Hmmm, I don't see anything in that thread that indicates it's impossible to do what many who actually own the RA planes are doing. I mean, sure I suppose its a limitation not to have a 2D panel if you happen to want one, or not to be able to modify the panel if you happen to want to. But if you just want to buy a plane, hop in the VC and fly the thing, theres hardly a limitation at all afaic...As far as RA not inventing the technique, I don't understand why this keeps coming up. I (and I think most people) know they didn't invent it and that its something that's always been a possibility in the sim. That doesn't change the fact that they are the only ones who USE the technique so far. Ever since MS brought the virtual cockpit into the sim, one of the big complaints about them has been the poor update rates of the gauges - and that applied to all planes simple or not. They all suffered from the choppy gauges to a greater or lesser degree. Now, RA has released three planes that all feature buttery smooth VC gauges (I'm running a P4-1.8/GF4Ti4200/768 megs ram - far from bleeding edge - and the gauges really are flawlessly smooth) and great flight models and very attractive exterior models and yadda yadda. If folks can't break with the 2D tradition, so be it. But for anyone who can these planes are pure joy.

Well said Zevious!:-)

Thanks. :)I should point out that I had the A36 too. Its a very impressive add-on. Unfortunately, it was a bit too much for my pathetic system. I was routinely getting 10 or 11 (or less) fps in the VC (which, as I said, is where I prefer to be) and even the 2D panel was hard on the framerate. I made the decision to take advantage of the wonderful 30 day return policy on that one (and when I requested the return I was 100% honest about why and there were no questions asked and no problems whatsoever - I was issued my refund, deleted the plane and that was it. Amazing what simple politeness and honesty will achieve.) I have the Meridian as well. I think it was the first add-on purchase I ever made. It blew me away. So have many payware and freeware add-ons I've acquired. I don't want to sound like an advertisement for RA here. It's just that the RA planes give me exactly what I want from the sim. That certainly doesn't have to apply to everyone...

>>I

>>dual ownership seems to be about the best option out there.It is very sensible, because unless you use the aircraft for business travel, you simply will never use it as much as you think you will and the aircraft will spend the vast majority of its life sitting still and buring money with no return (and costing more in maintenance as a result). A group size of 3 is ideal. I am now in a group of 12 and still I get to fly pretty much when I want to. Get your medical, get your license and go for it!

A group of 12 for one aircraft could work... :-beerchug

>Thanks Flygirl! I guess our Cirrus SR20/SR22 series do qualify>for what the original post was asking for:-) >Well, I wasn't so sure Ron (given the glass panels), so left this thread alone....BUT...you know I would have chimed in earlier regarding the Cirrus being a great choice.And that Liberty ain't too bad either! ;)

>>Thanks Flygirl! I guess our Cirrus SR20/SR22 series do>qualify>>for what the original post was asking for:-) >>>>>Well, I wasn't so sure Ron (given the glass panels), so left>this thread alone....BUT...you know I would have chimed in>earlier regarding the Cirrus being a great choice.>>And that Liberty ain't too bad either! ;)>Thanks Brian, The Cirrus SR20/SR22 Series and the new Liberty XL2 should fit the bill for anyone who loves General Aviation Aircraft for sure :-)Would have mentioned our upcoming Columbia 400 but she's not quite ready yet :-)