Microsoft offers online Flight Simulator magazine

Hot on the heels of Flight Simulator 2002`s Simulation Game of the Year Award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Microsoft today announced a resource to help virtual pilots get more out of flying: Flight Simulator Insider (http://zone.msn.com/flightsim/). This new online magazine for sim pilots was created and developed by the Flight Simulator development team, and will appeal to everyone from beginning students to seasoned virtual airline captains.

Each issue includes tips, behind-the-scenes features, how-to articles, and fun activities that challenge pilots. The Flight Simulator team also draws upon the expertise of key aviation partners such as Jeppesen, AOPA, Rod Machado, King Schools, and Patty Wagstaff.

These professionals bring authoritative, practical information to Flight Simulator pilots who want to expand their knowledge of the real world of aviation and apply new skills to virtual flying. As the official site for software development kits (SDKs) and related information for add-on developers, Flight Simulator Insider also helps those who expand the Flight Simulator experience for their fellow virtual aviators.

Regular features include:

* The Inside View - behind-the-scenes articles about Flight Simulator, the development team, and special events.

* Readback - answers to common questions, and responses to issues raised by Flight Simulator pilots through Web forums, trade shows, conferences and e-mail.

* Destinations - flights that showcase interesting scenery and challenging places to fly.

* Basic Skills - tips and hints that help new pilots (and even some old hands) get up to speed with Flight Simulator.

* Flying Lesson - features written by the certified flight instructors on the Flight Simulator development team, applying real-world flying techniques and skills to the world of virtual aviation.

* Ground School with Rod Machado - excerpts from Rod Machado`s Private Pilot Handbook, the leading guide to basics on aerodynamics, aircraft systems, instruments, navigation and related topics.

* Featured Feature - an in-depth explanation of a key feature of Flight Simulator 2002, expanding on the information included in the sim.

Flight Simulator 2002 is the revolutionary, award-winning new version of Microsoft`s highly realistic aviation simulation - the best-selling PC flight simulation ever produced. Flight Simulator 2002 introduces many exciting features, including interactive Air Traffic Control (ATC), auto-generated scenery, challenging new aircraft - even a floatplane - and stunning visual enhancements that truly make Flight Simulator 2002 "as real as it gets".