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Best Add On's

Question:

I use SBox when I want a structured flight using my av and approach charts and a very detailed flight plan. Now, if I want something a lot lighter, I use the Zone with RogerWilco. To be honest, I’d prefer to combine the SBox *real* professional style with a voice system like RW rather than having to type–although, if you think about it, it must also be tough to remember long instructions without writing them down on paper or something, as with the current typed SBox, you can always scroll up an see the previous messages. So my point is, I’d like to keep SBox very professional, as similar a possible to the real thing for people who, like me, would like to [some day] learn to fly real planes even at my tender age of 43.  For those "lighter" days of the months, I use the dreaded Zone with RogerWilco for a real fun treat. Jorge Padron — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Jonathan! For online flight, with squawkbox or anything else, I suggest either Roger Wilco or BattleCom for realtime, multi-pilot voice communications using a microphone.  Squawkbox/ProController is working at adding a system like this into theirs… but I must say, while the realism of Procontroller and Squawkbox has been pushed to new heights, the squawk/pc community has become more and more EXCLUSIVE… when it started (those glory days of yore, and the old guard nod and smile knowingly) it was just a bunch of people who wanted controlled airspace and it wasn’t so freaking serious… So what, you don’t know every section of FAA… you Learn them by flying them and being instructed as you go, and you SHOULD understand when you reach those dizzying heights of greatness that those newbies behind you are just like you were. I can fully understand, for those real pilots out there who want realistic ATC to the highest degree, it must be a wonderful tool.  However, I seriously doubt every flightsim pilot out there is a qualified pilot as well, having a working knowledge of flight rules inside and out, and how to deal with a tower.  Furthermore, I seriously doubt every flightsimmer out there has top end machines with the best of the best, to cater to the whims of every shit hot Controller who gets pee’d off ‘cuz you have the GALL to ask for something twice, or in plain english, until you learn the jargon (he says, as he acknowledges RGR ORD_DEP, cleared for t/o rw 32L, c/m 3500 at r/w heading, expect FL140 in ten, Xray Romeo Hotel, all TYPED while trying to FLY the damned profile… thank god for pause buttons). A buddy of mine told me before I tried golfing "Its best when you play with three or four guys who like the game, but don’t give a darn" and he’s right; its better when you’re playing golf to have fun, to relax, not to WIN… if you’re gonna treat this like real life to the very letter, find yourself a room and let the rest of us do some flying the way its meant to be done.. expression of freedom, release, doing something you’d rather be doing but CAN’T for whatever reason. FOR THIS REASON, I’d suggest you check out online flying with Roger Wilco (http://www.resounding.com) or BattleCom (http://www.shadowfactor.com/beta.html)… try the beta’s, see if you like ‘em, and then decide before you get snagged into an arguably "more realistic" trap. (Better get your pilot rating , and number, and callsign, too while you’re at it.) Rantingly, James. I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks — James Parsons Memorial University of Newfoundland http://www.cs.mun.ca/~james2/

Response:

…..If you go on there and say "Uhh – I’m new to this" – I know the controllers will bend over backwards to help you learn the proper procedures and answer any questions you have.  They’re not there to yell at you – they are there because they enjoy controlling just as much as you enjoy flying.

YES ! Couldn’t agree more. As a newbie with SB, all controllers have had their heads screwed on the right way, and treat new people to a sim with common sense. Can’t really speak highly enough for them…. And guess what – it’s fun ! — KBS

Response:

Hey JP, nice initials! While I can understand your concern about SB/PC being "too exclusive" I, for one, am glad that there are controls on who is using the system.  I’ve seen too many instances (especially "back in the day") where pilots would suddenly "develop emergencies" such that more people were declaring emergencies than not.  I’ve also seen 3 or 4 "Air Force One’s" demanding first priority.

I know what you’re saying, and I agree there need to be controls, but… this is ridiculous.  I rant mostly (and unusually for me) becuz I haven’t been using it, more than "Those bloody idiots pissed me off again".  I had nothing but good experiences with PC/SB when I was first using it, I went head over heels with the level of realism they could offer, and I KNEW it was gonna start getting exclusive the moment they started having testing procedures for their pilots and controllers.  The BEAUTY of this system is you have the option of where you wanna connect and whatnot… and if a controller gets on your nerves (for whatever reason) and is generally being a pain rather than an aid, you can leave. Its not like you’re stuck at FL140. As far as controllers getting p.o.’d – I’ve never seen it happen where it wasn’t due to something extremely annoying or stupid on the part of the person causing the source of the annoyment  <SNIPPED THE ANECDOTE, IT WAS GOOD THOUGH Now, if they are very curt (sp?) with you – it’s probably because there are a ton of people they need to move into or out of the air or around the airport.  It ain’t because they want to yell at you.

