PC Pilot Issue 131 Downloads

Specially selected freeware and videos of flight sims reviewed in the January/February 2021 issue.

Issue 131 Online Contents Full Download

As requested by our readers, the complete file set accompanying Issue 131 can now be downloaded as a single zip file. If you are on a low-bandwidth connection, we recommend you download the files individually in the sections below.

Movies

Specially selected videos of flight sims reviewed in this issue.

Orbx Cityscape Sydney for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Enjoy Orbx's first Australian project for Microsoft Flight Simulator - Cityscape Sydney. Frank Schnibben brings to life Australia's largest city with a product that pushes the boundaries of what is currently possible in MSFS. Check it out at OrbxDirect.

A complete Cityscape, Sydney includes over 100 custom PBR landmarks, 28,000 all-new priority buildings, hand-edited custom aerial imagery, thousands of library objects, beautiful night lighting, replacement watermasks, tree improvements and more! And in response to one of Orbx's most-requested features since MSFS launched, they have included the Sydney Harbour Bridge in ultra high detail. Comparable in fidelity to their best airport terminal models, this iconic landmark is the centerpiece of Cityscape Sydney.

FSDreamTeam's Chicago O'Hare for Microsoft Flight Simulator

This is the latest version for MSFS 2020 of the popular FSDT KORD V2 scenery.

Features:

  • Highly detailed 3D buildings
  • Latest generation graphic, using only PBR materials
  • Full Dynamic Lighting
  • Custom Animated Jetways, with Dynamic and animated Light effects
  • Accurate custom Taxiway signs and Ground markings
  • Terminal C completely modelled with interior and LOD optimizations
  • Other interiors simulated with the MSFS exclusive and FPS-friendly Parallax Window mapping

Gaya Simulations - Roadmap

Gaya Simulations' products roadmap for the end of 2020 and 2021

Thranda Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter for X-Plane

A promotional video by X-Apron for the Thranda Pilatus PC-6.

DCS: A-10C II TANK KILLER | LAUNCH TRAILER

DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer is the follow-on to the renowned DCS: A-10C Warthog, and it brings many improvements and new additions like the latest weapons, a helmet-mounted sight, and new graphics.

Key features:

  • A-10C II adds new weapons that include the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS), AGM-65L laser-Maverick, and GBU-54 laser-guided JDAM.
  • New cockpit with options for factory-fresh or wear-and-tear textures.
  • “Scorpion” Helmet-Mounted Integrated Cueing System (HMCS). ARC-210 radio (coming soon).
  • Updated external model with improved textures and materials.
  • Fly the A-10C “Warthog” in either realistic or game modes.
  • Fly missions in either the Black Sea region or one of the many DLC maps like the Persian Gulf, Syria, and more.
  • Multiplayer cooperative and head-to-head.
  • Feature-rich Mission and Campaign editors allow user-created content.
  • The most realistic flight dynamics ever done for a PC simulation.
  • Huge array of land, air, and sea units to flight along and against.
  • Fully interactive Forward Air Controller (FAC) that helps you find targets.

Tutorials

Flight Adventure – The Cirrus SR22

For our flights this issue, we’ll be using the outstanding TorqueSim ’Take Command!’ Cirrus SR22 range in X-Plane 11 and you can read a review of the TorqueSim SR22 in Issue 130 of PC Pilot. The scenery used was Orbx Simulations' TrueEarth Great Britain North. As usual, some alternatives for FSX/P3D and X-Plane 11 can be found in the Pilots Notes via the link below, along with some flight plans and basic charts for these legs.

The Cirrus SR22 Flight Adventure Download

Freeware Files

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 know that many freeware airport designers make use of Library files to enhance their creations. Consequently, it’s important to read the documentation within each airport to find out which libraries have been used. These libraries need to be installed in order to experience these airports as the authors intended.

Star Performers from the Internet

NZNR Napier Airport NZ

It wasn’t long after the release of Microsoft’s new Flight Simulator (MFS) that freeware designers started producing some very professional-looking add-ons. Initially, most of them were just grass strips, some missing runways or perhaps enhancements to an area that the Asobo team seemed to have overlooked. Without being too rude, I think some of these earlier attempts were a little underwhelming. This was possibly because anything less than the quality this sim provides simply doesn’t look right.

However, as these developers learn more about MFS, we’re starting to see whole airports that stand up well to many commercial products which is the case here - it’s the latest project from a design group called NZASimulations. It is a group of four individuals: Nick Taylor, Christopher-Dean Kopp, Elijah Hoyne and Josh Purcell, who have created a superb rendition of Napier Airport. Although it’s a relatively small airport, they have lavished an enormous amount of detail throughout. They’ve also added some enhancements to the nearby city.

In case you’re unfamiliar with it, Napier is a seaport city located in Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and well worth a visit.

