Like DA98 I too downloaded the R4D. It is a great experience. I really like the "flying" aspect of flight sims more than the "combat" aspect of them. Probably why my score is so low

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I agree with Cit though, you can "feel" this excellent FM best when flying with manual trim. I use auto pilot and combat trim too. I am using combat trim less and less lately but I find it usefull on the occasion (quite often) that I get bounced unexpectedly. It gives me time to do something in reasonable trim without the hastles of trimming it out to defend myself.
Personaly I would like to have more engine managment controls to play with. That R4D that DA98 mentioned has a full realistic start up sequence and shutdown that really endear the plane to me. I have some stick time in various AC, favorite among them is the Aeronca Champ, but am not licensed and I fly my puter instead. Can't justify the expense, so I look for my viscarial thrills in flight sims.
Only real thing that bothers me much about the existing engine management we have is the way you can increase prop pitch without the subsequent increase in manifold pressure. I would also like to see a realistic mixture control.
Good post Cit