They can choose to ignore with SB/PC too… boy that’d be even simpler… well that is unless the program demands proper spacing of a/c and whatnot… in which case, I think thats a little too much.  You either treat people as means to an end (I’ll suffer the yahoo’s, Air Force One’s, and fake emergencies just so I can get my credentials, and THEN its all easy sailing) or you can treat them as ends in themselves (This guy is being a moron, time to switch to channel IGNORE and pay attention to the pilots who are with me). Every time I’ve been using SB – and I’ve been using it since it’s inception – all of the controllers have been extremely easy to work with – very friendly – and always getting more professional.  After all – isn’t *that* why we use SB/PC – *because* we *want* professional-acting controllers and pilots.

I argue that this is becuz you are aiming for proficiency.  Some wackos (myself included) enjoy it too, learning the system and following it to the letter for no better reason than flying astounds and delights me.  I can guarentee we’re (these two groups) not the entirety of FS pilots… and I happen to think that its worth relaxing rules to accomodate all simmers. The other side of this argument (and I recognize it) is that if I decide to use a server that is being maintained and run by Satco, than I should abide by their rules, and I have no problem with that either, its just a question of respect. I’d much rather see the text (or hear it over BFC) "WW5041, taxi to RWY 32L via taxiways M and L2, hold short, contact Tower on 121.35"  Than to see (or hear) "Uhh, yeah – move to the Runway over there – I think it’s 32L or something. When you get there, stop and then talk to Joe on 121.35"

I differ in opinion there, for the plain reason that everyone is not a real pilot… and the first time user who snags a seasoned controller will draw ridicule for not knowing taxiway M from a hole in the ground. I WANT the controllers to be as professional as possible – not only do I enjoy it because it increases realism, but the fact that I am using procedures as real as possible allows me to not get too rusty (as far as comm procedures, reporting procedures, and flying the published approaches) when I am not taking real flying lessons.

Exactly. I understand that… and I said that I can see this program’s utility for pilots and students in my original post.  Not everyone is a pilot. My advice is – read the FAQ, try SB and see if it’s for you.  If you go on there and say "Uhh – I’m new to this" – I know the controllers will bend over backwards to help you learn the proper procedures and answer any questions you have.  They’re not there to yell at you – they are there because they enjoy controlling just as much as you enjoy flying.

Roger that JP… I think that this is true for a huge majority of the time… but I think there still ought to be a server where newer users can learn the ropes in a friendlier, less reactive environment, for the sake of both the dedicated users as well as the newer users.  For that matter I think there ought to be a server where I don’t have to log on with a pilot or controller number, but that’s Satco’s volition, and seeing how the system is set up with this validation unit integrated, its kinda hard to backward engineer it now. My main point wasn’t to blast SB/PC completely, to call it useless, or call a boycott or anything like that… just its farcical to say that SB/PC can be learned and used in ten minutes flat.  New users need to be integrated into the whole as memebers who are every bit as important as the ones who’ve been there since the beginning. Straighten up and fly right, regards, James P. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Jonathan! For online flight, with squawkbox or anything else, I suggest either Roger Wilco or BattleCom for realtime, multi-pilot voice communications using a microphone.  Squawkbox/ProController is working at adding a system like this into theirs… but I must say, while the realism of Procontroller and Squawkbox has been pushed to new heights, the squawk/pc community has become more and more EXCLUSIVE… when it started (those glory days of yore, and the old guard nod and smile knowingly) it was just a bunch of people who wanted controlled airspace and it wasn’t so freaking serious… So what, you don’t know every section of FAA… you Learn them by flying them and being instructed as you go, and you SHOULD understand when you reach those dizzying heights of greatness that those newbies behind you are just like you were. I can fully understand, for those real pilots out there who want realistic ATC to the highest degree, it must be a wonderful tool.  However, I seriously doubt every flightsim pilot out there is a qualified pilot as well, having a working knowledge of flight rules inside and out, and how to deal with a tower.  Furthermore, I seriously doubt every flightsimmer out there has top end machines with the best of the best, to cater to the whims of every shit hot Controller who gets pee’d off ‘cuz you have the GALL to ask for something twice, or in plain english, until you learn the jargon (he says, as he acknowledges RGR ORD_DEP, cleared for t/o rw 32L, c/m 3500 at r/w heading, expect FL140 in ten, Xray Romeo Hotel, all TYPED while trying to FLY the damned profile… thank god for pause buttons). A buddy of mine told me before I tried golfing "Its best when you play with three or four guys who like the game, but don’t give a darn" and he’s right; its better when you’re playing golf to have fun, to relax, not to WIN… if you’re gonna treat this like real life to the very letter, find yourself a room and let the rest of us do some flying the way its meant to be done.. expression of freedom, release, doing something you’d rather be doing but CAN’T for whatever reason. FOR THIS REASON, I’d suggest you check out online flying with Roger Wilco (http://www.resounding.com) or BattleCom (http://www.shadowfactor.com/beta.html)… try the beta’s, see if you like ‘em, and then decide before you get snagged into an arguably "more realistic" trap. (Better get your pilot rating , and number, and callsign, too while you’re at it.) Rantingly, James. I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

