____________________

Virtual cockpit now has panning capability with plane interior that pans in sync with the scenery. Seems to be much better for keeping track of plane's position while flying the traffic pattern. View pans vertically and horizontally. Good for looking down out left window. Plane interior apparently fully modeled in 3D, since illumination changes in relation to sun position. Propeller blade plane darkens with sun angel shifts too. As a bonus, the instruments work in virtual cockpit view too!

New wide screen mode has generic main instrument dials visible in a single row across bottom of display. Includes airspeed, turn coordinator, attitude, gyrocompass, altimeter, and VSI. These appear to be generic dials so airspeed dial doesn't move very far when flying light GA planes, and it doesn't have stall, flap, and overspeed bands. The old non- instrumented full screen view is only a single keystroke beyond (single W for instrumented wide screen - second W to scenery only version).

Airport polygons are more natural looking. They no longer have to overly conspicuous green appearance. I gather in detail areas they actually have detailed bitmaps derived from aerial or satellite photographs.

Tried multi-player on the Zone. Seemed to work well. Noticed players were joining game while it was in progress. Text messages between players appear in a translucent box across the top of the external view. Screen now advises each time a player joins or exits. Game is recognized by FlyNow too. I was able to create a game and fly FS 2002 while connected to the server, although I was the only person there. Only problem I had in zone was that I was unable to get a DME lock on other players in the game.

I plan to post other comments as I use the sim more.

• RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RobertVA, 21:53z, 10-25-01
  • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Mike_Greenwood, 08:29z, 10-26-01
• RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Sonic33, 15:20z, 10-26-01
  • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Madape, 05:40z, 10-27-01
    • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Mike_Greenwood, 08:29z, 10-27-01
    • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Ben Chiu, 11:09z, 10-27-01
      • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Madape, 16:31z, 10-28-01
        • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Ben Chiu, 16:20z, 10-29-01
          • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Madape, 15:07z, 10-30-01
    • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RayProudfoot, 19:22z, 11-05-01
      • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Madape, 01:00z, 11-06-01
        • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RayProudfoot, 19:46z, 11-06-01
      • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,jerryrosie, 16:06z, 11-06-01
        • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RayProudfoot, 19:49z, 11-06-01
          • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,jerryrosie, 14:15z, 11-07-01
            • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RayProudfoot, 19:03z, 11-07-01
              • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,jerryrosie, 22:30z, 11-07-01
                • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RayProudfoot, 22:42z, 11-07-01
                  • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,James, 23:18z, 11-07-01
                    • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,RayProudfoot, 23:32z, 11-07-01
  • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,jerryrosie, 11:11z, 10-27-01
    • RE: First potential problem.,Sonic33, 16:19z, 10-27-01
      • RE: First potential problem.,jerryrosie, 05:27z, 10-28-01
    • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,darkmoment, 07:03z, 10-28-01
      • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,darkmoment, 07:05z, 10-28-01
      • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Ben Chiu, 11:50z, 10-28-01
  • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,James, 00:08z, 11-05-01
    • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Sonic33, 22:05z, 11-06-01
      • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,James, 01:24z, 11-07-01
        • RE: Comments about MSFS 2002,Sonic33, 23:42z, 11-07-01

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Cessna 172 and Bell 206 have opening doors! Not only is the door displayed open, the movement of the door opening and closing is shown too.

Airspeed indicator works in instant replay. I haven’t tried it in multi-player observer mode yet though. Default instant replay period is back to a more reasonable 60 seconds. I haven’t checked to see what the maximum replay time is.

Managed to land the Bell 206B on a bare looking patch of earth away from an airfield. There was a visible animated cloud of dust around the helicopter’s skids as I neared the ground. White rings of agitated water were visible under the aircraft when I flew low over the water near Chicago Meigs too (I was not zoomed in as close at that time). Cyclic, rudder pedals, and collective visible in virtual cockpit moved in sync with the controls attached to my computer! Blurry textures on most ground textures still make accurate judging of altitude and motion just before landing difficult. Apron areas seem to have better resolution and I suspect will help landing when virtual cockpit is panned to show view out lower windows.

