Specially selected freeware and videos of flight sims reviewed in the May-June 2019 issue.
Flysimware’s Falcon 50
This video takes a close look at the internal and external detailing of Flysimware’s Falcon 50 (review starts on page 12). You are also given a tour of the high-quality cockpit and instrumentation – shown both during the day and at night.
Airport Bergamo for X-Plane 11
This video of Airport Bergamo for X-Plane highlights the high-quality ground and building textures, the wide variety of accurately placed custom objects, the 50cm/pixel aerial imagery with hand-placed autogen, the use of dynamic lighting and the custom-generated jetways. Our review of this fine scenery add-on starts on page 24.
Fly the Maddog X Tutorial - Preliminary Cockpit Preparation
This is a comprehensive walk-through of the pre-start preliminary cockpit preparation of Fly the Maddog X – a review for which starts on page 16. Every aspect is covered, from powering up the aircraft through to making sure that the flaps/slats are up, the speed brakes are retarded and disarmed and testing the PA/emergency lights. You will also hear the communication between the various crew members as they go through the check procedures.
SkunkCrafts’ P-51D Mustang for X-Plane 11
This promotional video highlights some of the key features of this fabulous rendition of the iconic P-51D Mustang from SkunkCrafts, a review for which starts on page 68. Starting with the beautifully rendered external model, we are then taken inside to view the extreme attention to detail present in the cockpit area, which includes subtle weathering throughout. You will then hear the highly immersive FMOD sounds of the switches and levers being operated and the Packard Merlin engine being fired up, on take-off and in flight.
DCS: Christen Eagle II
This presentation of the aerobatic DCS: Christen Eagle II showcases the aircraft’s extreme manoeuvrability. Highlights also include an impressive three-ship aerial display, encompassing smoke and the aircraft taking part in a Red Bull-type obstacle course race. Our review starts on page 28.
Just Flight’s PA28-181 Archer III for X-Plane
Reviewed on pages 32-34, the trailer for Just Flight’s Archer III conveys the very high production values of this superb simulation. Showcased are the superbly detailed and crisp internal and external features, which includes the photorealistic cockpit rendition, metallic look of the external finish, the comprehensive menu system and the night lighting.
Tutorials
Flight Adventure
You can download flight plans and Pilot’s Notes for both FSX/Prepar3D and X-Plane 11 from here. The Pilot’s Notes include aircraft and scenery options for FSX, P3D and X-Plane 11.
Back to Basics
Download the updated flight planning spreadsheet and flight plans for Plan-G, FSX/P3D and X-Plane using the link below. Courtesy of A2A Simulations, the full C182 Pilot’s Operating Handbook and an extract of the C182 performance charts are also available.
Downloads
Once again we have a collection of high-quality freeware files for you to enjoy. These aircraft, scenery and utilities easily compare with many commercial products but don’t forget, if you’ve enjoyed a particular file please let the author know; it’s their only payback. By the same token we’re always interested to hear from you if you’ve downloaded or designed a file that you think is worth sharing.
By Joe Lavery
PERMISSION
Although the authors of these files have very kindly given us their permission to include them on our website, they still remain the property and copyright of the authors. You are free to enjoy them for your own use but they must not in any circumstances be distributed, copied, uploaded to any other websites or disassembled in any way whatsoever.
Library files
Most X-Plane users will already know that many freeware airport designers make use of the freeware Library files to enhance their creations. Consequently, it’s important to read the documentation within each file, to find out which libraries have been used. These library files need to be installed in order to experience these airports as the authors intended.
Featured Download
Ryan Navion 205 Vintage Aircraft
We travel back a few years with the aircraft featured in this issue; it’s a Ryan Navion 205, built in the United States in the 1940s. Although finally produced by the Ryan Aeronautical Company, it was originally designed and built by North American Aviation, builder of the North American P-51 Mustang. In fact, if you have a good look at it, you can see the resemblance. The idea was that an aircraft with such a pedigree would perfectly match the expected post-war boom in civilian aviation.
