I've purchased v8 after loosing interest at V6. V8 so far seems worth the upgrade from 6, but if I was coming from 7 might not seem so. From a value perspective the terrain DB is now included on a single dvd as to the extra cost cd's in earlier versions.

Seems to perform reasonably well, and changes over the previous V6 are noticeable: more detailed instruments, more realistic terrain, and the flight model seems improved, but I have limited time in real aircraft. And the joystick equipment config is greatly improved, and weather download built in is much appreciated. My local area is very recognizable, both terrain shape and weather - texture is lacking like beaches on the coast etc.

However some things still lag - documentation is still a bit minimal and dated in some areas, and updates still have to be applied by replacing files - an update utility would be helpful. If I've missed it, sorry.

Overall I'm pleased and having some fun with this again. Realism is improved, and the program is much more polished.

Commentary: given the few choices for Mac Flight sims, hard to pass this one up. Am certainly against the authors over-hyping their product in reviews. Tried the flightgear opensource mentioned earlier - its OK, but still in development, and so lacking many conveniences - feels like x-plane 4 - the config for controls etc is much easier in X-plane, for example. Certainly applaud their efforts though.