When I landed the Bell on an Ohare taxiway an AI aircraft (a high wing turboprop commuter plane) taxied up and patiently waited a few dozen yards away until I moved out of the way. It resumed taxiing after I moved and proceeded to taxi to the runway and take off. I wasn’t paying attention to what frequency was correct for the COMM radio, so I don’t know if any AI controllers were programmed to bawl me out.

Hi Robert,

Nice observations! As far as ATC is concerned, you won't get bawled out unless you first make contact with them. I've tuned to the tower, and then sat on the runway watching (and listening to) the aircraft begin to line up behind the hold short line, as well as planes on final going around <g>. Not once does the tower ask or tell me to do anything. Once contact is made though, it's a different story <g>.

The AI aircraft are really a huge plus in the sim!

Greenie

My comments on FS2002.

One thing I have to say about it is 'you wont be dissapointed' They have made great improvements, focussing on performance for a change and they have done a fantastic job.(You can tell that the developers were actually sim enthusiasts)
The main improvements otherwise are;
ATC.........Fantastic, Uses Artificial intelligence and facinates me how they got it to work as well as it does. Tis like you are actually being watched and you get the reality feel far more than any previous version.
It has also been left wide open for freeware developers. I'm sure they will come up with some excellent stuff.

Aircraft models......Excellent.... In my view they cannot be improved. All that the aircraft addon developers need do for me is provide me with skins. There are also three different liveries per new aircraft. You can also customise your ATC callsign.

AI Aircraft.........Unbelievable. No more dynamic scenery. Tis now called AI aircraft.

An example flight:
I flew a flight plan from Stutgart to Manchester following ATC instructions.
Clearance delivery passed me to Ground who passed me to tower. Then speaking to many centers along the way I approached Manchester airspace and they guided me in then passed me to Manchester approach then on final I was passed to the tower and given clearance to land Number 2. There was (And I could just see it) a dehavilland in front of me on final. As I landed I was told to exit at the next available taxi way and was passed to MCT ground.(This is the good bit) Ground told me to hold short of the taxiway as a 747 was using it. (I was in Virtual cockpit)and, I kid you not! A 747 passed me on its way to holding at RW6L. Ground then give me clearance to taxi to park. After I parked I sat back and thought well, That really was as real as it gets.
How the hell did they get that to work.......Also I passed quite a few aircraft en route and was warned by radar that they were there. They give you and the other aircraft warning and you have to report each other in sight. I have to say that I found it difficult to see them but did actually spot one (probably because it was above me). The whole ATC package makes FS2002 sooooo realistic and it is very user friendly also. When you reply to handoffs it automatically retunes your radio.(Your own virtual second officer)
You can disable atc.......and....you dont have to use a flight plan as you can request 'flight following and fly VFR anywhere.
There are other vast improvements (too many to mention)

Whoever you are, I hope it comes to you very soon as I guarantee you will never fly FS98 or 2000 again.

Another vast improvement is the weather.Clouds etc....... And the Visibility now goes all the way to the horizon. You can get some realy lifelike effects.

If you dont already own it, this is probably going to make your wait seem an eternity now, but I think the anticipation is part of the excitement.

Summary:
I love Flight simming and I think that, althought FS2002 is not perfect and there are some room for improvements, It is by far the best and most realistic yet. No concorde though ??? MS Made up for it by including three excellent 747's though. A first for MS.

That is my first view, I will pass on more as I tinker around with it.

Regards

69 Original FS2002 Screenshots here
Http://www.shifties.freeserve.co.uk

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Hi All

Great to hear that the new version of FS is worth getting although I have been phoning around companies to try and get a copy (I live in the UK), and they tell me either, that it aint being released until 11th November, or to go away!

