What Flight Sim Software Do You Use?

You can select up to five if you're using more than one. Please give your input on the one(s) you use so others looking to get into using simulators can make an informed decision when they purchase If you have any links for additional aircraft/flying sites to download for your software, please also include those. Thanks!

OK, so I'll get the ball rolling.

First, I use RealFlight v4.5 currently and have ordered the upgrade to v6.5 from Tower Hobbies. I am actually expecting that to show up today. My impressions of this software is excellent graphics and realistic flight characteristics. Lots of great customizing options. With v6.5 the big "upgrade" is True View graphics which brighten and sharpen the whole screen for better visibility, really looking forward to it ;D The only "not-so-positive" thing (can't really call it negative), is that being produced by Great Planes/Electrifly they present mostly their aircraft, especially in the upgrades and expansion/mega packs. Don't get me wrong, with all the additional downloads and expansions I have loaded, I have most of my current hangar represented in this package.

Second, I am using Phoenix 4.0.m. The really cool thing about this sim is the 3D flying sites! Ridiculously engulfing scenery! The program is smooth and realistic with almost as many customizing options as RealFlight. Awhile back I actually found a thread on how to take a picture of your own flying site and integrate that into the program!!! Now that It comes back to mind, I have no idea where I saw it I'll make an effort to relocate it and post the link/info here. What I really like about this package is it contains the remainder of the planes in my hangar including my Blade MQx. It also has many of the aircraft I am still considering adding to my hangar.

The third sim software I'm using is AeroFly. This I actually just installed and have not yet had an opportunity to test. I'll give my opinion on it when I've had a chance to make a thorough perusing of it.

Lastly, there's FMS (Flying Model Simulator). This is a free software package that you can download and even comes with several RTF airplanes. This is the first sim I used as it came with my first airplane, my beloved Pitts Special bipe from BananaHobby.com. Very little in the way of customization and graphics are "acceptable". The one real plus for this one, aside from being free, is it's an open source program and there are LOTS of additional aircraft to download. Keep in mind though, that all the additional downloads are programmed by individuals not necessarily educated in aerodynamic theory and principle (!) So flight characteristics aren't always accurate. That all having been said, it's a great place to start as you can use your own transmitter, with a readily available USB cable, and be up and simming for next to nothing!

Most of you know I use the SimStick wireless adapter for my sim use. I can use my Spektrum DX8 with all it's programming features to get the closest realism short of actually putting a plane in the air. I have successfully programmed it for use with both RealFlight and Phoenix, doesn't work with FMS, and haven't tried AeroFly yet. I have high hopes for my 9-in-1 wireless adapter, still hasn't arrived yet. See my other posting in this topic heading.


ReaFlight updates and add-ons can be found here - http://www.realflight.com/addons.html, and here - http://www.knifeedge.com/forums/downloads.php?

Phoenix updates and add-ons can be found here - http://www.phoenix-sim.com/downloads.asp. WOOHOO!! The Phoenix Creator software can also be downloaded here to allow you to add you own customized flying site ;D

No info yet on updates for AeroFly, will post when I find some.

FMS updates can be found at dozens of sites - do a Google search for "download FMS aircraft", "download FMS planes" or any other similar wording. My favorite is this one - http://gunnerson.homestead.com/files/fms_models.htm.

ENJOY!!!

Great question John! You're right of course that the different sims require different levels of hardware to run. Here is the breakdown as I have them installed...

I have three laptops and one desktop configured for sim practice.

Laptop one runs Phoenix 4.0.m and RealFlight 4.5. The 3D sites in Phoenix are smooth and no dropped frames or other hiccups. RealFlight 4.5 requires Shader Model 2.0 in the video processing of the computer so on this machine v4.5 is as high as it can go. This is the laptop that I have donated to the Rogue Valley Flyers for our Intro Pilot Training Program. It is configured as follows:
Windows7 Home Premium 32-bit, AMD Athlon 2650e 1.6GHz CPU, 3GB RAM Memory, ATI Radeon X1200 Video, Screen Resolution @ 1280x800.


Laptop two runs Pheonix 4.0.m and FMS (though I really don't use FMS anymore). Not able to run the 3D flying sites in Phoenix on this one as the video system is lacking in performance. The 2D sites however run smoothly and the display is crisp. System configuration for this one is below:
WindowsXP Home, PentiumM 1.6GHz CPU, 1.24GB RAM Memory, Intel 82855GME Video Controller, Screen Resolution @ 1024x768.


Laptop three runs everything. This is my newest and most powerful laptop. System configuration for this one is:
Windows7 Home Premium 64-bit, AMDA4-3305M Dual-Core APU, 4GB RAM Memory, ATI Radeon HD 6480G Video with Shader Model 3.0, Screen Resolution 1600x900, AND as you can see looks fantastic connected via HDMI 1.4 cable to my 55" LED TV!!!!



My desktop is another story all in itself. It will run anything I throw at it, flight sim or otherwise:
Windows7 Ultimate, AMD FX-8350 eight-core CPU, 32GB RAM Memory, Dual Radeon HD 7870 Video Cards each with 2GB dedicated memory, Dual 26" LCD Monitors each running a Screen Resolution of 1920x1080p. Currently non-op and in the middle of upgrading, but again as you can see, my computer room is also my hobby room, and currently (sadly) my storage/junk room I don't really do much simming on my desktop (although all are installed), as it it mostly for work - CAD programs, 3D modeling, etc.. Plus, not even dual 26" monitors looks as cool as a 55" display



And although it isn't connected at the moment, this is my DX8 with my SimStick wireless adapter:

Two more sims worthy of note...

FlightSim One (FSOne) - http://www.fsone.com/
ClearView - http://rcflightsim.com/

I've heard good things about both of these but haven't tried either one myself.

Not trying to push RealFlight, just some info...

w00d, you're correct that RealFlight used to charge for their expansion packs. With the introduction of v6.0, and now v6.5, the expansion packs are now offered for free download at the links posted in my opening review. They do however still charge for the Mega Packs (Airplane & Helicopter versions). I ordered the v6.5 upgrade with the Airplane Mega Pack for my current v4.5 software. I had a $25 coupon for Tower Hobbies that was expiring and with a couple other promo ad codes I got the $80 combo and a new Hobbico Deluxe Power Panel II, and free shipping for just under $50 to my door ;D

I am going to do some digging and go through the steps to create a custom flying site (two actually) and test them out on Phoenix. I think it will be really cool to be able to practice flying at my actual flying fields

Stay tuned...