Top 5 Must Haves for a Realistic Helicopter SimulationMany flight games have an arcade feel to them. They are more about the combat than the experience of flying a plane or helicopter. With the right software, equipment, and adjusting the realism controls of your game, you can create a relatively realistic flying experience. "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004" is the flight simulator to have if you are looking for realistic gameplay and lots of room to customize the game with user and retail add-ons. "X-plane" is also another choice for a comprehensive flight sim. For the full flying simulation experience, you'll want pedals to control the rudders. The ProPedals has pivot on the toes for differential toe brakes and can be used for gas/brakes in a racing game. This set of pedals works with Windows 98/2000/XP ME, iMac, or Mac and requires a USB port. Another good thing is the cable is 7 feet long, plenty long enough to hook it up and get through the maze of cables already behind your desk. Thrustmaster's Flight Control System is not the cheapest on the market, but offers a good range of features. The throttle and stick (HOTAS stands for Hands On Throttle And Stick) are modeled after a F-16 fighter jet. The system is customizable with 28 programmable buttons and adjustable resistances. For a cheaper option there is the Saitek X52 Flight Control System. To get the most of the graphics of "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004" and additional add-ons you may buy, you need to have a video card that can fully render the graphics. If you haven't upgraded your video card in a few years, it may be time to do so. PC Aviator stocks all types of add-ons for "Microsoft Flight Simulator." If you have a particular area you want to fly, consider buying a scenery add-on to get more details and better visuals for that area. The MegaScenery collections are worth checking out at PC Aviator. | 
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