Wonder if anyone could tell me a company that is either based int he UK which has copies in stock, or any US based company that is willing to ship to the UK

Cheers

Sam

Hi Sam,

Go to www.flightsimcentral.com , I'm almost positive they ship internationally. Aaron "Pirate" Anderson is a good friend of mine, so tell him I sent ya, and he won't overcharge you <vbg>

Greenie

____________________

Our VPC Affiliate, Gamestop.com has FS2K2 and FS2K2 Pro in stock. They ship internationally, but I didn't see the UK listed (they seem to ship everywhere else). I've put in an inquiry about whether they ship to the UK or not. Will let you know when I find out.

Please remember, only items purchased through the VPC Pilot Shop and Affiliates helps to support the VPC.

Thanks!
Ben

____________________

Thanks guys for the suggestions, I will check both of them out

Cheers

Sam

____________________

Greetings again, Sam:

I just heard back from our VPC Affiliate GameStop.com (Babbages, Software Etc., et al) and they DO ship to the UK. You need to look under Great Britain! Doh!

Thanks for your support of the VPC!

Ben

____________________

Thanks Ben, much appreciated!

Sam

Hi Sam,

Rather than go to the expense of shipping in a copy from the US I suggest you order from either /www.justflight.com/ or www.rcsimulations.com.

JustFlight are striving to get copies to people on the release date - this Friday. I've ordered mine from them.

Cheers,

Ray
Cheshire.

____________________

Cheers mate for the info, unfortunately when I ordered X-Plane 6.0 last week from the US I was charged import tax for the first time ever, which has really discouraged me buying anything from US again Suppose I'll have to pay the UKs high game prices!

Thanks again

Sam

Hi Sam,

That's the problem importing from the US. In the end you're probably better off accepting our higher prices. There's less hassle too should you need to return a duff CD for exchange.

Remember you can get a £15 refund if you bought FS2000 or ealier.

Cheers,

Ray.

____________________

Hey Ray!

Good to see you over here! Hope you are planning to stick around for a while!!

***Reality - the refuge of those who can't handle simulation***
Cheers, Jerry

Hi Jerry,

I'll be making regular visits making sure this side of the pond is represented!

Cheers,

Ray.

____________________

>>I'll be making regular visits making sure this side of the pond is represented!<<

Good oh! (Is that a proper expression?

***Reality - the refuge of those who can't handle simulation***
Cheers, Jerry

Hi Jerry,

<< Good oh! (Is that a proper expression? >>

Well, it's an expression! <g> We have so many. You could also use "Absolutely spiffin' old boy! or "Groovy" but only if you're dressed like Austin Powers! Actually, come to think of it that's one of yours!!

Cheers,

Ray.

____________________

>>"Groovy" <<

I'd NEVER say "groovy". "Spiffy", maybe - but NEVER "groovy"

***Reality - the refuge of those who can't handle simulation***
Cheers, Jerry

Phew, that's a relief! BTW, How do I get those captain's armbands? Grovel perhaps?

We're all equal but some are more equal!

Cheers,

Ray.

____________________

Hi Ray,

Didn't see you enter Did you come via the back door
See you in Brum in a few weeks.

Regards,

James.

Hi mate!

I have an A Level in lurking! Look forward to having a chat with you at Brum. I should have a good feel for FS2002 and ADSL by then.

Ta ta!

Ray.

Darn! I wish I hadn't read that! It's gonna cost me a bundle now. I'll have to upgrade my machine - memory ain't gonna cost taht much but I'll need a faster CPU and I'm not sure my mother board will handle it. Gotta research and may even have to go back to work. And its all your fault!

