Flight-sim roundup

Flight Journal, Dec 1999 by Ethell, David

Flight Unlimited III, Looking Glass, http://www.lglass.com, release date: 3rd quarter, 1999

The Flight Unlimited series has worked its way up from a recreational aircraft game to a fullfledged, general-aviation simulation. The series has always boasted wonderful graphics, and FUIII hopes to raise the bar again. FUII only allowed pilots to fly in the San Francisco area. Version III adds the Seattle area and improves the graphics model and many other elements.

Although this series doesn't provide the scope of Flight Simulator or Pro Pilot, it does offer great features such as the dynamic weather system. Flight Simulator 2000 allows users to download real-time weather from the Internet, but it doesn't provide the dynamic, simulated weather patterns of FUIII or Pro Pilot 2000. In addition, both FUIII and PP 2000 provide fairly full-featured ATC implementations.

Summary

Whether your focus is on military or civilian aviation, the upcoming holiday season will definitely offer a simulation to pique your interest. Explore the websites and see what tickles your fancy. You might find something new out there that will enhance your flying fantasies. Happy hunting!