Yes, a POX on integrated video controllers!

They are akin to the dreaded Winmodem.

For the most part the IGP devices use fewer electronics and steal (slow) main RAM from the system degrading video performance.

They permit the manufacturer to CLAIM 3D capabilities on a system that would otherwise not have any, thereby suckering the average consumer into purchasing what is basically a poorly equpped machine.


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Flame off.

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The problem you are having with orientation is what you basically have to learn.

At the flying field the other day there was a beginning (but experienced) pilot who was trying to fly a plane.

They knew the controls (as you did) but kept calling out "which way is it pointed!" "is it going away or coming to me!".

An instructor had to take over lest the plane be damaged.

You need to practice with the Sim until you can tell which way the plane is pointed, and oriented just by how it responds to your stick controls.

That is you should be able to control it, when it is a dot in the air and have no other way of telling it's orientation/aspect.

Once you can do this, you are ready for the real thing.

... AND... the bad news is the "Real Thing" gets awfully small in the sky, REAL FAST!!!!

The sim doesn't do this justice unless you fly the plane in "manual zoom" mode and not zoom in more than three "+" plus presses.

My first time out, after practicing with the sim for almost a year, I had NO problem flying my plane, it was it's size in the sky, when it was distant, that gave me the most problems.

Once or twice I almost lost it... the Sim teaches you how to patiently react and "test" the planes orientation by inputting small movements and observing the results.

Hint: The biggest aid you have initially is SMOKE!

Turn it on in the Sim and fly the plane as far away as possible while still controlling it.

You'll rely more on the smoke trail to learn it's orientation.

Eventually turn off the smoke and practice....

Have fun.