***Reality - the refuge of those who can't handle simulation***
Cheers, Jerry

Sorry Jerry
Nothing comes for nothing in this life..........shame.
You will find that its worth it though.
Enjoy work.
**************************************
I digress.
I have found a potential problem in FS2k2. (Probably one of many I dont doubt.)
It concerns addon scenery.
I installed Canaria 2000 (Flightsim.com) and found that the taxiways were not being used by the AI Aircraft, instead, they were taxiing along the hardcore......mmmmmmmm. So I had a little delve and couldn't find any way to change this, the only alternative was to disable the AI traffic. Remember FSTraffic (Aaaahhh all those weeks ago). You could disable default ils traffic and create custom tracks.(Maybe they can get it to work with the ATC in FS2002)
As the AI traffic work in harmony with ATC, Will there be a way to customise this in the future or will we have to go back to being lonely around the addon airports?
There is no way to create or customise AI tracks as far as I am aware so.....,this poses one or two options.
1> Addon developers need to create airport scenery based on an enhancement of the default, not only keeping all the taxiways in the correct place but also the buildings.
2> Develop some fantastic (and it would be) program that will allow us to customise / change / move / add, tracks for AI aircraft.
I'm sure this has been thought about by our freeware scenery designers, However I am going to put this post on Flightsim.com forum incase there are some, out there, who haven't.

Your comments are most welcome.

You in bed yet Jerry, You've got work in the morning.

bye4now

69 Original FS2002 Screenshots here
Http://www.shifties.freeserve.co.uk

>>You in bed yet Jerry, You've got work in the morning.<<

LOL - Gotta find a job first! <]:¬)

***Reality - the refuge of those who can't handle simulation***
Cheers, Jerry

Don't be one of those who panics about getting a new computer. I can't believe the posts I read in MSFS Forum about people having troubles with overclocked P4 1.7s, etc... seems everybody is chasing their own tail.

I have just run FS2002 for the first time last night on my bog-standard

Compaq PIII 600MHZ
384 RAM (Okay, I upgraded that from 128MB)
GeForce 2 MX400 PCI card (Okay, I upgraded that, which Ben knows all about)

and it runs like a dream at 20FPS on average which is fine for most things. No stutters or pauses, with AIRCRAFT and TEXTURE detail maxed out. Whereas, FS2000 gave me all that, although it was probably my own fault with 10GB of add-ons confusing the MS software!

So in a nutshell, try it before you upgrade. It is just AWESOME!

Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumont

http://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitak.html

P.S. Ben, sorry to be absent for so long ... pressures of other things! I'll try to be here more often.

Incidentally, the link I posted above is an UNDER CONSTRUCTION upgrade of my old CX/Kai Tak site, which as add-ons are developed will reflect all in FS2002 to do with Cathay Pacific and my favourite airport. Can't wait for Thomas Kwong's Kai Tak for the new software, which he's working on!

Mark

____________________

>>P.S. Ben, sorry to be absent for so long ... pressures of other things! I'll try to be here more often.<<

Welcome back, Mark!

No problem. I understand. I haven't been here as much as I'd like to either due to flying (trying to get a couple students finished off before the weather starts getting bad), etc., but Mike, Jerry, James, and the rest of the crew have been keeping things running like clockwork.

Thanks, guys!
Ben

____________________

Hi Sonic 33,

Nice write up. If you want Concorde in FS2002 just copy the Folder over from FS200 and don't forget to copy the concorde.gau file over from FS2000\Gauges folder. It works a treat <s>.

Regards,

James (CONman).

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, Nice one James.
Only one problem? (He says, rubbing his chin)
Guess what?

Correct!....I uninstalled fs2000 already........Now wasn't that clever........hee hee.

Thanks anyway, I may now consider reinstalling for that reason only.
Is there any other stuff that you can import from fs2000 into FS2002?

Regards

69 Original FS2002 Screenshots here
Http://www.shifties.freeserve.co.uk

____________________

Hi Sonic 33,

I've got 1 scenery area transfered over which is just as good in FS2002 as is in FS2000 <g>. UK Oil Fields in the North Sea, no problems with that as it's sea level <LOL>. Also have Concorde from FS2000 transfered over and that handles/flies OK. Will have to take a look on my Beta pc to see what else I have.

Regards,

James.

Thanks james,
I also have the uk oil fields in a zip somewere. I will add it asap cos it was quite good scenery if my memory serves me well.

Happy simming.

69 Original FS2002 Screenshots here
Http://www.shifties.freeserve.co.uk