NEWS! - Aircraft Update : ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs     This virtually all new version v4.0 is practically a 90% remake of the original aircraft, and the change log is also quite comprehensive. The biggest new unique feature is for bilge water build-up and bilge pump drainage systems which are being simulated here, plus better dynamics, systems and a new sound package FMOD 2.02, it all adds up into a big change on this little amphibian.   The Icon A5 is a sleek, light sport aircraft (LSA) designed for adventure flying. It is an amphibious two-seater, meaning it can take off and land on both water and land. The aircraft powered by a Rotax 912 iS engine, offering about 100 horsepower and a cruising speed of approximately 95 knots (109 mph). The Icon A5 is often praised for its intuitive controls and is marketed as an aircraft that makes flying more accessible to those who may not be professional pilots. It’s perfect for those seeking adventure in the skies and on the water.   Version 4.0 - October 14th 2024 Major Update Flight Dynamics: Re-validation of all performance and flying handling qualities following real-world ICON-A5 published data. Redesigned fuselage hull to allow more accurate 'step-taxi' and water takeoff performance. Wing design tune-ups to allow higher performance figures accuracy throughout the flight envelope regimes. Airfoils update. Propeller re-design to allow higher accuracy of power gradients and prop-disc drag throughout the engine's power curve and airspeed regimes. AOA indicator calibration. All-around complementary aerodynamic design tuneups.  Systems: Re-make of the entire annunciation system (warning lights, gears lights, trim lights, bilge pump and water rudder light) using the latest X-Plane 12 conventions. Re-make of the entire cockpit lighting systems for the console, instruments, and panels. Re-wiring of the warning lights to reflect systems status more accurately, including 'engine' warning light conditions, which will light when exceeding engine's operational limitations.  Enhanced Altimeter - showing both systems for pressure tune-up, including total altitude (digital display). Electric artificial horizon now shows slip-indication, VSI trend and 'BRAKES' warning light. AOA indicator graphics re-work to provide the updated instrument appearance. Starting switch manipulator enhancement to allow 'holding' the key in 2-d mode for more realistic behavior. Heating knob is now functional (no actual heating will be sensed...). Wing-folding mechanism is now possible for interaction only when the aircraft electrical system is in the OFF position. This allows folding and unfolding the wings without the need to set the power switch to ON. Graphics: Interiors/exterior models PBR enhancements (including various 3-d modeling enhancements). G1000 panel and knobs - remodeled with improved appearance. Pilot and passenger PBR enhancements. Cockpit placards improved existing ones, added new ones. Default paint enhancements. Better animation for fuel-tank selector. Sounds: New FMOD 2.02 sound package. Added bilge-pump sound. Added windshield wind effects (noticeable when flying without the windows installed).       The Icon A5 features also a highly accurate aircraft performance and flight handling qualities which follows the official 'numbers' with high precision, including the A5 unique AOA indicator which is calibrated to allow authentic use during all phases of flight. Removable windows - but fly without the windows installed you get. the increased drag affecting aircraft performance. And avionics wise - it is equipped with a single-screen/dual display LR G1000 bundle, or a 'VSL LSA Companion' avionics alongside a ready-to-use Avitab display. Autopilot included in both 'modes'.   The vSkylab philosophy is that you are purchasing an ongoing project, and all the development is free and ongoing throughout the X-Plane 12 version. These projects are under constant development: the development road-map is including flight model refinements, enhanced systems depth, additional liveries and other improvements.   The ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore, if a current owner, then just go to your X-Plane.Org Account and download the latest version v4. _____________________________________     Yes! - the ICON-A5 v4.0 by vSkyLabs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :   ICON-A5 v4.0 Retail Price is US$29.00 On sale: $29.00 US$23.20 you Save:$5.80(20%)   Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB VRAM Recommended Download Size: 215 MB Current Version: 4.0 (October 14th 2024) ___________________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 15th October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

You mention " Including four lovely heavy ships, and five leisure watercraft, including Austin Meyer being chased by sharks..." in the new Caribbean Update.   My question to you is: are you folks planning on placing any boats on the Great Lakes shipping routes & if so, are you modelling the look of the Great Lakes Freighters that are being used there. Back sometime ago, a fellow simmer "Daveb86" had posted a rendition of a Great Lakes Freighter he was working on, but then he disappeared.   While I'm on the subject of the "Caribbean Update", my hat is off to you guy's for what you have done here in making XP12 more real like. Thanks

