While I have used other simulators before, I'm new to FS2004. I figured the best way to get familiar with the way the sim works is to go thought the Flying Lessons (which will also give me a refresher on flying in general). However, I dint' get too far. I can't seem to be able to figure out what what it is that I'm supposed to do in the "flaps" section of "Lesson 3: Climbs and descents."Let me explain. I noticed that (at least so far) my "instructor" considers a requirement fulfilled if I hit certain flight parameters For example when in the same lesson I'm expected to climb to 5000 feet then accelerate to 100 k - the instructor patiently sits and waits until both of those requirements are met. If I hit 5000 ft but my speed is not quite up to 100 k - he keeps waiting. If I hit 100 k but am still just below 5000 ft - he keeps waiting. I don't have to hit both targets simultaneously or with a large degree of precession But as soon as both are achieved - the instructor is happy and we move on to the next maneuverWell - I can't figure out what these 'magic' parameters are when I get to the descent from 4000ft to 3000 ft with flaps fully extended; flying at 65 k. I hit 3000ft, flaps are STILL fully extended... but nothing happens. I keep flying at 3000ft, go lower, go back up to 4000ft, descent again but nothing seems to be pleasing him. He tells me twice to

Are you using a external throttle or the F keys? If external you may need to calibrate it. Also, when you get to 3000 ft you are supposed to level off and accelerate to 100kts.Bud

Hi,There's another post about the lessons here and people seem to have similar difficulty.I tried a few times and was always told the lesson was over and -bing- that was it even when things seemed to be going okay.I daresay that to be at 4000ft with flaps fully extended and at 65kts the reason you heard nothing is because Ron has put his parachute on and is long gone:-lol Andy.

>I daresay that to be at 4000ft with flaps fully extended and>at 65kts the reason you heard nothing is because Ron has put>his parachute on and is long gone:-lol For years and years, I've flown real airplanes close to four thousand feet with flaps fully extended and 65kias! I thought it was normal, and everybody did it that way! :D Yep, the airport is 4200' msl, and my flaps are all the way down with a target speed over the fence of 65 kts! :( L.Adamson -- just giving whoever, a bad time... :)

In my opinion the lessons in FS2004 are the buggiest things ever. Great for getting a general idea of what to do but far from what the were intended to be. Fly the lesson and get the idea of what is needed for that phase of flight then set up a flight and practice on your own.

>Fly the lesson and get the idea of what is>needed for that phase of flight then set>up a flight and practice on your own.I'd like to. But I wonder what ELSE in the lesson - past the point I can't get through ;-)Thanks,Michael

Bud,Looks like it may have been a calibration issue! I'm using an external thorttle, but then I tried ALSO using the F keys. I cut throttle to idle and also hit F1 a few times for a good measure. This time - my "instructor" was happy and I was able to move to the next step.So to answer my own question - I think in this particular case - the magic paramter that I was missing was making sure my power was at idle ;-)Thanks,Michael

Roger that :) Good luck with the rest of the lessons :)Bud