The aircraft depicted here was designed for X-Plane 11 by Texasranger of vFlyteAir Simulations. It’s a fine piece of work that recreates that aircraft to a very high standard, including a user guide and a full 97-page Pilot’s Manual. The cockpit is fully operational with a superb amount of ageing and weathering. Paint is flaking off, there are a few rust spots here and there, even some subtle wear on the panel lettering; it all looks very authentic. The cockpit also features a working windscreenmounted eTablet; however you do need to download a free plug-in for this to work.
The fuselage is mainly polished aluminium (like many of the P-51s), so it seems to have ‘weathered’ a bit better. A closer look reveals the subtle stains and small imperfections that aircraft of this age are bound to have.vFlyteAir Simulations also produces commercial aircraft and this could easily have been one as well, it’s just brilliant.
Author: Texasranger of vFlyteAir Simulations
Star Performers from the Internet
ATR72-500 1.2.0
The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop, short-haul regional airliner developed and produced in France and Italy by aircraft manufacturer ATR. The aircraft depicted here was designed for X-Plane 11 by Christian Riviere.
Author: Christian Riviere
Platform: X-Plane 11
Courtenay Airpark CAH3
Courtenay Airpark is located next to Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada. It’s the largest city on the east coast of Vancouver Island, commonly known as the Comox Valley and was designed by the prolific Charles Macelli for X-Plane 11.
Author: Charles Macelli
Platform: X-Plane 11
Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
The Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer, is a World War Two- and Korean Warera patrol bomber used by the United States Navy. The model depicted here is nr R582 Miss Sea-Ducer and was designed for FSX/P3D by A.F Scrub.
Author: A.F Scrub
Platform: FSX/P3Dv3-4
Ireland West Airport Knock
Officially known as Ireland West Airport Knock, this airport is 5.6km (3.5 miles) southwest of Charlestown, County Mayo, in Ireland. This very detailed production for X-Plane 11 was designed by Cian O Riordan.
Author: Cian O Riordan
Platform: X-Plane 11
Stanfield Int. Airport CYZH, Halifax
This is a Canadian airport in Goffs, a rural area of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It serves Halifax, mainland Nova Scotia and adjacent areas in the neighbouring Maritime Provinces. It’s been designed for FSX by Sidney Schwartz.
Author: Sidney Schwartz
Platform: FSX
Sukhoi-57 T50 Stealth Fighter
The Sukhoi-57 T50 is a fifth-generation superiority fighter that made its first flight in 2010. It will enter service in 2019 and was designed to replace the Su-27. This detailed version was produced for FSX, P3D and FS2004 by Erwin Welker.
Author: Erwin Welker
Platform: P3D/FSX/FS2004
Ganja International Airport
Ganja International Airport serves Ganja (also known as Gyandzha), which is the second largest city in Azerbaijan. This version for FSX was designed by Reza Sadri.
Author: Reza Sadri
Platform: FSX
Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor
Quite an unusual 1950s aircraft, the Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor was a prototype jet fighter for the US Air Force. It featured an inverse tapered wing that provided better lift on landing. It was designed by Uenoshing.
Author: Uenoshing
Platform: FSX
Reviews - Screenshot Galleries
To help give our readers a better appreciation of the products reviewed in this issue, we have compiled the screenshots accompanying some of the articles into a series of galleries.
Flysimware’s Falcon 50 - The ultimate high-performance trijet
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: An excellent representation of the Falcon 50 with an authentic cockpit and realistic systems, which is backed up by a superb flight model.
Developer: Flysimware
Price: $49.99 (£39 approx)
Website: www.flysimware.com/website/FALCON_50.html
Flight Model: Stable and authentic handling
Graphics: Excellent both inside and out
Documentation: Good overview of the systems cockpit
Systems: Accurate simulation of the real aircraft
PC Pilot Score: 95%
Leonardo SH’s Fly the Maddog X - A true study sim
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: A true study simulation of the MD-82 with deep systems accuracy, superb graphics, excellent flight model and many additional utility features. External sound modelling could be improved.
