ATC never gives me speed instructions in simulation; how common are
they in real life? I presume they know enough about aircraft types to
know how fast or slow they can go?

Also, don't controllers give wind speed and direction when clearing
someone for take-off? I never get that in simulation, but I could
swear that I've heard it regularly in real ATC.

And another thing: Do controllers provide altimeter settings only in
specific circumstances, or what? Apparently after a handoff from one
center to another they give altimeter settings, but when otherwise?

I don't trust ATC in the simulation much. It provides some practice
but there's a lot missing, and even with the little bit of ATC I've
listened to in real life (years ago--can't easily do it here), I seem
to recall discrepancies.

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