Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Very cool but...
by Jim from Austin TX USA 
Pros: solid feel, well laid out
Cons: backlighting, FSX sync
Review: I really like having the switches where I can see and feel their positions. I like the look and feel of it, it works in well with the other two control panels Saitek sells.  I have two problems with it. One is no backlighting on switch labels - a universal problem with all three Saitek control panel's. The other, more serious problem is that it is not typically synced with the aircraft on startup. For example, if you initiate a night flight, FSX does not read the panel switch to see what the lighting switch positions are. One must cycle the switches to get them synced up with FSX. I'd still buy the product again but I think there is a little room for improvement.

Monday, October 26, 2009
Gives excellant sense of reality
by Charles from Ft. Pierce FL USA 
Pros: Easily mounts to complete cockpit configuration
Cons: Does not start one engine at a time on multi-engine aircraft
Review: Has fully lived up to expectations.

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Close Enough
by NWTech75 from Rosemount, MN 
Pros: Functionality. Ease of use. Right out of the box it plugs into the yoke, and FSX immediately regognized its functions without any programing or setting required on my part.
Cons: Ignition key is not a momentary switch from start to both. Mounting can be a challenge if you don't want it on your yoke. Would have like to seen some circuit breakers.
Review: I've been wanting this panel for about nine months. The wait has been well worth it. Right away it paid for itself. Most flight instructors will tell you to visualize yourself in the cockpit while you practice your checklists. This panel has taken that exercise to a whole new level. I can now easily manipulate the mag switch during my run up check, set my landing lights before takeoff, turn on my anti ice if needed along with a lot of other tasks; all without ever touching the keyboard. It adds an excellent degree of realism to your simulation. Perfect for the student pilot who has been grounded by fincances. The panel has very few flaws that can be overlooked in liu of the net bennifit that it provides. Where the panel excells is in application of practice. Everything that I do in a preflight check, run up, takeoff, cruse, decent and landing, can basically be simulated to about a 75% accuracy with this panel. Anyone who wants to get more out of their simulation without breaking the bank must give this panel a test flight; but once you try it, you'll never want to fly without it.