Like The Real Deal....

[SeanTK]

I've noticed lately that I really enjoy the complex addons out there, which have full systems and are as close as possible in functionality to the real thing. (Notably the Russian types.)

As is apparent here, I'm wondering what degrees of complexity we enjoy when we are using our simulators!
Obviously, as in real life, something like a Piper Cub or a C-172 is going to have pretty simple systems involved, so if you wish, post your aircraft type below.

Thanks for your participation. Please feel free to post below what complexity level you enjoy the most, and if you wish, how that relates to the aircraft types you find yourself in the most.

EDIT: I suppose I'll add my two cents in. I generally try to go for the complex, but very unique stuff. I'm a big fan of Russian aviation (no idea why) and I tend to gravitate toward Russian or Eastern European manufactured designs. With this in mind, I have a tendency to reach for the regional or short to mid range turboprops and jetliners. In addition, while I enjoy the liner types, I am still very averse to those computer system FMC things that can be found in pretty much any Boeing and Airbus plane. I like my earlier 1960 and 70s designs without the computer stuff! I'll make an exception to GPS equipment though. 
Notable types that I enjoy include the Antonov An-24, Tupolev Tu-134 & 154, and the Yakovlev Yak-40.

-Sean

[Travis]

Since I have been training to get my actual private license, I have found myself more and more using FS not for entertainment, but for instruction.  Especially with regards to instrument flying.  It's invaluable in that respect in that it functions just as well as the large simulators do, and doesn't cost me big bucks to run!

That being said, I don't go in for the most complex aircraft.  If I'm training, it's usually in a single or twin prop.  Never fly the big jets, as I just don't see the challenge . . .

[Daube]

I use Flight Simulator because I won't be able in real life to take a real aircraft and operate it. I won't have enough money for this, and even with the money there are a lot of aircrafts that I would like to pilot but that are not available, like military or retired aircrafts.

So I want the simulator to show me as precisely as possible how the aircraft works in real life. The performance, the systems, the constraints etc...

[Fozzer]

Me?
I prefer the simple cockpits of the GA piston prop singles and twins, preferably equipped with a full Bendix-King Radio Stack.

The cockpit simplicity gives me more time to look out of the windows to admire the scenery down below during the flight!

Which generally means my Cessna 150/152/172's, and Beech Baron twins.... ...!

Shiny Passenger Tubes, .....I avoid!... ...!

Paul....FS 2004...FS Nav...(to accompany my Bendix-King stack, and Flight Maps!)... ...!

[Groundbound1]

I do both full simulation, and the press the button and go method. I used to be really big into R/C aircraft, and I've found my sim to be just as thrilling, without the expense. I usually spend more flying time outside the aircraft, admiring the scenery, and pulling maneuvers that make me say

[DaveSims]

I do a bit of all of them.  Some days I just feel like starting and going, so I'll hit the ole cheat button Ctrl-E and buzz away.  Somedays I feel more like getting into the systems, and will get in the RFP 747-200, the Eaglesoft CitX, or the AFG B300 and do it the right way.  Just what kind of mood I'm in.  I even have days where I pop into the F-16, Ctrl E, and just fly the heck out of it.

[1olehippy]

I learned to fly 44 years ago in a Cessna 150, owned a Piper Tri-Pacer until the cost of children made me sell my toys.  My dad was an American Airlines check pilot (use to play in his "office" mostly 727's) and during Nam, I had the privilege to work on F-4 simulators and later F-16's. When I turn this thing on it depends on my attitude, low & slow, fast & furious or haulin' revenue. It's all great.   :)

[JBaymore]

I fly a simpit.... need I say more. 

[olderndirt]

Having spent the better part of my life flying light aircraft, that's my primary interest with Flight Sim but, every once in a while, I get that 'Walter Mitty' thing and try on some of the exotic old warbirds and dream the 'impossible' dreams.

