An add-on to rival PMDG's realism!

So this post is mostly to catch the attention of GPS kid, but also to propose an idea of anyone who has $35 that they'd like to gamble! SSW (http://www.simsoftworkshop.com) produced a model of the Airbus A310-203/303 aircraft last year, and in-spite of a few negative reviews I purchased it anyway. I certainly was in way over my head and was unable to even turn the nav systems on. So, having never successfully flown a flight in it in-spite of many attempts, it was burried away for a year.

I just recently pulled it out and I certainly see this in a new light! Having had the experience of several more realistic addons like the PMDG 737NG and PIC ERJ-145, I decided to take a stab at this beast again. I must say that this is probably one of the most realistically designed aicraft I've ever seen! Every system and dependency has been recreated, with easily more than 90% of real world features and switches modeled. The FMC is the most comprehensive I've seen, with nearly a 200 page PDF manual! (don't worry, to anyone with FMC experience this goes quickly). The rest of the manuals for the system are easily on the same comprehensive level as the FMC, practically taken from the real world manuals! These are not for the faint of heart, but to the experienced it's a joy!

The textures can give a pretty heavy frame rate hit, taking a while to pull up, but once they are they can be breathtaking at times. The windshield in the VC mode is fully reflective, creating one of the most realistic cockpit feels. The external model is detailed from the landing gear to the individual slats for the air-brake.

So in regards to my title, for anyone who has flown several of the most realistic products (that include FMC's) for FS9, this should be a welcome addition to your fleet! It certainly has it's share of bugs, and the support is hardly the best I've seen, but this aircraft contains the most realistically modeled systems i've seen. This will force you to TRULY learn and enjoy your aircraft!