NEWS! - Engine Mod : Mango Studios releases A340 Trent 556 Engine Mod     I like these clever little engine mods (Modifications) from Mango Studios. I don't usually do this sort of thing (Mods), but this series of engine mods are very good, mostly for the very high quality of the modeling and their detail. You also get associated liveries as part of the package as well, in this case Etihad, Etihad F1 Grand Prix 2015, Lufthansa Old Colors, Qatar, South African, Virgin Atlantic. But note, this is not a sound pack, just the modeling.   The Trent 556 refers to a variant of the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engine, specifically designed for the Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 models. The “556” in Trent 556 denotes the engine’s thrust rating of 56,000 lbf (pounds of force). And these engines were a key part of improving the performance, range, and efficiency of the A340-500/600 variants, allowing them to fly on long-haul routes.     Mango Stuidos provides both a manual and a video on the RR556 installation.   __________________     Yes!...  A340 Trent 556 Engine Mod by Mango Studios is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :   Mango Studios A340 Trent 556 Engine Mod Price is: US$6.99   Requirements The Toliss A340 is required for this add-on. Download Size: 60 MB Current version 1.0 (October 11th 2024) ___________________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 12th October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

NEWS! - Laminar Research releases 12.1.2 as Final     The latest X-Plane 12 version has gone out of beta testing, and that v12.1.2 is now noted as "Final".   This v12.1.2 was listed as the "Caribbean Update", and it was a very substantial update. Including four lovely heavy ships, and five leisure watercraft, including Austin Meyer being chased by sharks...  to highlight the Caribbean release theme, three airports and destinations were also included; Princess Juliana International Airport at Sint Maarten, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on the island of Saba and the famous short sloping runway at Gustaf II Airport on the island of Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barth’s. Important was the water fix between the tropical waters and standard deeper water, so there are now no visible hulls in the water, but the colourful coral reefs can still shine through. X-Plane is now noted with 20,000 3D Gateway Airports with Dual Airbridge support and you got more camera views. The general airport library also got some additions with some passenger stairs, airport buses and a ground power unit, and the X-Plane replay tool had a lot of attention.   Notable were the ships, I absolutely loved them, a lot of users hated them? you work it out...  anyway there was later added in on the Graphic Menu in a selection to turn them off...  Overall it was a very successful update in the X-Plane 12 series   Next up is X-Plane 12.1.3, which will bring upgrades to the ATC system (SIDs/STARs) and then later on improvements are coming to our weather engine, plus the introduction of the new cockpit weather radars. Most of these items will round out the changes to the New Year. ______________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 11th October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.  

NEWS! - Scenery Update : LFRE- La Baule Escoublac v1.1 by VFRScenery     Released in November 2022, this is the first major revision of LFRE- La Baule Escoublac to v1.1. by VFRScenery, available for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11.   La Baule-Escoublac Airport, a small regional airport located 3 km east of the town La Baule-Escoublac, France. With the airport situated near the town of La Baule, providing easy access to the popular seaside resort and surrounding areas in the Loire-Atlantique region. La Baule primarily serves general aviation, including private planes and small aircraft. It’s not a major commercial hub, so it’s typically used for private flights, flight training, and occasionally by chartered services.   X-PlaneReviews did a release review by Felicity Smith of La Baule here: Scenery Review: Pack Bretagne: LFRE La Baule + LFEQ Quiberon   As noted this is a comprehensive update, the changelog details are here;   Version 1.1 - October 10th 2024 Changed the window textures of the building to the left of the museum. Complete overhaul of the garage adjacent to the La Baule museum. Retextured the walls and roof of the La Baule museum. Overhaul of the hangar to the right of the museum with new textures. Created the "Aviation Museum" directional sign. The flag area is now properly fenced, and the flags have been replaced. Optimized the fences. Created specific streetlights for the airfield. Added steps to the restaurant terrace and the missing joinery on the right. Revamped the terrace with added shrubs and updated ground-floor textures of the control tower. Completely redesigned the parking lot area with new objects (garbage shed, bins, electric bike rack, bollards, mailbox...). Added a surveillance camera. Created the Vall Jet building and its area. Added gates to the airport access points. Created parking lot barriers. Various modifications and improvements.       For current owners of the VFRScenery La Baule, this is a free update, for purchasers the scenery is currently on sale at US$14.99, with a saving of $5.00(25%)   Features  Accurately modeled airfield from photos taken on site in 2022. Custom 3D objects (no external library required) Hangar interiors modelled and lit at night 10 hangar doors open and close (more animations to come) 4k PBR texture Accurately modelled fresco of the aeronautics museum Customized control tower lights scanning the tarmac\ Custom 3D objects\ Precision modeled Avgas 100LL and JetA1 stations OrthoPhoto compatible Optimized for good FPS VAC card included User manual in English and French   Images are courtesy of VFRScenery __________________     Yes!...   LFRE La Baule Escoublac v1.1 by VFRScenery is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :   LFRE- La Baule Escoublac Price is US$19.99 On Sale for US$14.99, a saving of $5.00(25%)   Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 3.4 GB Current Version : 1.1 (October 10th 2024) ___________________________   News! by Stephen Dutton 11th October 2024 Copyright©2022: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved    

