We the FS community have the power to influence where MS goes with this platform in the future.  Lets take a few minutes to search our minds and hearts and jot down what we would like to see in the next version of flightsimulator.  I'll start it off.

1.  The flight model definatley needs updating.  I think microsoft really should borrow a page from Austin Meyer and rewrite the flight modeling structure of FS changing it over from a tabular table to a blade element theory system as is used in X-plane.  If a one man operation like laminar can do that with x-plane, whats multi-billion $ MS's excuse for not???

2.  The weather system is much improved but could be made even better without further hit on system resources.  Once again, i cite X-plane as an example.  the weather modeling there is good enough for the FAA and still frame rate friendly.

3.  I say they should go back to a two version format.  What they have now is very gamey.  If they want to be serious, let them bring back a pro-version that is significantly more system simultion oriented for the hardcore people and also have a standard edition available for the kids and gamers.  Such a system could even be a downloadable or disk based upgrade.  It should include many features now only available on add-on planes including FMC, INS, and realistic APU, Hydraulic, and other systems.  Functioning breaker panels would also be necessary as they are in the emergency response checks of all real world planes.  Imagine a vacuum pump failure in your favorite FS plane.  Better hope you have a second one.

4.Why can't anyone model a LORAN receiver???  Because MSFS doesn't have that nav system represented at all, thats why.  Guess what MS. Many real world pilots use it, many planes have LORAN.  Lets get it in FS 2006, shall we???

5.  The default scenery is good enough already.  If it were any bettermno ones system could run it.  Okay, lets fine tune it for the best possible VFR flights.  What am I saying???  Everything should be checked for proper position. Bridges, major buildings, etc.  Also roads.  All interstate highways and US routes and their counterparts in other nations should be as accurate as possible.  these are all scenery improvements that could be done with little or no further processor hit.

Okay, thats my wish list.  Perhaps too ambitious but maybe at least my flight modeling and scenery improvements could happen.  Post way guys. Here and other forums and lets make this sim far better.

I would like to see it more realistic. Like starting up with the engines OFF, and you have to go through the normal procedures of getting the motor running, instead of having the motor already running with the fuel pump OFF
Maybe a storm scope that works in real weather even?
And more realistic things like icing which real world pilots have to deal with
just a few of my ideas and suggestions

LORAN?   
Damn, talk about being stuck in the 60's.
It became obsolete with the advent of INS (which is now replaced by laser-gyro IRS)

Many things you talk about are available as payware, so instead of buying a new simulator, purchase those products. You know how much time it would take for MS to get the whole world's highway system and intercections correct? We'd have a new version every 5th year instead.... 

You're asking too much, this is just a 50 dollar desktop simulator, not a full scale trainer.

Id like to see improved failures, improved secondary airpots, and more variation in Autogen scenery.

I have no real complaints with FS2004. Some more detailed cockpits would be nice in the next version complete with all the bells and wistles the real ones have. And how about having a DVD version to cut back on CDs. I know the train simulator Trainz is releasing their next version on DVD. Improve effects, add engine fires and such. Some better world scenery. Microsoft needs to understand that the world doesn't end at Puget Sound. Another beef I have on scenery is that Microsoft keeps making scenery textures way to dark. I use Blue Sphere right now which is a major improvement.

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Try this. I just got it and it works great. Even has the limitations of real weather avoidance radar.

http://www.reality-xp.com/

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I think Active Camera can do that, just change view to 'internal view'.

I'm surprised no one has brought up the horrible 2-d cockpits, particularily the 747. Some of the VCs arent great either, but MS REALLY needs to make better 2-d panels. the best VC is in the lear, they should folow that example. And get rid of the 2-d textures in the VC, or at least make them higher-res.

Can someone please tell me if it is so incredibly hard to make jetways that actually LINE UP with the plane? I have yet to encounter a jetway that actually lines up perfectly with the height of a given plane.

As for the issue of starting with the engines running. MS needs to include that as an option. Know how they have the completely useless option 'start flight with ATC window open'? well, they need to include one of those for the engines. some people just want to hop in a cessna on the active runway and get going, not wait even 10 seconds for the engine start sequence.

As for scenery, MS needs to work on the basics before they improve highways. GET RID OF THAT UGLY BOX ON THE SEA AT NIGHTS. its is REALLY annoying. Slightly more varied generic textures too, at 35,000 ft you start to see patterns. Also, better textures for generic airports. And where the hell are the hangers? EVERY airfield has at least one tiny little hanger. And don't correct me, I'm sure there are a few exceptions, but you know what I mean.

Realism-again, it needs to be a variable option. I've just started lessons for my private pilots license, and the amount of multi tasking a pilot has to do is incredible. You have to do 10 things at once when simply turning in a Cessna.

Moreso, an extended VC that went into the cabin would be AWESOME. I would love to view my landing in instant replay from the view of a passenger in first class.

ATC could definitely be extended, but just think of the amazing leap forward it has made since 2002. you can choose different approaches or runways for landing, change your etination, request altitude changes... all they really have to include now is the emergency requests, like everyone is saying.

And finally-NEW PLANES!! NEW PLANES!! please MS. 757, 767, Airbuses. The private plane selection is actually pretty good, so if they don't touch that it'll be fine by me. love the kingair, even though the ILS doesnt work completely. speking of which-some glideslopes on ILSs dont work, and I'm sure they do. Sydney and Philly are two airporst where the glideslope for the ILS doesnt work. and YES, I'm intercepting it from below.

Wow, you actually read all this? Get a job, or go study! Finals are coming up. Glad i could get all that off my chest, but chances are i forgot something and ill be back.

Ay, sorry one more thing-better checklists. I've made my own, but their checklists are half filled with 'AS DESIRED', and for budding pilots that isn't very descriptive.