Authors: Nick Taylor, Christopher-Dean Kopp, Elijah Hoyne and Josh Purcell
Platform: Microsoft Flight Simulator
NZNR Napier Airport NZ Download

Cessna 185 Skywagon

The Cessna 185 is a high-winged aircraft with non-retractable conventional landing gear and a tailwheel. It’s basically a Cessna 180 with a strengthened fuselage. This model was based on a JR Lucariny design, updated here by the prolific AF Scrub.

Author: A.F. Scrub
Platform: FSX/P3D
Cessna 185 Skywagon Download

Fokker D21

As far as I know, this is the first freeware aircraft available for MFS. It’s based on a Fokker D21, which was designed in 1935 by Dutch manufacturer Fokker. It had a respectable career until the factory fell into German hands. This model was designed by Daan Kaasjager.

Author: Daan Kaasjager and Dutcheeseblend
Platform: Microsoft Flight Simulator
Fokker D21 Download

KORS Orcas Island

This is a very nice depiction of Orcas Island Airport (KORS) for MFS. It’s a public airport located 1nm north of Eastsound on Orcas Island in San Juan County, Washington, United States. Designed here by Aircake1.

Author: Aircake1
Platform: Microsoft Flight Simulator
KORS Orcas Island Download

Meigs Field

It’s good to see Meigs Field back in service, particularly because it’s a design for MFS, showing once again that the freeware designers are getting to grips with the Software Development Kit (SDK). This version was created by Guillermo Zulueta.

Zulueta. Author: Guillermo Zulueta
Platform: Microsoft Flight Simulator
Meigs Field Download

Brewster Buffalo

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was a compact fighter aircraft that was one of the first US aircraft to be fitted with an arrester hook. It was retired early in World War Two when it was found lacking in comparison to the Japanese Zero. This X-Plane version was created by Dom Henry.

Author: Dom Henry
Platform: X-Plane 11
Brewster Buffalo Download

VFR Scenery for Hamburg

VFR Germany is a series of VFR landmark scenery add-ons for X-Plane. This product covers the city of Hamburg and the surrounding area, adding many unique points of interest to the landscape. Produced here by Günther Kremp.

Author: Günther Kremp
Platform: X-Plane 11
FR Scenery for Hamburg Download

Blackburn Beverley V1A

The Blackburn Beverley was a fourengined, medium-range high-capacity transport. Its first flight took place in June 1953 and a total of 47 aircraft were built. This version, produced by Manfred Jahn, also includes a new airdrop tweak.

Author: Manfred Jahn
Platform: FSX/P3D
Blackburn Beverley V1A Download

Arkansas Scenery Version 2

This is version 2 of Rick Bennett’s Arkansas Scenery that includes reworked gates and assignment as well as runway fixes for the KFSM, KLIT and KXNA airports. All files to complete the scenery are also included.

Author: Rick Bennett
Platform: FSX
Arkansas Download

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.

Microsoft’s Japan Update – The land of the rising sun

Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Asobo Studio
Price: Free
Website: http://www.microsoft.com

Orbx's Cityscape Sydney - Orbx’s first Australian scenery for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Publisher: Orbx Simulations
Price: £10.93
Website: https://orbxdirect.com
Developers: Frank Schnibben, with assistance from the Orbx in-house team.

FSDreamTeam’s O’Hare International Airport – FSDT brings KORD to Microsoft Flight Simulator

Publisher: FSDreamTeam
Price: £20.32 – There is a discount available for those who bought the P3D 4/5 version.
Website: http://www.fsdreamteam.com/products_kordv2_msfs.html
Developers: FSDreamTeam

Gaya Simulations’ Zell am See Airport – The first exclusive airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Developer: Gaya Simulations
Publisher: Orbx
Price: $20.84 AUD (£11.34 approx)
Website: www.orbxdirect.com

DC Designs’ Concorde – The supersonic icon

Developer: DC Designs
Publisher: Just Flight
Price: £27.99
Website: www.justight.com

Aeroplane Heaven’s Tecnam P2010 – A stylish and sporty Italian light aircraft

Developer & Publisher: Aeroplane Heaven
Website: www.aeroplaneheaven.com
Also available from Just Flight: www.justflight.com

Thranda's PC-6 Porter – A fully-featured add-on for X-Plane

Developer: Thranda Design
Distributor: X-Plane.org
Download Price: Thranda Pilatus PC-6 Porter – DGS Series: $34.95 (£26 approx)
Thranda Pilatus PC-6 Adventure Pack: $16.50 (£12 approx)
Website: https://store.x-plane.org

TorqueSim’s BN-2 Islander – A versatile regional airliner with STOL performance

Developer: TorqueSim
Price: $34.95 (£27 approx)
Website: www.torquesim.com

Eagle Dynamics’ DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer – Return of the Warthog

Developer: Eagle Dynamics
Download Price: $79.99 (£60 approx) full module / $19.99 (£15 approx) upgrade from A-10C
Website:www.digitalcombatsimulator.com

PC Pilot Article Index

Looking for a review on a particular product, feature or tutorial? 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.

PC Pilot Article Index

Virtual Airline Listing

We have some interesting new additions to our virtual airline and flying club listing. 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 is second to none.

Virtual Airlines PDF