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Aircraft Review : Q4XP by FlyJSim


Stephen

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Aircraft Review : Q4XP by FlyJSim

 

In August 2019, FlyJSim signed off their original development of the De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Q400, by giving it a "Legacy" title as it was an aircraft that is originally dated back from 2012. No doubt it was a really great simulation and has flown countless hours in simulations worldwide, it was also a personal favorite of mine as the Dash8 (Dashy) is very close to my life in flying on the aircraft many numerous times (mostly Qantaslink and even FlyBe)...  another attraction is that propeller regional aircraft are also extremely popular as simulations, with their short routes and multiple sectors in one day flying, final plus is that the aircraft can also be very rewarding to fly, that is a certainty in the Dash8's case with it's T-Tail configuration and unforgiving flying characteristics, so master the Dash8, and you will go straight to the top of the class in skill and honours.

 

From FlyJSim's perspective it was actually far easier to totally redo the Dash8-Q400, than try to modernise the current (Legacy) Q400 version, so the announcement was made that the all new aircraft would be called the Q4XP and v2, and that moniker has stuck.

But another aspect was in a way that FlyJSim had also cornered themselves into a very, if extremely high expectation with the new v2 design.

Their Boeing TwinJet 737 had already set out a higher (If even an absurd) level of detail and quality, and the new Q4XP had to not only match that expected level, but even to deliver more, or even vastly more to keep the leadership of quality and features title in the X-Plane Simulator. That aspect can create even an unrealistic or even unattainable expectation, so the biggest question to be asked in this review is, "How much better is the Q4XP".

 

Simulation at this level is about making serious decisions. An aircraft in this category like the FlyJSim Q4XP is a serious investment, they are not cheap, so it is a decision made not only on the feature list and the quality...  but really on how you will use the aircraft. My belief is that value comes in anything that you use, even a very expensive car is not worth anything unless you actually use it, and something as your phone has far more personal value because you use the tool everyday, even every hour (minutes?).

So your first decision with the Q4XP, is on how much will I use the aircraft? A few flights a month is just simply throwing away your money, as the aircraft actually demands consistent flying, not only in monetary terms, but in the demands the aircraft will make on your skills. So you are not just purchasing the FlyJSim Q4XP, you are also making a serious commitment to it.... and that is where it's biggest overall value comes from.

 

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First point to make is that the Legacy version was very good to begin with, it was always a very detailed and quality aircraft to look at, and outwardly the two aircraft do look very much the same, but the huge jump in quality is certainly built in here. Hi-Res 4K textures and combined with the fused built in lighting effects of PBR (Physically Based Rendering) reflections...  get in close and the Hi Res quality simply blows you away.

 

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Modeling has become an art form, but it is in the real minute detail that really wins the contest. Yes rivets can be nicely aligned, but without the correct shape and size they look unrealistic, but here it is total perfection...  and the detail is absolutely "Staggering", and yes I used that word before in the FJS TwinJet review, but it is, even more amazing in the absolute detail here as well.

 

To a point we have become even very tedious in the way we even expect a certain level of detail... we usually get it as well (certainly at this extreme level), but then that makes everything else just blur into each other. "blah, blah, yeah it's good", but do we really consider on how REALLY good we do now get in this sort of intimate detail that now presented before us. Yes we are paying for this, but it is also a miracle of what can now actually be achieved in simulation now before our eyes. It is a moment to quietly savor and totally admire.... but more so here, as it is a masterclass of extreme detail.

 

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The Q400 comes with a Pratt&Whitney PW150A with a maximum continuous rating of 5071 SHP (3782 kW), although the engine is actually capable of up to 7000 SHP. Has a 3 stage axial low pressure compressor instead of the centrifugal NL unit on other variants. It also sports the larger, six-bladed 13.5 ft (4.1 m) Dowty R408 propeller that spins at slower rates of 1,020 rpm at takeoff and 850 rpm at cruise speeds.

 

The Dowtys have both been perfectly modeled here and come with the automatically adjustable pitch (and reverse thrust). Aerodynamic surfaces are excellent, each wing profile is exact by the required standards. Notable are the flap tracks, not one, but four to cover each side of the engines, incredibly well detailed.

 

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Undercarriage

Excellent gear detail we are again used to now, as everything is focused on the gear assemblies, but more so here. The long-legged main gear is so exposed, that to do the modeling badly, is to ruin the whole Dash experience...  but not to worry? there is again some exemplary talent to see here from FlyJSim. The great feel here is in the way FJS has done the brilliant texturing... you see the original grey paintwork, but later overlaid with a sort or wear and grittyness that says "hardworking" in service aircraft. Perfection, oh..  and the assemblies, strut, and hydraulic piping and their connections are pretty well brilliant and flexible as well.

 

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Up in the wheel well, you get the same feel of exceptional detail, note the amazing hydraulic rams, and it is just as dirty up there as you would expect. Strut labels are also easily readable, and the tyre rubber is lovely in a reflective sidewall and dry tread. Note watch the gear in action on landing to see the flexible hoses and rams in great animation.

 

Nosegear is also complex and highly detailed...  the single taxi light and hydraulic piping is simply "off the planet" in amazing detail...