NEWS! - Citation C-560XL by AirSim3D XP12 updated to v2.1     By the usual past updates for AirSim3D, this v2.1 release is not as lengthy or as comprehensive for their Citation C-560XL. But that is a good thing, as it means it is a maturing simulation, good before, the C-560XL is now even more a very nice all rounder Private jet, it also won X-PlaneReviews "Best Private Jet of the Year 2023" award last year.   The Cessna Citation Excel (C-560XL) is a midsize business jet that belongs to the Citation family of aircraft, developed by Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation). Introduced in the late 1990s, the Citation Excel (and its variants like the XLS and XLS+) has become one of the most popular business jets in the world, known for its excellent performance, comfort, and efficiency.  It also combines the range and comfort of larger jets with the ability to operate from smaller airports typically served by light jets. Here are the 2.1 update details...   Version 2.1 APU fuel now correctly (again) uses fuel from the correct fuel tank (after breaking due to XP12 update) Emergency ATC channel auto tuned when clicking the EMER and SQ buttons on the Standby Radio (more realistic emergency situation declaration) -- view this working in our to be released soon PAN PAN PAN!! Engine fire Tutorial! Fixed ELT switch typo AOA gauge fixed to now work correctly after C&D start Improved Reverser bucket timing and STOW functions.  POH updated with a couple of added details to be aware of. Search for "Reverser STOW" APU bleed air switch correction (2 positions) Added G1000 map Pan function. POH updated with a couple of added details to be aware of. Search for "G1000 pan" Outside Battery or Baggage doors will now not open when in the air             The full X-Plane 12 C-560XL review is here: Aircraft Update : Citation C-560XL X-Plane 12 by AirSim3D   “My main interest is flying bizjets, and this one is an excellent addition to my ''hanger".... Also, Support responds very quickly on this forum too. Thanks for that." “Just doing a night flight, the night lighting is excellent. I do like this airplane a lot” “Engine sounds are really good inside and out. I live near an airport, and it sounds like the real Citations as they take off” “The best aircraft of my hangar .. and I have all the other more popular biz jets and Airliners!! From the XPlaneReview: “Having flown the XL a lot over the past month, I now really love it, even miss it a lot when flying other aircraft. Recommended.” “Are ya'll thinking about making other AWESOME models like this one? 5 Star (support) service!”   Designed by AirSim3D Support forum for the C-560 XL ____________________     Yes! the Cessna Citation 560XL X-Plane 12 v2.1 by AirSim3d is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here:   Cessna Citation 560XL XP12 Price is US$69.95   Cessna Citation 560XL XP11 Price is US$49.95 You Save:$10.00(17%)   Cessna Citation 560XL XP12 + XP11 Price is US$79.95 You Save:$10.00(17%)   Features: AirSim3D C-560 XL: Real-Jet authenticity Real jet visits at Boeing airfield were extensively used to inform build and design decisions 100’s of pages of real POH manuals, specs, drawings, pics used Real pilot tested and extensively beta tested Result: real-world systems, lighting, functions, modeling and procedures authenticity   Requirements X-Plane 12 Only Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version : 2.1 (October 8th 2024)   There are 3 purchase options for the 560 XL XP11 only Version . Get it here XP12 only Version. Get it here XP12 and XP11 Bundle . Get it here  (this one) ___________________________   News by Stephen Dutton 10th October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved  

