Specially selected freeware and videos of flight sims reviewed in the November-December 2019 issue.
Issue 124 Online Contents Full Download
As requested by our readers, the complete file set accompanying Issue 124 can now be downloaded as a zip file.
The videos are supplied as links to YouTube links, we are unable to include them in the file due to limitations with file size.
If you are on a low-bandwidth connection, we recommend you download the files individually in the sections below.
Videos
Just Flight’s PA-38 Tomahawk
This trailer highlights the beautiful and realistic exterior model of Just Flight’s PA-38 Tomahawk. The internal views also showcase the extreme attention to detail paid to every component, particularly the 3D quality of the instruments. The dynamic lighting also helps to show off the PBR technology to good effect.
Mad Flight Studio’s Spectr-Aero SP-30
Reviewed on pages 28-30, the unusual design of this aircraft and innovative features included in this package are the main focus of this video. These include the checklists, close-ups of the un-cowled engine, the realistic metallic finish of the exterior, close-ups of the glass-like instruments and we are additionally shown the crop-dusting variant in action.
Just Flight's PA-28R Turbo Arrow III/IV
This well-produced and atmospheric video shows off the superb modelling of the interior and external details of Just Flight’s PA-28R Turbo Arrow III/IV to good effect. The video also conveys the Arrow’s sleek lines as well as the authentic-looking metallic finish of the exterior. Close-up camera views highlight the 3D quality of the instrument panel, as well as the superb detailing of the cockpit interior. While in flight, the PA-28R looks simply majestic. Our review starts on page 36.
DCS: Fw 190A-8
This stirring and dramatic presentation showcases the sleek and aggressive lines of the DCS: Fw 190A-8, which has been faithfully reproduced by Eagle Dynamics in every detail. Dubbed the ‘Butcher Bird’ because of its dramatic affect on Allied aircraft when it first entered service, the 190’s speed, manoeuvrability and devastating firepower are shown off to good effect in this explosive video. Our full review starts on page 68.
Tutorials
787 Dreamliner Flight Adventure
In this Flight Adventure, we take a close look at an aircraft that, despite being a relative newcomer to commercial aviation, continues to set records for innovation and long-haul flying – the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Pilot’s Notes for this Flight Adventure contains flight plans for FSX/P3D and X-Plane 11, and include some of the world’s longest and shortest 787 routes for you to enjoy (as well as scenery options).
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
Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Our featured file for this issue was designed by Mr3D and was originally a commercial product but it has now been released as freeware for all flight simmers to enjoy. It’s based on the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter, operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service from 1940 to 1945. This aircraft was introduced early in World War Two, when the Zero was considered the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world as it combined excellent manoeuvrability with very long range. In early combat operations, the Zero gained a legendary reputation as a formidable dogfighter.
Although this model from Mr3D began development a while back, it has some very impressive features, not least of which is an autopilot, (yes an autopilot on a Zero). The author amusingly explains that it’s quite a basic instrument and possibly more like throwing a rope over the stick than the sophistication provided by modern-day autopilots… but hey, it works!
However, there’s nothing basic about the aircraft itself; the modelling inside and out is to a very high standard. For example, the individual panels are fully three dimensional, as are the switches, levers and gauges that populate them. In fact, at first sight, these can seem almost overwhelming particularly for new pilots.
To address this, Mr3D has produced a fully illustrated manual that puts most of the current aircraft producers to shame. Each panel within the cockpit is drawn in full 3D, with the function and operation of every switch and lever described with clearly numbered labels. There are also sections on navigation, the fuel system, the autopilot and more. Then finally Lt JG Kaname Lida of the Imperial Japanese Navy takes over to instruct you on your first flight. Altogether it is a most impressive aircraft.
Author: Mr3d
Platform: X-Plane 11
Star Performers from the Internet
Howard 350 Concept
Freeware Files The Howard 350 Concept became the forerunner of many executive aircraft with its sleek styling and positively sumptuous interior. It also had all the trappings of a modern luxury jet. Modelled here by a group of talented individuals led by Milton Shupe.
Authors: Milton Shupe, Scott Thomas, William Ellis, and Nigel Richards
Platform: FSX/P3D
Somalia, Mogadishu Airport
Freeware Files Another highly detailed and accurate rendition by Otavio Bonomi, this time focussing on Mogadishu Airport in Somalia. It contains some guarded gates and watchtowers to illustrate the current climate, although there are also some beautiful places to see.
Author: Otavio Bonomi
Platform: X-Plane 11
Saint-Jean Airport
Freeware Files Saint-Jean Airport, (ICAO: CYJN), is located in the south-western section of the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. This superbly detailed GA aircraft was designed for X-Plane by Charles Macelli.
Author: Charles Macelli
Platform: X-Plane 11
Blohm & Voss BV-238 Flying Boat
This huge aircraft made its first flight in April 1944 and was rather a flying ship than a boat, bigger than the BV-222 and was the heaviest aircraft of World War Two. Designed here for FSX, P3D and FS2004 by Erwin Welker.
Author: Erwin Welker
Platform: FSX/P3D and FS2004
USA Navigation Maps
Freeware Files Bob Baker has updated his useful set of USA Navigation Maps that we featured a few months ago. It’s basically a package for the general aviation community containing 48 state maps, as well as continental maps in three sections.
