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The only problems with VATSIM are; (IMO) 1. People with crappy mics 2. People that talk waaaaay to fast. As a newbie, I'd rather start with something like what Bill is suggesting and slowly integrate my newly learned skills into VATSIM. I think with VATSIM, most users have to dive in head first which for some of us is a bit too much too soon. 3. Setup. I've flown VATSIM before, maybe only a handful of flights. I'd prefer something to what Bill is suggesting as I believe it would be a factor of ease of setup compared to having to setup all the programs (either networked or not) for VATSIM functionality. 4. Performance - not everyone has the greatest connection to the internet. And those with less than descent connections is probably enough to keep them from joining VATSIM. 5. Active controllers online at any given time. I've joined VATSIM in my local area, KDEN a few times only to find it was a ghost town. At least with something akin to FS2crew, (FS2ATC) I'm garaunteed to have ATC no matter where I fly. 6. Standardization in ATC lingo, the speed at which instructions are given, crappy vs good mics, various accents etc in VATSIM can make things to confusing compared to what could be offered in such a project undertaken by FS2crew. (again for the newly initiated) However, unlike Bills suggestion I would prefer having the option to let the FO handle all ATC comms or myself. The ability to be able to interact with ATC (voice) IMO would be priceless. As a new user to FS2crew, and based on what I've seen of it thus far, I think an, 'FS2ATC', is a no brainer! Cheers, Brandon

Even if this is something they plan to do, why would you pay for it? Why accept something that is mediocore simply b/c its free than pay to have all that content when FSX six years ago was released with an entire world, thousands of airports and multiple GA and Commercial aircraft! Its like admitting you're freely taking part in MS's little bait and switch program. They bait you with a free dl, than want you to pay for extra content. I say don't spend a dime and let Flight stew.

Looking at how well FS9 and FSX have done over the years simply b/c of 3rd party developers, MS could have made a KILLING off of MS Flight. And I do mean a killing!!!Had they focused on what FSX/FS9 offers, but improved upon it with new coding and still allowed 3rd party developers to create addon's for it they could literally sell the software for probably $100 per copy.If they were smart enough about it, they could have worked out some sort of deal with 3rd party developers to help make the new sim the greatest thing since sliced bread and still profit for years to come.As already stated, 3rd party developers are the ones that have kept FS9 and FSX alive all these years and have expanded the flight simming user base.MS really screwed the pooch with Flight. They must have some real idiots in their finance/development dept.I guess just b/c you're greedy doesn't mean your smart to boot!

You might also be interested in checking out WestWind Virtual Airlines. You can register at our forums and get the general feeling of the atmosphere before making a decision. The friendliness and helpfulness was one of the major deciding factors forme signing up with them. Lastly the fact that you can get your hours flying offline or on VATSIM.Unlike alot of VA's out there, we do not require our pilots fly on VATSIM. Granted I realize the system we use is based moreon the honor system of reporting your hours. In retrospect, anyone who wants to lie about their hours is really only wasting their time. Being required to fly a particular platform and use specific software is one of the things that turned me off aboutmany VA's before finding WWA. But I can understand the structure that alot of VA's enjoy following and implementing.WWA Virtual has been in service for just over 15 years and I think that says alot. You begin as a CAT 1 rated pilot and depending on what sim you use, can either fly the CRJ200 or CRJ700. You also use either aircraft for your entrance checkride.After only 15 hours, you move into the CAT 2 rating which opens the doors to flying more aircraft. From there is a total of 50hours until Cat 3, and 100 for Cat IV, then every 100 hours is your next protomotion going forward.Although not unusual for most VA's we also utilize TS 3.We have a large variety of aircraft in our hangar and many painters in our VA painting for addons in both FS9 and FSX. I couldtell you alot more about us, but the best advise I can give you is to check out our website and see for yourself.I think you're going to find alot of similarities between many VA's offerings. It really comes down to the specifics of what you're looking for out of a VA. www.flywestwind.comGood luck in your decision making. It took me at least a few months looking at all kinds of VA's before signing up with WestWind.

<br /><br /><br />Eh no worries Pete, I got the general drift of what you meant. More times than not, I've looked for answers also only to find people have fixed their issue but didn't post the fix, and your sorta sittin there like, #####?? LOL especially having gone through tons of pages in the post.I hope you won't need the link either, but it is a rather interesting read if you ever get the time. ;)

<br /><br /><br />Hey Sorry Pete, my intention definitely wasn't to keep this to myself. But Tabs has posted the correct link to which I was referring. Thanks Tabs. :)

To the support staff at PMDG, I installed a new addon the other night, was so excited to check it out after installation, loaded up FSX and the aircraft. Lo and behold my, 'addon', and, 'fsrecorder', menu items mysteriously disappeared. Upon further investigation to find out what worked and didn't, I found my PMDG 747 and LevelD 767 no longer worked. I couldn't get them to even load from the free flight screen and when I tried it'd just crash FSX. I felt like (and was convinced in the heat of the moment) I'd just lost two of THE best aircraft in my hangar, and cheated by the company in which I bought the newer addon. I'm witholding their name (out of professional courtesy and), b/c after reading your article on dll.xml file corruption I realize the reason behind it.I got no help from the support forum in which I purchased the aircraft and spent almost the entire day scouring the net for answers until I found your article. Thanks so much for making the info not only available, but easy to understand for us average Joe simmers. :)I was still able to install the offending payware and make the necessary corrections via notepad++ with the knowledge I'd learned from reading your article and am back to flying. Thanks PMDG, not only for making great payware addon aircraft, but for being there for us simmers!B1