[Boikat]

My middle name is "Boot and Scoot", but occasionally, I like to "play it real".  Same in FSX.

[patchz]

Some of both, especially since I bought the PBY. Even hitting control E requires more attention to detail. And since I have to go to the switches anyway, I have started using the switches to start up the PBY. But, like Paul, I prefer small to medium GA, single or twin, and the fewer switches and gauges, the better. But when I do fly something complicated, if I can't hit control E and go, I don't fly it. I will never be a real world pilot and I just enjoy looking at the scenery, the aircraft, listening to the engine(s) and exploring the world. I get to go places I never would in real life and have learned more about Geography with FS than I ever did in school.

[Fozzer]

Some of both, especially since I bought the PBY. Even hitting control E requires more attention to detail. And since I have to go to the switches anyway, I have started using the switches to start up the PBY. But, like Paul, I prefer small to medium GA, single or twin, and the fewer switches and gauges, the better. But when I do fly something complicated, if I can't hit control E and go, I don't fly it. I will never be a real world pilot and I just enjoy looking at the scenery, the aircraft, listening to the engine(s) and exploring the world. I get to go places I never would in real life and have learned more about Geography with FS than I ever did in school.

10/10.... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

I love scanning my Google Maps for interesting places throughout the World, (especially in the News), zooming down to ground level, positioning myself in the "Street Map Mode" view, and having a look round....

...reading all about it in Wikipedia...

..then loading up my Sim to explore the area in detail...

...like Larry, places I could never visit in real life...!

I learn the History, Geography, Geology, and Flora and Fauna of the places I visit... ...!

(You would not believe what I know about the State of California over the past 12 years of daily Flight Simming the area!*... ...).... ...!

That's what MS Flight Simming is all about, for me... ...!

Paul...G-BPLF...FS 2004...FS Nav...and very low, and very slow!... ...!

...have FS 2004...will travel... ...!

* Flight Unlimited II, (Looking Glass Studios), got me hooked on California!...anyone remember it?......and the 1960's "Flower Power" years!..... [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]... ...!

[Sir_Crashalot]

Never been a fan of the complicated systems in FS like PMDG and such. I rather fly an aircraft with 'simple' controls and systems. Most likely a single or twin engine piston prop. Biggest thing I have flown in the past year is MAAM's DC-3. Every switch in that plane works, but it's simple to use and if you want just press CTRL-E to start her up.

Carlo

[Rocket_Bird]

I tend to lean towards the real as possible full system flying whenever I can.  I used to fly some light planes in real life, as well as fix planes, and even spent some times in the airlines working on the ramp and occasionally sitting in the jumpseat of a 737NG.  Nowadays, I can't do that, due to the lack of money I have, the economy (still outta work!), and my failing health (which is likely going to bar my way from passing the aviation medicals again).  Thus, I use flightsim to the full extent to... rediscover my dream.... 

'Course, I don't mind the occasional cntl+E to just get out there and fly like a free bird (and do some stunt flying that would only earn me a few frownies by the civil aviation authorities in real life!).  Even got X-Plane 9 recently to do some nice vfr cruising whenever I'm not plugging away at FS9. 

Normally, I do enjoy the whole cold-and-dark scenario and flipping switches in addons like the Aeroworx B200 King Air, or the Level-D 767.  A while ago, I even tried learning the Tu-154, though due to the lack of time, I have yet to figure out how to get the engines started (wish I could read Russian, lol!).  Yeah, I like the real-deal, or something that is close to the real deal.  Been wanting to fly since I was but a wee little child. 

[Lysander77]

The pleasure of flight simulation is the ability to stimulate the imagination without destroying the pocketbook or life and limb.  Personally, my choice is a WW II single-engine British aircraft that can be flown and landed in a Normandy farm field with some degree of realism and the satisfaction of feeling marginally capable (despite the fact that it took me a year or two before even one landing out of three was not a fatal crash.)