Far more than just a game, the Microsoft simulator is realistic enough to qualify as a serious training aid for prospective pilots or those with a passion for flying but no cash to indulge it.

You can select a vast number of routes about the North American continent. There are 22 detailed airport layouts to take off from or land at, in weather conditions ranging from daylight with no wind and not a cloud in the sky through to pitch darkness and solid clouds with a tornado raging.

This program is for the dedicated, for people who are prepared to spend many hours in the 'cockpit' learning how to fly. Its long-term appeal for them is undoubted, but less serious flyers could soon admit defeat.

There is a 100-page instruction manual which is easy to read and understand. Illustrations and maps explain the aircraft controls and instruments clearly. The instrumentation, too, is excellent, with a generally rapid response to the controls. With so many variables for the pilot to set, it can be tailored to fit just about any level of skill.

Unfortunately, with such a large area of the world to cover and display, the resolution gives a rather jerky and lumpy appearance. The colours are not quite realistic, and although the graphics are excellent, I have to fault the sound effects.

If you get tired of serious flying, a bonus in this package is British Ace, a World War I dogfight game. In this, you must shoot down at least five enemy fighters - with differing capabilities - and bomb aerodromes and factories. You battle it out in real time, so it is advisable to learn to handle your aircraft using the flight simulator program before tackling this game. This is one situation where learning on the job will not do.