Riverboat Dave

Newbie for sure and not a "real" pilot... I found the screen where the ATC asks for my departure and destination airports, then there is a section for entering the "flight plan." I can enter the IDs for the starting and ending airports, but Is there a tutorial somewhere that explains how to enter a flight plan or what it should look like? Also, the local map is pretty limited in terms of its area. I'm used to MSFS where I can blow up the map to show nav aids all over the US. Is there a way to get X-plane's map to show more area without having to move the plane off the map? Much thanks!

Thanks ever so much! I was able to get the ATIS at several airports (including John Wayne), although I'm not sure what "ixeg733" means. If you have a chance, can you direct me to info on activating the ATC feature or on how an online network might function? And yet another question if I may. On the map screen, I can scroll in and out but the display seems limited. It there a way to display a different (adjoining) geographic areas without moving the plane on the map? I found the "planet map" but it seems of little use. I'm used to MSFS where you can move around the entire continent to find VORs and such for flight planning. Does x-plane do this? Again, thanks for your help.

Newbie Here. When I'm in an airport and tune my radio to the comm channel for the ground, ATIS or tower, should I be hearing some sort of communications? I can't seem to pick up anything on the plane's radio. Thanks!