Hi DLC and others,

I'll jump in with my 2 cents because I was in shoes similar to yours, back in January. I'm just learning to fly and I may sound biased (as any purchaser would be after forking out some cash) but I'm not really biased and I went through the same process as you to get here. Keep in mind that most of the comments here and elsewhere preferring one program over another are from people who have shelled out for the one they prefer....seeing through this wasn't easy for me at least.

After going through all the forums and manufacturer info with a fine tooth comb, I finally settled on FS One partly because of the advertised realistic physics, partly because of the sailplane features and in large part because I could see from this forum that the FS One bunch provides great support. Phoenix looked good to me too but the support available from Brian and Michael sold it for me. Don't forget that this is not their official support site ... they are here on some weekends and at night like us.

Regarding the physics and flight simulation, if you google Michael Selig, you'll find that he is well recognized for these aspects. His comments above and elsewhere in the big thread speak for themselves. As far as altitude goes, their wind and thermal profiles vary with altitude but Michael/Brian would have to comment on whether the air density also varies accordingly or if it is adjusted/adjustable. I suspect that it is adjustable or they could tell you where to edit a file setting and you'll be on your way.

Regarding the points of view, that's one area they have gone to town on. For 3-D sites, they have plenty of views (stationary pilot, stationary observer, follow the plane etc). For Panoramas (eg. of your location), you're more limited to a fixed view point.

Regarding installation on your computer, it takes about an hour to transfer files from the CD's but the updates take about 30 seconds to install and you just need to install the latest one. The FS One guys will tell you if your graphics card/CPU will carry the load. All of these sims seem to be pretty demanding. By the way you don't have to buy their controller. I use my own, including its programming etc... if it's a Futaba, just remember to extend the antenna to be safe.

Regarding the upgrades since the program came out last fall, they have been issuing 'patches' to the program to correct issues that various people have identified. They have also added some flexibility here and there where the initial version wasn't as flexible. They added the effect of near-ground boundary layer growth and they're looking at wing rocking, amongst other things, due to questions raised here. The FAQ section of the FS One website outlines a lot of solutions to customer issues that have arisen. The amount of info there now has grown quite a bit since January.

Everybody has been bugging FS One for new aircraft but aside from that the program does work well IMHO.

Sorry for the monologue, I just wanted to help if I can.
Good luck with your decision,
Dave