I love VC's, but, there comes a time when you have to be able to see all the instruments at the same time.  What do you guys think?

Greg

I very rarely use VC. There are 2 reasons for this.

The first is clarity. I much prefer the crystal clear view of gauges in 2D. There is the odd exception like the Falcons, but it's a rare day when a VC looks as visually good as a 2D view.

The second is functionality. It's only a personal preference but I like to fly the aircraft using joystick buttons and mouse interface with the panel itself rather than keyboard commands, which I avoid where at all possible.

FS2004 may have resolved both issues but I'm reserving judgement until I see it in action. there are question marks still outstanding over whether all gauges will function properly in V.C. mode. GPS is an example. To the best of my knowledge, you can't display this properly in FS2002 VC mode and I've yet to hear any reports one way or the other for FS2004.

I tend to prefer using the DVC to the 2D panel. I just think it's much more realistic - it adds to the sense of perception that you get sitting in the pilot's seat of a real plane. For cruising, or manual flying, I'll fly with the virtual cockpit as much as possible. But if I have to fiddle with stuff, I'll switch into the 2D panel and change things with the mouse.

Active Camera Pro also has a funky head-movements thing going on in the DVC so that when you're taking off, your head really sinks and looks towards the ground. It's pretty good stuff!