Elite Desktop Sims
This is a warning to any of you considering purchasing an Aviation Teachware Technologies Elite Simulation Solutions computer flight simulator (www.flyelite.com).
Two years ago, I spent over $700 on their MD-81 Jet Simulator Software. Elite told me, while my program wouldn’t work on Win98, as Win98 had just been released, they would release an upgrade in the coming months. It never happened. Now, with Win98 out for almost three years, I have finally upgraded my computer, and my Elite program is useless because the company does not support its software. That would be okay with a $40 program, but I spent over $700! Elite continues to promise an upgrade some time next year, but now says it’ll be $200 MORE!!! It’s great to know an upgrade may be available over three years after a new operating system is released! And, of course, it might not work on the next version of Windows, when it comes out..."how ‘bout another $200?!"
The best part of my conversation with Elite’s manager, was when he suggested I blame Microsoft for my problem because it no longer supports DOS-based programs (Yeah, right.....as soon as I sue Sony for not selling 8-Track Tape Decks anymore).
Finally, when I told him I was asking nothing more than that his company support a $700 program at no additional charge for something more than two years, he said he questioned my abilities as a pilot (I’m a major airline Captain) told me I was being completely unreasonable and hung up on me!
Most ironically, I don’t know what I paid $700 FOR! Elite’s program is nothing more than a glorified MS Flight Simulator...which costs about $90, and won’t leave you hanging every time a new operating system comes out.
If you’re looking at Elite...keep looking....
Dave