There is a glut of extra content available for the excellent Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. So to save you wading through the morass to harvest the gems, we have assembled a collection of some of the finest add-on packs available. These are three FS2004 upgrades that no serious pilot should be without. Buckle up and read on!

ERJ 145 – PILOT IN COMMAND (First Class Simulations/ Wilco Publishing)

An essential addition to anyone who wants to have the definitive collection on real world aircraft, this addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 will not disappoint.

One of the annoyances I found with FS2004 was the fact that real world airlines are absent from the library of default aircraft, and when you add freeware real-world airlines to your aircraft library, essential features like air traffic control are not addressed properly. These problems can be avoided by installing software like ERJ 145 which has everything in its right place and includes the correct air traffic control references without all the hassle, and ensures you get the most from your flying experience.

This model is finely detailed with a real-world airline livery, accurate right down to the rivets on the wings. It features all the details of FS2004, like rolling tyres, rotating jet-fan blades and exhaust vapour, but takes it to a new level of realism, adding a smoothness not found in FS2004 default aircraft. Additionally, the model is genuinely frame-rate-friendly, as I managed similar frame-rates to FS default aircraft while using the ERJ 145.

In the cabin, absolutely nothing is missing, again with intricate attention to detail, and needs a good look around to fully appreciate. I think though that the main strength of the model featured here is the amazing virtual cockpit. Having done a bit of research so I could compare this model to the real thing, the level of active detail in this representation is of a very high standard. Unlike the default models within FS2004 which can be difficult to fly from the virtual cockpit, it did not take me long to be flying the ERJ 145 from this absorbing environment which includes features not found in FS2004, like voice warnings, ground proximity warning and other extra audible indications to remind you that maybe you are not quite the pilot you think you are.

The add-on comes complete with a comprehensive manual, which will leave you in no doubt that the aircraft is an exact representation of its real-world counterpart. This manual covers the aircraft’s technical specifications and performance details, as well as an absorbing history of this aircraft type. Among many other useful features, it also includes a step-by-step guide taking you on several typical flights that these aircraft take on a daily basis.

The only real criticism of this add-on pack for me is the lack of variety. To have made it more successful, a few more airline liveries could have been included, although there is a tool to create more yourself. That said, though, a lot of thought and effort has gone into this add-on which makes it into a high quality product that will meet and exceed flight-simmer's expectations, and comes highly recommended.

8/10

MILITARY HELICOPTERS (First Class Simulations/ Abacus)

Another quality add-on from FS developers Abacus, this time their Military Helicopters variant (also called Abacus Chopper Havoc). This add-on targets a specialist interest within the flight-simming community, and expands the helicopter collection present in Flight Simulator 2004 beyond recognition, complementing it perfectly.

Again, as with most offerings from this developer, excellent attention to detail and exceptional realism grace this product. Virtual cockpits are to the same high standard we have come to expect, with all interactive controls and detailed weapon systems. These models use the FS2004 smoke system for weapon effects, and although not giving you the satisfaction of sending a laser guided missile into Big Ben, they add a sense of realism that enhances the intended military experience, generating quite an effect on the ground.

There are nine different helicopter models, with differing variants within the model groups offering a variety of camouflage colours and various weapon configurations. These range from the Apache to the Sea King, and include the Huey, Tiger, Gazelle, Cobra, Kiowa and Blackhawk, encompassing many of the helicopter types found in general military use.

These models hold up to close scrutiny of detail when you zoom in to inspect them, and withstand a close comparison to the real thing. Although mainly a fan of passenger airliners in FS2004, I found this add-on involving and absorbing, and happily tinkered with the different helicopter variations for many hours.

Some excellent scenery is also included with this add-on and it is this that forms the basis for some great adventures, which are included. These will challenge your chopper flying skills, and add a real sense of danger. I’ll leave you to discover what these missions involve, but they will take you to every corner of the globe!

Again, if you are a fan of military hardware, and are willing to try something a little different, this is an essential add-on for FS2004 that will not disappoint.

7/10

FLIGHT VENTURES FOR FS2004 (First Class Simulations/ Abacus)

Flight Ventures adds an element of adventure not found in Flight Simulator 2004 straight out of the box. If you are looking for added content that will entertain you and add a sense urgency to your flights, you need this add-on. You can fly any one of 29 missions that are saved as flights within FS2004. The variety has been well thought through and these missions include crop-dusting, polar rescue, storm chasing, TV broadcasting filming and many more.

How real do these adventures feel? That’s up to you. Have realism settings on your FS control panel set as high or as easy as you can comfortably manage, but I found that set slightly higher added to the experience, and the fact that you are carrying passengers or cargo extends the experience even further.

Flight ventures adds a little scenery to your FS2004 scenery database, and consists of items and small changes essential to making this concept work. Such as adding a monster to Loch Ness in one of the rather more fun adventures. It also adds one extra plane - the Air Tractor AT802.

When you select a flight mission supplied by Flight Ventures, I advise carefully reading the provided brief, because although an aircraft is automatically selected, you must take into consideration your cargo, the weather and your aircrafts abilities in how you tackle your Mission. This helped with my FS2004 experience in that it forced me to get to know my fleet’s capabilities better.

I also recommend using the supplied kneeboard as this reiterates the brief, has a handy help tab to get you out of trouble, allows you to select another mission, provides map goals, a log, your current location, and also allows you to make small setting changes to the way Flight Ventures works.

In short, Flight Ventures is an entirely different sort of add-on for FS2004.  While many of the add-ons currently available for FS2004 concentrate mainly on content, this little gem adds a good deal of meaty involvement.  I really could not find a weakness; this add-on does exactly what it is intended to do, and rather well at that.  I am looking forward to re-playing all the missions already.

Are you up to the challenge? Miss this, and miss out.

9/10

Reuben Glossop