Wheels, thanks for the link, I will check it out tonight after work. Not sure the client would like me flying 747s around the office!

Feedback is pretty realistic but not that good. It gives you feed back on the runway, ie bumps.......I was excited when I first felt it but Im over it now.

Evo, The PPL in OZ is definitely tough. Didn't you know that the aircraft carrier exercise is part of the test? I have discovered the secret of getting down on the aircraft carrier. As soon as the engine outs, lots of flap instantly and slow right down, for a straight in approach. Which makes sense given the wind direction. Not sure what a short field approach speed is in a 182, but I can get in doing 60kts. Very sluggish though. You have to line up from a far way out. Stopping yourself falling off the end is another matter. As for making a successful landing and then being handed on to the MP's......what then?

BAL, If I was disappointed with MSFS2000, it was the lack of ATC discipline, something I need to practice. What is ProFlight for ATC simulation?

I am off to simulate myself
Noodle

[This message has been edited by Captain Noodle (edited 23 May 2001).]

I've been using a stick for years now but only recently took the plunge and got a set of the CH rudder pedals. I can't tell you how much of a difference they have made.. Alright I can - they've made a hell of a difference. If anyone can possibly afford the silly prices then go for it..

Cap'n Noodle -

ProFlight 2000 is an add-on from a company called AETI (http://www.simpilot.com/)
Basically you create "adventures" for yourself which contain ATC support. So for example, you'd file a VFR or IFR (more interesting if it is IFR, frankly) and then compile the adventure. Then when you start FS2K, you can load the adventure and Bob's your uncle.
Your side of the conversation is activated via keyboard commands, although you can use a third party voice recognition product for gamers (which I had little success with).
It certainly adds to the overall experience, although you do need to go through the planning steps, which adds to the overall amount of time you spend behind your PC. Still, I don't suppose most of us jump into a real airplane and go, so perhaps that's what is meant by "as real as it gets" :)
The two shortcomings are: (a) lack of flexibility, since the adventure is essentially scripted, (b) FAA terminology and procedures throughout even if you're flying in Australia (although in this version they do have numerous voice sets that are used automatically, so you'd hear a Qantas pilot speaking with an Australian accent). The other minor but highly entertaining point is that it will happily chuck big airplanes into small airports (e.g. "Speedbird 1234 cleared for take-off" when you know that the runway is 2500ft long...)
If really want to be a sad sod (like me), you can add Ultimate Airlines, which allows you to use "real" flight codes and plans for major airlines and routes. So you can be UA954 on a translatlantic route in a B777 or whatever. As I recall, ProFlight on its own has a library of DPs and STARs, so you could potentially use it as an aid for practicing some IR stuff.
Whilst on the subject of heavies, Phoenix Simulations (www.phoenix-simulations.co.uk) do an excellent replacement Boeing 777 and a Boeing 747-400 for FS2K. Precision Manuals (www.precisionmanuals.com) do a 757, 767 and 777 for Fly!2K. None of these are super expensive and they seem to patch them regularly and generally keep them up to date.

Fly has ATC built into the product, as does X-Plane. Again, they seem to be all FAA-based though, so I'm not sure how useful they would be to you.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 is supposed to have embedded ATC in the product, and is supposed to be pretty good for VFR in that you can get flight following and traffic advisories, and it is all dynamic (i.e. not implemented as an adventure, and not scripted).

Hope that helps.

David.