What is the best simulator that will help me learn how to fly a plane? I would also like to mess around with helicopters but it doesnt have to have them. So basically I am looking for the most realistic game. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like AFPD would be best for what you want .

I think it's the best all-round sim out !

BW!

Greg.

i agree with greg, and al they possibility's they there are ......[X(][8D]

Well I called around my lhs and none of them carried AFPD they all carry RF G3. So now I am either buying used from ebay or I am going to have to order from the internet. Would RF G3 work? I asked the guy and he said that it would help a lot. It doesn't matter either one because they are the same price, because I am not buying a radio or anything until I am sure that I am able to fly well enough. So basically I am going to train everyday atleast 30 mins for 3-4 months until I even look at buying a kit. Thanks.

For a new pilot, I'd recommend RealFlight. G3 I'm sure is great, but G2 is even good enough and could be found used for cheap. The aircraft in Realflight's hangar are more suitable to new pilots and more likely what you are likely going to be flying in the few first years of flying.

Realflight has the best cameras as well to help keep you oriented. Both G2 and G3 offer in-game tutorials of basic flying. Great for the new pilot.

The other sims have much better flight models than G2, and slightly better than G3. But those differences aren't going to mean much to a new pilot... Ideally, you would pick up G2 for cheap then upgrade to G3 or Aeroflight a few years from now...

Also, Realflight G2 will have the lowest hardware requirements. Don't know about G3, but Aeroflight really needs a 2GB machine with a high end or near high end video card with 128MB.

Clark

Edit: meant to say Aeroflight needs a 2 GHZ machine (or close to it).

You will be very dissapointed with G3. AFPD is the best. AFPD comes up in the Marketplace every now and then.

I have G2, G3 (and all 5 add-ons) and Aerofly Deluxe on my PC right now. If I could keep only one of them it would be AFPD. AFPD has the biggest variety of planes right now an that is a major plus, best 3D physics IMO and hands down best looking models. G3 is ok but still not as stable as G2 IMO, they keep updating G3 so it might be the best someday (I got tired of waiting). G3 has online multiplay which AFPD and XTR lack otherwise I would have gotten rid of it long ago..

G3 doesn't seem to be too bad IMO. I haven't tried the AFPD yet but by the sounds of it it is the best.
G3's only draw back IMO is it's short list of planes that come bundled with the package. I personally have no interest in helis and unfortunately for me the package comes with about 50% helis. Waste of space for me but you might enjoy them since you mentioned that you'd like to try them.
G3 has a huge list of backround customizing features that allow you to be pretty creative. These features are far beyond the needs of anyone who just wants to get up and flying.
I've had no problems with any glitches and I'm only running it on a machine several years old (1.3 Gig, ATI all in wonder 8500dv).
I give it a thumbs up. The only thing that would be nice is availability of free internet models as add ons...that will come I'm sure.
As far as a learning tool I think it fits the bill. As far as an entertainment tool for those who spend more time on the couch than at the field...well I suppose there might be better out there.
I downloaded FMS last night and while it has loads of models, they all fly way too easy and not anywhere near what you need to expect in the real world.

JMO

Smitty, ask Rick if he'll sell you his copy of G2.

Clark

The usergroup of AFPD is the most active of all , scenerys, airplanes, heli's, it goes more and more [sm=thumbup.gif]

Well G2 will be my best bet anyway because of my system is not up to date as I thought. It will run G2 better. Now to find a good deal. lol Thanks

In my opinion both Real Flight G2 and AeroFly Pro Deluxe are very good sim software. G2 have more detail especially for glow powered planes or helis. But if you like electric power foamies you should try with AeroFly. My vote AeroFly. There are examples in recorded video :
www.gurmanbayraktar.com
This is my website in Turkish language. But you can download all videos. I will be happy if I recieve your comments.

Don't you mean G3????

Unfortunately I don't have G3.

G2 is good though?? I have found a good deal and I think I am just going to get G2 so my computer will run it better. Thanks for the help. Really I am just wanting to fly airplanes helis would just be for fun.

You may also consider AeroFly Pro which is only $99.

Aerofly Pro requires a transmitter and I really dont want to buy a transmitter until I know what kind of plane I really want.