Mr Matt,
LOMAC is OK but for total realisim nothing comes close to FALCON 4.0. Even though it's an "old" simulation, there's a hardcore group of enthusiasts updating it with various patches and add ons to keep it current. It was the last of the hardcore simulations, the 600+ page manual proves that! For a beginner, the hardest part of the game is just landing the F-16 without crashing it. The various radars and systems are as close as you're going to get without being an F-16 pilot.
Here's a site for anyone who's interested, there are many more: http://forums.frugalsworld.com/vbb/f...splay.php?f=11
BRG,
Jon