Sfakman

I had activation issues and the only way I fixed it was by doing a full re-install of FSX. I removed FSX, all add-ons and then gave my PC a quick re-boot. I then re-installed FSX (to a new directory labelled "fsx"), SP1, SP2 and then the NGX (I ran FSX as Admin) and it worked. Strangely I didn't need to run the activation applet or was I prompted for my serial number. Georgio

Definitely think the 1-5 star rating system is the way forward. Perhaps come up with a number of benchmarks which when added together give you a score. I would also suggest that a review template is created so that reviews are consistent in terms of content. In addition, allowing users to rate is a really good idea. I know they’re in the process of reviewing the site design. They should really allow the ability for users to comment against news, reviews & files (and most other content). This will allow avsim to grow organically and build it’s community. Hopefully the new designer they have onboard will factor this in.

I'm glad they're focusing on the social/community aspects - the world of Flight (Simulator) has great potential with regards to meeting and flying online with other players. I've always felt the online aspect has so far been a little weak. Gamespy is very unreliable and the social aspects need improving. I enjoy flying from A to B but I'd rather fly online and meet others along the way. The whole concept makes it feel more real. I know this hasn't been confirmed but I'm hoping they will introduce character building options with focus on flying hours, type ratings, destinations visited, achievements etc - a little like an mmorpg. Gives us all something to aim for and work towards.I'm also pleased they appear to be focusing on performance when they mention "achieving better performance on today’s hardware". Every time I've purchased a new version of FS I've had to upgrade. Maybe I wont have to this time round :)I'm looking forward to this release. It sounds exciting and hopefully a step in the right direction.

I wish all light aircraft had this safety feature

Be nice to know roughly when this is due out. I'm excited about the online focus - something that has the potential to be fantastic. I can't help but think it will be toned down for the masses but if they open it up so the community can make more complex add-ons then I'm all for it.Hopefully we will hear more soon.

Just thought - the YouTube vids wont be that great quality but if you want higher quality versions, you can them here:http://www.flightlevel350.com/aviation_vid...grapher=Georgio+You might have to join and upgrade to download them (to your desktop so you can use them in your video editing software) but I don't think it's much.Anyway, just another option for you!

Terry,Not sure if this will help but here's a video I took leaving LGW onboard an Easyjet A319 (nice an clear):http://www.youtube.com/user/Sfakman#p/u/3/5dO3rE-WhzEAnd here's one coming back to LGW (not so great but you might be able to use it)http://www.youtube.com/user/Sfakman#p/u/7/k0tzZ7DQddsAnd here's one leaving Venice:http://www.youtube.com/user/Sfakman#p/u/2/LDd1-zBRKgMI'm afraid I can't send the originals but feel free to use my YouTube ones. My channel is here where there are some more vids you might find of use:http://www.youtube.com/Sfakman

I used to help out at a flying club and I once showed a young lad round. I let him sit in the aircraft (a Katana DA20) and allowed him play with the controls. He mentioned he LOVED Flight Sim and asked some sensible questions but then he asked me if the button on the stick (that operated the radio) was the brakes. So if he was flying the Airliner we'd be finished.It's an interesting question. I did my first landing last year (in the same Katana) and it was far from easy and it took quite a few circuits till I mastered the fine art of "landing on your arse". I also had a very patient instructor sitting next to me telling me where I was going wrong/right.Now if I was sitting in an airliner, no instructor and had ONE shot at getting it on the ground I think my chances would be very very slim indeed. I

I'm not sure how you would do it in the US but in the UK you'd make a call downwind, and on base leg so that other pilots around your are aware of your position. Likewise the pilot on final would do the same.You keep a good look out. If I was the one down wind and I was aware of the situation arising I would slow the aircraft down to 70kts and make a judgement. If I was still getting close I'd do an orbit and rejoing the downwind legand continue as normal.

I think you have to look at from a developers perspective. If you packed in your nice stable job, setup a business, spent a ton of cash, remortagaged your house and spent thousands and thousands of hours developing your own flight simulator, you'd want your cash back at the end of it.I see why they added the DRM - they want to get paid and rightly so.All that aside - I like ROF. You may find in the future they will change their methods and allow the community to develop add-ons. It's early days yet.

Mike,Thanks for the repsonse -this is all good to know. I'll hopefully have time over the weekend to try again and I'll take your advice and look in the other lobbys.It's nice to hear your story as well :) Enjoy your road trip!

Thanks for the reply. Well, I'll be your first member on the portal you're developing :)Looking forward to hearing more about it.Will have another stab at Gamespy.Thanks!

Last weekend I decided to spend a day flying online. It's been a while and I've had a few unsuccessful attempts in the past so thought I'd give it another stab. But yet again, I found it to be frustrating and in the end, a complete non-event.Is it me or is it a real ball ache do just start up flight sim, find an online session and get in the air within 10 minutes? Firstly, you get the usual Gamespy problems of being kicked because of the numerous connectivity problems, then you have VATSim, as good as it is, it's a little too strict for a free flight. You can't just login and get in the air. I appreciate that's the point of VATSim so perhaps this method isn't ideal for me. Then you have FSHOST. The concept is great and it's fantastic that a single developer has created something that is very good. My only issue is the busy servers are password protected leaving very few busy public servers.Now I'm not having a dig at any of the above options