Developer: Leonardo Software House
Download Price: €70.00 (£60 approx)
Website: www.flythemaddog.com
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Excellent
PC Pilot Score: 95%
Orbx’s TrueEarth GB North for X-Plane - Orbx completes the British landscape
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: Orbx completes its transformation of the UK with True Earth GB North. I wonder where its attention will be turned to next…
Publisher: Orbx
Price: Download via Orbx FTX North £29.43
Website: https://orbxdirect.com/product/gbr-North-xp11
3D Modelling: Excellent
Graphics: Very good
Documentation: Very good
Performance: Good
PC Pilot Score: 95%
Aerosoft’s Airport Bergamo XP - Milan’s third airport
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: Airport Bergamo XP is a detailed rendition of Milan’s third airport that blends nicely into the surrounding area.
Developer: Tailstrike Designs, Windsock Simulations
Distributor: Aerosoft
Price: €24.15 (£20 approx) by direct download
Website: www.aerosoft.com
3D Modelling: Very good
Graphics:Good
Documentation: Minimal
Performance: Very good
PC Pilot Score: 86%
Leatherneck Simulations’ DCS: Christen Eagle II - An aerobatic delight!
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: The DCS: Christen Eagle II excels
at making you smile. A great flight model, realistic damage and a nice smattering of missions make this a fun aircraft to own.
Developer: Leatherneck Simulations
Publisher: Eagle Dynamics
Download Price: $29.99 (£23 approx)
Website: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/christen_eagle/
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
External: Excellent
Documentation: None
Systems: Very good
PC Pilot Score: 85%
Just Flight’s PA28-181 Archer III - Just Flight’s Archer hits its target
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: The Archer is another superb aircraft from the Just Flight team that I’m sure will appeal to all GA pilots.
Publisher & Distributor: Just Flight
Developer: Just Flight in partnership with Thranda Design
Price: £27.99 by direct download
Website: www.justflight.com
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Very good
PC Pilot Score: 95%
Vertx Simulation’s Diamond - DA62 – Return
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: I could write twice the number of words and exhaust a thesaurus about this stunning-looking, beautifully simulated and versatile model. Any GA sim pilot should pick this one up.
Developer: Vertx Flight Simulation
Price: US$39.95 (£30 approx)
Website: www.vertxsim.com
Flight Model: Absolutely perfect!
Graphics: Beyond excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Excellent
PC Pilot Score: 95%
1C Maddox’s IL-2 Sturmovik
1C Maddox’s work on IL-2 Sturmovik continues unabated, particularly in the past few months.
Jason Williams - Executive Producer at 1C Game Studios, kindly agreed to take part in a Q&A to introduce IL-2 Sturmovik to newcomers, as well as update those who have lost touch with the franchise.
SkunkCrafts’ P-51D Mustang
In this interview, we talk to SkunkCrafts to find out about the work that was involved in creating their superb P-51D Mustang - designed for X-Plane 11.
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: One of the best simulations of the P-51D Mustang currently available.
Developer: SkunkCrafts
Price: $34.95 (£26 approx)
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
Sound: Excellent
Documentation: Good
Systems: Excellent
PC Pilot Score: 95%
PC Pilot Index
Looking for a review on a particular product, feature or tutorial? Then look no further. Our regularly updated PC Pilot Index includes references (with accompanying issue and page numbers) to all our past reviews of software and hardware as well as features, tutorials and more. Now you can find that elusive article you’ve been looking for.
Virtual Airlines
We have some interesting newcomers to our VA and flying club listing for you. Take a look to see if there is one to suit your taste. The experience and fun of being part of a virtual club or airline are second to none.
