I was just wondering if anyone knew if there is a way to adjust the approach patterns and distances in FS9 so that the base and downwinds are so far out and such. I want the patterns to be more realistic, like tighter turns on to final, closer approaches, that type of stuff. Any ideas?

Are you talking about IFR approaches as vectored by the default ATC? If so, then I don't know of any way to influence those but flying into airports that I'm familiar with (from commercial flights that I've taken), I find the IFR pattern legs to be about right. In fact, flying (real world) into KLAS from the east, we often fly the base on the Arizona side of the river, whereas FS9 ATC vectors me to a base leg over the river or sometimes very nearly over Boulder City NV creating a much shorter final.Of course, assuming good weather, you can always cancel IFR when you get near the airport and fly the pattern that you wish. I don't know how Radar Contact handles IFR approaches but someone will probably tell us. R-