– James Parsons Memorial University of Newfoundland http://www.cs.mun.ca/~james2/

Response:

I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

Response:

Try www.simviation.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

Response:

Hi Jonathan, first of all make sure you’ve got fs98pat1.exe from microsoft and fsfsconv.exe, available all over the web. Then I advise you to use gpws98 available at http://www.flightsimmers.net/gpws Kind regards, Kees Jonathan Lawson heeft geschreven in bericht – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

Response:

If your into flying on line and want Flight Management controls, then you must get Squawkbox www.satco.satnet.org Ian www.iguy.freeserve.co.uk/vas.htm (there are links there)

Try www.simviation.com

I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

Response:

I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC

Check out Flight Simulator Finland: http://www.fsfinland.dahle.net/ (the largest Scandinavian FS site with hunderds of Megabytes of different add-ons to FS) — Sami Puro – Flight Simulator Finland Webmaster – http://www.fsfinland.dahle.net

Response:

Why dont you try www.flightsim.com I think it is one of hhe best. zman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC Check out Flight Simulator Finland: http://www.fsfinland.dahle.net/ (the largest Scandinavian FS site with hunderds of Megabytes of different add-ons to FS) — Sami Puro – Flight Simulator Finland Webmaster – http://www.fsfinland.dahle.net

Response:

I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC Check out Flight Simulator Finland: http://www.fsfinland.dahle.net/ (the largest Scandinavian FS site with hunderds of Megabytes of different add-ons to FS)

These days, I don’t know that you need to have a _single_ best site.   There are some which are good general sources, and others which might be ideal for particular interests. As a for-instance, anyone interested in FS flying over the UK really ought to bookmark the www.magrathea.clara.net site because of the UK Scenery Project.  But if you’re not interested in that part of the world, there’s not really much of interest. And one or two of the really good sites are a bit awkward because of the traffic levels, even though they do carry a lot of good stuff. If I’m reading my bookmark file right, home.att.net/~chdome/ is definitely worth a look for anyone interested in aircraft and panels. But there is so much stuff out there, on so many sites, that the best way to answer your question might be to try a few search engines.  Look for the particular sorts of aircraft you’re interested in, but don’t forget to include "FS98" or whatever in the search pattern. — David G. Bell — Farmer, SF Fan, Filker, and Punslinger.

Response:

I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

Squawkbox. the ONLY addon you need! :) Live atc from real people, real weather, a fully functioning FMS and TCAS… FREE! I think the site is http://www.avsim.com/mike/sb_pc — Mike Teague – http://glock.triax.com

Response:

Hi Jonathan! For online flight, with squawkbox or anything else, I suggest either Roger Wilco or BattleCom for realtime, multi-pilot voice communications using a microphone.  Squawkbox/ProController is working at adding a system like this into theirs… but I must say, while the realism of Procontroller and Squawkbox has been pushed to new heights, the squawk/pc community has become more and more EXCLUSIVE… when it started (those glory days of yore, and the old guard nod and smile knowingly) it was just a bunch of people who wanted controlled airspace and it wasn’t so freaking serious… So what, you don’t know every section of FAA… you Learn them by flying them and being instructed as you go, and you SHOULD understand when you reach those dizzying heights of greatness that those newbies behind you are just like you were. I can fully understand, for those real pilots out there who want realistic ATC to the highest degree, it must be a wonderful tool.  However, I seriously doubt every flightsim pilot out there is a qualified pilot as well, having a working knowledge of flight rules inside and out, and how to deal with a tower.  Furthermore, I seriously doubt every flightsimmer out there has top end machines with the best of the best, to cater to the whims of every shit hot Controller who gets pee’d off ‘cuz you have the GALL to ask for something twice, or in plain english, until you learn the jargon (he says, as he acknowledges RGR ORD_DEP, cleared for t/o rw 32L, c/m 3500 at r/w heading, expect FL140 in ten, Xray Romeo Hotel, all TYPED while trying to FLY the damned profile… thank god for pause buttons). A buddy of mine told me before I tried golfing "Its best when you play with three or four guys who like the game, but don’t give a darn" and he’s right; its better when you’re playing golf to have fun, to relax, not to WIN… if you’re gonna treat this like real life to the very letter, find yourself a room and let the rest of us do some flying the way its meant to be done.. expression of freedom, release, doing something you’d rather be doing but CAN’T for whatever reason. FOR THIS REASON, I’d suggest you check out online flying with Roger Wilco (http://www.resounding.com) or BattleCom (http://www.shadowfactor.com/beta.html)… try the beta’s, see if you like ‘em, and then decide before you get snagged into an arguably "more realistic" trap. (Better get your pilot rating , and number, and callsign, too while you’re at it.) Rantingly, James. I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