NEWS! - X-Hangar updates three aircraft to v12.1.1     X-Hangar have updated three aircraft from their portfolio, these aircraft are the Gulfstreem G550 Business Jet to v12.1.1, Diamond Katana DA20 C1 to v12.1.1 and the Cessna 404 Titan also to v12.1.1   Gulfstream G550 Business Jet The Gulfstream G550 is equipped to fly on intercontinental trips and is still capable of taking off from short runways at high altitude airports. With its extended range, the G550 easily links Washington, D.C. with Dubai, London with Singapore, and Tokyo with Paris non-stop. Known for its superior dispatch reliability, this aircraft surpasses other manufactures when it comes time for a mission-critical trip. It can be configured with four living areas that can seat up to 19 passengers with a maximum payload of 6,200 lb in certain conditions. Powered by enhanced Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines, the G550 has a range of 6,750 nm at 533 knots and a high-speed cruise capability of 580 knots. As of January 2016, there were 450 G550s in service.     v12.1.1 Changelog notes include... new interior lighting for v12 new exterior lighting for v12. can now see the exterior lights for both day and night. no smoking switch controls display of co-pilot seatbelt switch controls display of passengers fixed the ground spoiler arm switch new sound in and out for quieter interior and louder exterior sound new steerable yoke new v1, vr, and v2 numbers for takeoff new display menus new 3d clock/timer flight model adjustments for v12.1.1 new instrument dim switch better HUD that has enhanced transparency updated checklist and now the CHKLST button will display the x-plane annotated checklist updated autopilot control buttons v12 4 new liveries not assigned a tail number so you can add your own if you like.     Diamond Katana DA20 C1 The DA20 has both graceful lines and the sporty looks belie its utility and durability. An incredibly fun aircraft to fly, the DA20-C1 earns its stripes in worldwide high utilization flight training day in and day out. It has been the standard and sole US Airforce pilot candidate initial flight screening aircraft for the past decade. Flight schools worldwide appreciate the DA20’s robustness, performance, ramp appeal and economy of operation. It is used to train from the first flight, all the to through night VFR and IFR (in VMC), including instructor ratings, thanks to the spin certification. Its has generous useful load, even well equipped, ample fuel capacity and comfortable cockpit make it a favorite of instructors, students and flight school operators alike. In continuous production for over 20 years, the DA20 has more than proven itself, with the accumulated experience of millions of flight hours, flown in all operating extremes, shaping the current model. Unless you absolutely need 4 seats, the DA20-C1 is the best trainer value on the market, bar none.   v12.1.1 Changelog notes include... new exterior lights that show both day and night v12 new engine and prop sounds that are quieter on the inside of the airplane. makes it easy to hear the radios v11, v12 battery power off now shows volts and fuel at zero on the gauges v11, v12 flight model tweaks including prop adjustments v11, v12 COG moved aft for better stall performance v11, v12 introduction of a backup airspeed gauge for the G500 model. (swapped the backup artificial horizon for the airspeed gauge) v11, v12 new normal for the cockpit v11, v12 new panel top texture new normal for the interior a taped space for a note or pic. currently a joke. this can be your space to add content by changing the graphic. new instrument panel color adjusted AH new engine gauge ring color     The Cessna 404 was a development of the Cessna 402 with an enlarged vertical tail and other changes. The prototype first flew on February 26, 1975. It is powered by two 375 hp/280 kW turbocharged Continental Motors GTSIO-520 piston engines. The C404 model was designed primarily for utility roles, including cargo transport, passenger services, and air charter.   12.1.1 Changelog notes include... new 3d electrical gauges new interior lighting for v12 new rheostat to adjust the small panel instrument lights new exterior lighting for v12. can now see the exterior lights day or night. new interior and exterior engines sounds for louder outside and quieter inside to help hear the radios new carpet texture new menu to hide passengers and co-pilot. they are now hidden until activated new reflective glass for the instruments new audio panel installed new oxygen gauge for more ceiling height with oxygen. instructions for use in the user manual found in the docs folder. new exterior static displays   All aircraft come in both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 versions, but notable is that only the XP12 version has the better, dynamics and effects.   All can be updated via the X-Plane.OrgStore now, for purchasers, the store links are below. __________________     Gulfstream G550 Business Jet Price is US$22.95 Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 (both versions available) Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 350 MB Current version 12.1.1 (October 9th 2024)   Diamond Katana DA20 C1 Price is US$26.95 Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version : 12.1.1 (October 9th 2024)   Cessna 404 Titan Price is US$21.95 Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 270 MB Current version 12.1.1 (October 9th 2024) ________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 10th October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.  

