Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004
Although MS Flight Simulator X is available, 2004 still is the "de facto" version of the simulator. It has the most sceneries, aircraft models, addons, etc. Aditionally it requires much less computer horsepower than the newer X making it more usable on most computers, obviously because it is much simpler in many ways. History has a tendency to repeat itself in many ways and this is another - soon FSX will take over and 2004 will be the older simpler sim that is no more compatible with "recent" addons.
Seems biased? These are some of the best, most realistic models for FS2004. The learning curve is very steep for beginners, but enough will to read and learn, to practise and follow tutorials, to research on several aspects of the real airplanes will be highly rewarding and build a decent skill to fly the models.
Other models (known to be) at a similar level of detail are Level-D's Boeing 767 and SSTSIM's Concorde.
In the following years, PMDG is expected to produce and publish the following models: Boeing MD-11, Boeing B737 NGX (remake of the 737NG for FSX) and Airbus A32X family (not necessarily in this order). I am looking forward to getting my hands on all these models, especially the European technology.
Default sceneries are very poor on most areas of the globe, but that is perfectly understandable because of the massive amount of information necessary to do a decent representation of the whole world. Many companies today produce detailed sceneries of some regions, countries, cities or airports (tipically the big ones). Some other fellow simmers take the trouble do the same work but share it for free for personal use of other fellow simmers.
All the sceneries I use are free, but that is because they are enough for my demands. VFR fans should really consider buying commercial sceneries for their preferred areas of flight, as these make a big difference.
Mandatory. It is an interface module between FS and other tools.
There is a basic free version necessary for about 100% of FS addons and there is the full blown licensed version, necessary for some extra functions like mapping keyboard strokes (or events) into any controller action.
Important addon module but it is possible to live (sim) without it. Active Camera is a camera addon that introduces several enhancements from pilot's head inertia when using the virtual cockpit to fly-by external views or the ability to walk freely around the aircraft and to do (virtual) inspections.
ATC is very important for people that do IFR flights. For big jets, ATC is a big part of the simulation and is also mandatory. Radar Contact is an independent ATC system. It is far more advanced than the ATC included in FS2004 and naturally much closer to reality.
This is an excellent commercial charting software (for simulation only!). It is possible to buy charts for most (if not all) international airports.
The charts are very complete and presented in a vector format, so it is possible to zoom at will without loosing quality or make large prints of any parts.
Charts are priced through a credit system, which in turn have to be purchased in advanced and in fixed amounts (100 credits, 300 credits, etc). The only bad thing about it (in a selfish user-only perspective) is that credits do expire after some time (6 months or so).
One of the best route planning tools I ever came across. It is a little buggy and sometimes not very intuitive, but does an excellent job and it is the tool I feel most confortable with, for the purpose of route planning.
Active Sky is an advanced real-time weather management tool for FS2004. It generates simulated weather with great accuracy. Having custom weather makes a notable difference on the simulation environment.
When activated fsscreen automatically creates a .bmp image file in a given directory every time the print screen key is pressed.
Very simple program. Takes a FS2004 flight plan and places the aircraft on the departing airport's gate of choice.
Just a simple fix that causes a big effect on how the scenery appears under aircraft lights. The default lighting is too bright, too perfectly triangular almost like a camera flash. This overlay texture for lights is much rounder and softer - there is a big difference, for the better.