– James Parsons Memorial University of Newfoundland http://www.cs.mun.ca/~james2/

Response:

While I can understand your concern about SB/PC being "too exclusive" I, for one, am glad that there are controls on who is using the system.  I’ve seen too many instances (especially "back in the day") where pilots would suddenly "develop emergencies" such that more people were declaring emergencies than not.  I’ve also seen 3 or 4 "Air Force One’s" demanding first priority. As far as controllers getting p.o.’d – I’ve never seen it happen where it wasn’t due to something extremely annoying or stupid on the part of the person causing the source of the annoyment (about a month ago, flying in Indy/St Louis/Cinncy corridor – I was witness to two different people declaring emergencies on takeoff due to engine fires within 5 mins of each other.  While this in and of itself may not warrant a pissed-off controller, the fact that they were *also* ignoring his vectors back to the airport is probably what led to him calling in a "SatcoX" controller – one of the management types – to deal with the situation.)  Now, if they are very curt (sp?) with you – it’s probably because there are a ton of people they need to move into or out of the air or around the airport.  It ain’t because they want to yell at you. Every time I’ve been using SB – and I’ve been using it since it’s inception – all of the controllers have been extremely easy to work with – very friendly – and always getting more professional.  After all – isn’t *that* why we use SB/PC – *because* we *want* professional-acting controllers and pilots.  I’d much rather see the text (or hear it over BFC) "WW5041, taxi to RWY 32L via taxiways M and L2, hold short, contact Tower on 121.35"  Than to see (or hear) "Uhh, yeah – move to the Runway over there – I think it’s 32L or something. When you get there, stop and then talk to Joe on 121.35" I WANT the controllers to be as professional as possible – not only do I enjoy it because it increases realism, but the fact that I am using procedures as real as possible allows me to not get too rusty (as far as comm procedures, reporting procedures, and flying the published approaches) when I am not taking real flying lessons. My advice is – read the FAQ, try SB and see if it’s for you.  If you go on there and say "Uhh – I’m new to this" – I know the controllers will bend over backwards to help you learn the proper procedures and answer any questions you have.  They’re not there to yell at you – they are there because they enjoy controlling just as much as you enjoy flying. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Jonathan! For online flight, with squawkbox or anything else, I suggest either Roger Wilco or BattleCom for realtime, multi-pilot voice communications using a microphone.  Squawkbox/ProController is working at adding a system like this into theirs… but I must say, while the realism of Procontroller and Squawkbox has been pushed to new heights, the squawk/pc community has become more and more EXCLUSIVE… when it started (those glory days of yore, and the old guard nod and smile knowingly) it was just a bunch of people who wanted controlled airspace and it wasn’t so freaking serious… So what, you don’t know every section of FAA… you Learn them by flying them and being instructed as you go, and you SHOULD understand when you reach those dizzying heights of greatness that those newbies behind you are just like you were. I can fully understand, for those real pilots out there who want realistic ATC to the highest degree, it must be a wonderful tool.  However, I seriously doubt every flightsim pilot out there is a qualified pilot as well, having a working knowledge of flight rules inside and out, and how to deal with a tower.  Furthermore, I seriously doubt every flightsimmer out there has top end machines with the best of the best, to cater to the whims of every shit hot Controller who gets pee’d off ‘cuz you have the GALL to ask for something twice, or in plain english, until you learn the jargon (he says, as he acknowledges RGR ORD_DEP, cleared for t/o rw 32L, c/m 3500 at r/w heading, expect FL140 in ten, Xray Romeo Hotel, all TYPED while trying to FLY the damned profile… thank god for pause buttons). A buddy of mine told me before I tried golfing "Its best when you play with three or four guys who like the game, but don’t give a darn" and he’s right; its better when you’re playing golf to have fun, to relax, not to WIN… if you’re gonna treat this like real life to the very letter, find yourself a room and let the rest of us do some flying the way its meant to be done.. expression of freedom, release, doing something you’d rather be doing but CAN’T for whatever reason. FOR THIS REASON, I’d suggest you check out online flying with Roger Wilco (http://www.resounding.com) or BattleCom (http://www.shadowfactor.com/beta.html)… try the beta’s, see if you like ‘em, and then decide before you get snagged into an arguably "more realistic" trap. (Better get your pilot rating , and number, and callsign, too while you’re at it.) Rantingly, James. I’ve just got the standard FS98 and was wondering what the best downloads that I could get are? Preferably add on’s with new planes and ATC communication which is lacking on FS98 in my oppinion. Anyone who can help me please E-Mail me: Many Thanks

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