spivonious said:

I'm hoping "Live enabled" means that you'll be playing the Flight Simulator of old but with millions of other users in the world. Those AI-controlled planes at Meigs Field were never very smart.

 

I have fond childhood memories of playing Flight Simulator 95, and flying from Chicago to Philadelphia.

I'm hoping "Live enabled" means that you'll be playing the Flight Simulator of old but with millions of other users in the world. Those AI-controlled planes at Meigs Field were never very smart.

This is essentially what VATSIM provides, except replace millions with hundreds (thousands on a good day). You get real people flying other aircraft, and real people providing ATC. Better still, becoming a controller on VATSIM requires passing exams so competency is guaranteed (though similar requirements are not placed on pilots, so you do occasionally come across complete idiots there). Strict adherence to real-world procedures (as far as possible, anyway) is required. If you prefer things to be a bit looser (and less realistic), you can try IVAO instead (both IVAO and VATSIM split off from the old SATCO network after disagreements about how closely realism should be adhered to). Big Smile

 

VATSIM can be great fun, regardless of whether you prefer to fly VFR in a single engine prop or like to jet around the world in an Airbus A380, Boeing 747, or even Concorde. Especially fun are the big events, which get a huge number of pilots together in an area which, for the duration of the event, typically has guaranteed full ATC coverage. The biggest such event is Cross the Pond, organised twice a year, which sees a few hundred planes cross the Atlantic in the space of a few hours. This also includes such things as oceanic clearance and non-radar procedures which you don't often get to deal with otherwise.

 

Considering what the average FSX multiplayer sessions is like (where most people don't show any regard for procedures or even common sense, controllers and pilots alike), I'd shudder to think what a world-wide Games for Windows Live network populated by Leroy Jenkins types would be like to fly in. It'd be complete anarchy. Crying