RE: What simulator to practice pattern flying?
Both AFPD and real flight 3.5 have a pattern like field with runway lines in AFPD and cones and poles in G3.5 (downloadable from their swap page). I just started playing with real flight again to compare with AFPD. I used to think that AFPD was the hands down winner but now I am not too sure. The Pinnacle after adjusting throws and expo curves seems to fly pretty well. (Still pulls to the canopy in KE and downlines) I also like the way that you can change color schemes working with G3. I have not checked into how to change them in AFPD. I am in the middle of changing the Pinnacle in Real Flight to the current scheme that is available. (I have one). The Osmose and Euphoria will aslo need a bit of tweaking to get them to fly like a pattern plane. I haven't had a chance to play with them yet.
Stuart
Below is the work in progress.