenshots of FS weather with FE vs Active Sky, under the exact same conditions, and then decide if you want to shell out the extra cash.Yes, I know, Active Sky supposedly does "so much more", IF your machine can handle it, and you don't have to turn down a bunch of options within it to get that "so much more."

Hi Jim,MM(Mark) did a fine job explaining the two programs. Here is a link to a Screen Shot Forum thread showing some pics:http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...d=227047&page=2Hope this helps,Jimhttp://www.hifisim.com/Active Sky V6 Development TeamActive Sky V6 Proud SupporterHiFi Beta TeamRadar Contact Supporter

Yes, it shows pics, but not comparisons.It did NOT help.

Here's a thread I recently saw showing FE and GE. What impressed me was the look of the clouds:http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...&mesg_id=227124-John

John, please check your PM's.Thanks,Greg

Hi,Here are a few more:http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...ing_type=searchhttp://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...ing_type=searchhttp://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...ing_type=searchHope this helps,Jimhttp://www.hifisim.com/Active Sky V6 Development TeamActive Sky V6 Proud SupporterHiFi Beta TeamRadar Contact Supporter

FE are textures only, AS6 is a weather program AND textures. If you didn't already have FE I would say just get AS6 since the textures are awesome and IMO you won't need FE then, but still getting AS6 will enhance what FE does. Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://www.calvirair.com/mcpics/mcdcvabanner.jpgCalVirAir International

Thanks to all for the education. I'm now seriously leaning toward purchasing AS also.Jim

Thanks Jim!!Hope this helps,Jimhttp://www.hifisim.com/Active Sky V6 Development TeamActive Sky V6 Proud SupporterHiFi Beta TeamRadar Contact Supporter

AS serves as a weather program that updates constantly and provides more accurate date. Winds, clouds, visibility are closer to the real thing as far as updated weather goes. On top of that, they have very realisticly detailed clouds which i personally prefer over FE. Honestly, I'd say do your self a favor and go for AS6! :)