NEWS! - Aircraft Updated : Bellanca Aircruiser 66-75 v1.02 by Hangar23     X-Plane delivers some really wild and strange aviation choices. This is the Bellanca Aircruiser 66-75 that was built and flew in the 1930's. The best description is that it is like flying a large Garden Shed with wings, it was the last of a lineage of heavy lift single engine aircraft first produced as the P-100 ‘Airbus’. A lineage that would earn itself the nickname “The Flying Ws” during its long and storied history of bush operations. It has everything against it, certainly aerodynamics...  but it is a brilliant Simulation.   Released early February in 2024 by Hangar23, the Aircruiser had a very quick updated v1.01 later in the month to adjust the handling and dynamics, and the addition of the floats variant. This is the second update v1.02 that includes the Skunkcraft Updater, new FMOD sounds by Mango Studios (the originals were not bad either) and wheel pants... the full changlog list is here;   Version 1.2 (October 7th 2024) Download version 1.2 using the Skunkcrafts Updater! new FMOD by Mango Studios who has put together a beautiful rumbly radial sound added wheel pants added openable sliding windows added smoky startup effects if you let her sit and accumulate oil for a few in-sim days updated default liveries to work with the wheel pants updated default 2k liveries to work with the wheel pants added the Aircruiser to SharedFlight; it is now part of their Supported Aircraft list!   The third Aircruiser variant, the 66-75, as featured here, could produce up to 730 hp from sea level through 5800 ft, where power built to ~760 hp. The combination with an enormous geared propeller allows for both short takeoffs and excellent cruise speeds - higher and faster than its multi-engined competitors of the era. The immense cabin allows for up to 15 passengers in some variants, and plenty of space for bulky freight in a cargo configuration. Coupled with the ability to lift 4000 lbs (or even more!) over its empty weight, this is a hauler like no other.   Despite, or perhaps because of, its immense capability, the Aircruiser is not an easy aircraft to master. It is sure to challenge you in every stage of flight: From taxi, through takeoff and climb, and especially during landing, it requires firm guidance and good piloting skills. This is no bizjet, nor does it benefit from the light and stable handling of more modern designs.   Release X-PlaneReviews review is here; Release Classic Aircraft Review : Aircruiser 66-75 by Hangar 23           Designed by Hangar 23 Support forum for the Aircruiser 66-75 ________________     The Aircruiser 66-75 by Hangar 23 is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore!... Here:   Aircruiser 66-75 Price is US$29.95   Requirements X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11   (2 separate packages) Windows or Mac   (Linux not supported) 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.2 (October 7th 2024) Download Size: 1.2 GB (each version) ________________   NEWS! by Stephen Dutton 8th October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Right Reserved.    

Melbourne International from ORBX? Amen to your comment on that, Stephen. I sent a screenshot of it to a mate who lives in Melbourne and he was amazed at the accuracy. Us neglected folks Down Under need more of this level of airport scenery.  And that includes New Zealand.

I own this one. As a previous A36 owner IRL, I think it does a good job of modeling the flight behavior. My only beef so far is with the gi-normous pitot tube. It is way too big.

Nice write up Stephen, you capture most of what I like about X-Plane, including the ultimate ability to tailor it to what you want…it provides an excellent platform to build on, or enjoy mostly in its basic form as I do.  I happily fly a handful of aircraft with minimal add ons.  Keeping it simple keeps it working.  9 out of 10 times a poster on the forum pops on complaining that XP won’t work it’s an add on or “tweak” by the user that’s the culprit, not the Laminar product.     As always, Thanks for taking the time invested in X-Plane Reviews!