Author: Bob Baker
Platform: Non-specific
Pitts S2A Special
The Pitts Special series dominated the world of aerobatic competition in the 1960s and 1970s, and even today, it remains a potent competition aircraft. This very nice Pitts S2A was designed by AF Scrub for FSX/P3D v3 and v4.
Author: A.F Scrub
Platform: FSX/P3D v3-4
De Havilland DHC6-300 Twin Otter
The de Havilland DHC6-300 Twin Otter is a STOL aircraft that first flew in 1965. The model depicted here is operated by Scilly Skybus and designed by Premier Aircraft Design (PAD), Jean-Pierre Brisard, Barry Blaisdell, Bob May and Kevin Pardy.
Author: FSX/FS2004
Platform: Premier Aircraft Design
Flight Simulator First Officer V3
This is a generic co-pilot designed to work with aircraft that conform to X-Plane (via XPUIPC), FS9, FSX and P3D SDK. In short, it adds a touch of realism while providing a co-pilot to share the cockpit responsibilities. Designed by Matthew King.
Author: Matthew King
Platform: FSX and X-Plane
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.
Just Flight’s PA-38 - Tomahawk Piper’s primary flight trainer
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: An excellent rendition of the PA-38 Tomahawk with well-modelled systems and good flight dynamics.
Publisher and Developer: Just Flight
Price: £27.99
Website: www.justflight.com/product/pa-38-tomahawk-p3d-fsx
Flight Model: Stable handling with abrupt stall characteristics
Graphics: Superb both inside and out
Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Authentic simulation of the real aircraft
PC Pilot Score: 90%
MilViz's PC-6 Porter - The Flying Swiss Army knife
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: A superb aircraft with excellent flight dynamics and systems modelling. A must-have for a virtual bush pilot looking for aerial adventures in the wild.
Publisher and Developer: MilViz
Price: $39.99 (£32.70 approx)
Website: https://milviz.com/flight/products/PC6/ Flight
Model: Excellent STOL characteristics
Graphics: Superb both inside and out
Documentation: Good
Systems: Excellent systems modelling
PC Pilot Score: 92%
Aeroplane Heaven’s Cessna 140 - A classic from the 1940s
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: A beautiful period aircraft that’s just a little let down by texture issues.
Developer: Aeroplane Heaven
Price: $27.95 (£22 approx) for FSX & P3D v3/4.3 (non-PBR) and P3D v4.4+ (PBR) versions
Price: $34.95 (£28 approx) for FSX & P3D v3, v4, v4.4+
Website: www.aeroplaneheaven.com
Flight Model: Good
Graphics: Good
Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Good
PC Pilot Score: 80%
Mad Flight Studio’s Spectr-Aero SP-30 - A VFR trainer and utility aircraft
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: A great VFR trainer and utility aircraft with rewarding systems and maintenance management. Lots of attention to details - big and small.
Developer: Mad Flight Studio Distributor: x-plane.org (https://store.x-plane.org/Spectr-Aero-SP-30_p_929.html)
Download Price: $44.99 (£36 approx)
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Good
Documentation: Fair
Systems: Excellent
PC Pilot Score: 90%
Big Tire Productions’ Carbon Cub EX - A Cub on steroids
PC Pilot Verdict
At a Glance: A fun and responsive bush plane with a modern cockpit, IFR capability and a developer with a roadmap toward improving the product.
Developer: Big Tire Productions
Distributor: x-plane.org (https://store.x-plane.org/Carbon-Cub-EX_p_1019.html)
Download Price: $34.95 (£28 approx)
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Good
Documentation: Poor
Systems: Good
PC Pilot Score: 85%
Just Flight’s PA-28R Turbo Arrow III & IV - Another pair of classic Pipers from the Just Flight Team
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: The Arrow package includes two superb aircraft from the Just Flight team that I’m sure will appeal to all GA pilots.
Publisher and Developer: Just Flight
Price: £27.99 by direct download
Website: www.justflight.com 3D
Modelling: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Performance: Very good
PC Pilot Score: 90%
Aerosoft’s Canary Islands professional - An oasis in the northern Atlantic
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: A superb rendition of Gran Canaria that depicts the island in remarkable detail.
Developer: Sim-Wings
Publisher: Aerosoft Price:
Download: €38.38 (£34 approx)
Website: www.aerosoft.com/en/flight-simulation/prepar3d-v4/sceneries/2697/canary-islands-professional-gran-canaria?c=1179 3D
Modelling: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent
Documentation: Very good
Performance: Some impact on frame rates but as usual this is hardware-dependant.
PC Pilot Score: 95%
Round-Robin of the South of England - Joe Lavery visits three small airfields from the Orbx collection
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: These small airports from Orbx will make great additions to your scenery collections.
Publisher: Orbx Price: Elstree Aerodrome £18.58 Fairoaks £14.07 Chichester/Goodwood £18.58
Website: https://orbxdirect.com/
Developers: Orbx Simulations 3D
Modelling: Excellent
Graphics: Very good
Documentation: Very good
Performance: Good but as always this is hardware-dependant
PC Pilot Score: 95%
Eagle Dynamics’ DCS: Fw 190A-8 - “Butcher Bird!”
PC Pilot Verdict
At a glance: An authentic and detailed simulation of one of the best fighters of World War Two.
Developer & Publisher: Eagle Dynamics
Price: $49.99 (£40 approx)
Website: www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/anton/
Flight Model: Excellent
Graphics: Excellent - both inside and out
Documentation: Excellent
Systems: Excellent systems and damage modelling
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 virtual airline 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.
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