I am a former simmer, the last version I used was '02 if memory serves me.  I also obtained my PPL in '02 so sort of lost interest in simming.  However, I stopped flying in '06 and after a long hiatus decided to re-enter simming.  After beaucoup online research, I spec'd an XPS PC from Dell, a 32" curved monitor, and a CH Eclipse yoke off ebay.  The PC arrived yesterday and after spending the morning getting acquainted I downloaded FS 2020 which took about ten hours (which I expected).  Well, this thing is pretty amazing.  So far I've only flown the 172 with the glass dash and have done a few local flights plus a loop around West Maui (where I've just returned from vacationing).  The scenery is beyond belief and the plane itself seems quite authentic.  I'm in the configuration process and I do miss the rudder pedals I formerly had, but thus far this thing has exceeded expectations--and this is with a relative novice at the controls.  Once I get more comfortable the sky's the limit, so to speak.  I would like to express my gratitude to the members of this forum around which I've lurked for the past several months attempting to gain knowledge.  What a blast!

Welcome back and happy landings!

Welcome back, and enjoy!

Im sure Asobo will appreciate your positive comments. Welcome back and enjoy the scenery.

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by CarlosF

Welcome back .. I too took a long break (FS2004) and came back when this sim was released.. Hopefully you will have a positive experience with the sim and on the forums! 🙂

Cheers!

It's a whole new world,  https://flightsim.to/

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by Waldo Pepper

Invest in a VR headset and prepare to have your mind totally blown. 

Jeff, from one dog lover to another lol, welcome back!  I'm still simming strong...even with some of the frustrations that come with this new sim.  

For freeware I'd look at:  flightsim.to

And I'd also start by getting rid of the icky default G1000 hehe, and download the free G1000 Nxi in the Marketplace (in sim).  Working Title has some awesome mods for the default Citation CJ4 :

https://www.workingtitle.aero/

If you need a Garmin GTN consider the TDS GTN Xi - it's like the old Flight1/RXP style (but that might have been after you quit hehe).  There's a freeware unit too which is decent-ish - PMS 50

Probably the best payware plane so far is (maybe a tossup) between PMDG DC-6 and SWS Kodiak...with some amazing ones coming...  PMDG 737, Fenix A320, Maddog MD80 series, TFDI MD11, Flysimware C414, SWS RV14 etc etc

1 hour ago, Waldo Pepper said:

It's an whole new world,  https://flightsim.to/

That's another world all by itself.

and Jeff, welcome to Hotel California,

"You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave!"

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by DJJose

Welcome back! I came to MSFS from FSX, which I still using up until about a year ago. Needless to say, it was quite the update and still blows me away. 

Welcome back!  I dare say you’ll find it harder to leave this time with what simming has to offer 😉