 

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Most developers highlight the tyre manufacturer's name (here Dunlop), but to create the tyre's construction detail is something else again... the wheel rims are not too bad either. Everything comes across over as photographic, not modeled, and that is the whole point in extreme realism in a simulator.

 

Glass

At first glance the glass looks quite transparent? but move into the correct lighting conditions and the glass comes alive with wear, tear and rainbows. These dirt elements are also highly visible internally as well (you want to consistently wipe the windows of the dirt), so it is all very authentic. Librain is included, but XP12 will have the rain effects built in anyway.

 

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Cabin windows are also exemplary...  brilliant reflections show off the wear and glass materials, with the larger inner circular, highlighting the outer window... again totally realism 101.

 

Doors

There are five doors that can be opened on the Q4XP. Front Left Stairs, Rear Left Stairs, Forward Right Baggage and Right Rear Stairs, plus the very large Cargo Door.

 

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It is not so much the doors can be opened, but the insane detail of not only the door opening action, but the animations as well...

 

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Not only do the door handles pull out and turn (External and internal), but the modeling around the door frame on the aircraft and the door construction itself is mindboggling, note the lower door flap that opens with the open door(s)....  Compartments are fully fitted out (beautifully) but nicely worn after years of abuse...  there are four ways to open the doors, directly, by key commands (recommended) and the JPad. There is also an auto mode of which we will see later.

 

Cabin

The FlyJSim TwinJet 737 cabin was a groundbreaker in detail and functionality...  still the best in X-Plane (The Carenado S430 was a great runner up). So you are expecting a lot from FJS again this time around...  fortunately FlyJSim deliver again, if now even taking the title of the best airline cabin in X-Plane. You feel this cabin, and well before you even get inside it!

 

First though admire the front left stairs....  close up detail is again astounding, no door on a shell here, the full door construction is very well presented.

 

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The view we all love.... boarding!

 

Inside this cabin is looong. It is 61 ft 8 in/18.80 m long with a capacity of 78 passengers plus crew (Four- two Flight Deck and two Cabin)

 

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Interesting as you board is the Cabin Control Panel... up high to the right? We will come back to this panel in flight. There is in front of you a "Crew Only" area, but it opens for us to reveal the forward baggage compartment "your kidding me... right!").

 

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There is another door by the other side of the baggage compartment...  the toilet "no way"? But yes... toilets are not uncommon in X-Plane...  but this one is amazing?

 

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Once in you can lock the door behind you, to do your "ahm business"....   for the Women (can you say that now?) you can have the seat down, for us males we know that Women get shitty about leaving the seat up, so you can do that here if you want to....

 

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...  the coup de grâce is that you can also set a key command to yes...  "flush the toilet!". you gotta laugh man. I'm reviewing toilets no less?

 

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The personal view inside the toilet is very tight, but highly authentic from personal experience.

 

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I have mostly sat at 2A, and the view from the same seat is simply photographic...  The seat design, complex materials with folds are excellent, the front row seats are designed separately from the bulk of the seating...

 

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There was a lot of toys to play with on the FlyJSim TwinJet 737, and here on the Q4XP you get get another brilliant toybox to play with. All seats have animated drop down trays, with the front row seats the trays that come out of the armrests (as they should). Window blinds are adjustable, and all the luggage bins open as well...

 

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Only again is that there is no global (open)close on the multitude of items... close one window shade or open a luggage bin, then they have to be all reopened or closed again individually, and it is no easy if tedious task on the long barreled airliner?

 

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Rear seat detail is again extremely realistic "did I put my used Coke can down there"?  You finally get to the rear of the cabin.

 

Note the extreme detail of the inner rear left door (and right side), it is amazing, plus the folded up rear stairs. The rear crew member's Jumpseat can be turn out ready for takeoff (or landing)...  Galley is simply supreme, metal heating boxes, blue metal carts and all held in by their red catches... perfect.

 

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Cockpit

A great as the cabin is (if even brilliant), it is through that tight door it is the real reason we purchase these aircraft. Oddly the first view inside looks if even extremely familiar? It should do, because we have spent a lot of time in the Q400 Legacy's cockpit, it sorta "feels like home", but now with a major home makeover.

 

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This is an interesting point to make...  The FlyJSim Dash Q400 is so familiar, so in your first instances everything can be very, very deceiving in here. The Q4XP is really like a Russian babushka doll, on the surface it is all very much the same, but you can open it up and reveal another layer, then another, and another...  It is only when you go back to the earlier Legacy Q400 that you then realise the huge steps forward that have been taken with the Q4XP.

 

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Like with most, to convey the sort of extreme detail you have in this Q400 cockpit is to focus on the small stuff.  Rear wall left...  here there is a large Circuit Breaker (Fuses) panel (there is one on the right as well). Note the rivet heads on the bulkhead, sublime...  the wear and age on the circuit breaker panels, excellent...  The coffee cup, yes a coffee cup, but a dirty sipped coffee cup at that, that would not go out of place on my desk?

 

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Circuit Breakers that actually work...  ALL OF THEM. Go lower to the seat, and it is not just any construction of a flight chair, but EVERY SINGLE COMPONENT including the copper screws to hold all of the assembly together, it is just astounding detail?

 

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Molded trim is sensational, including the rear radio panel, and note the excellent roof trim molds, they also look and feel as original in being photographic real, and these are not photographs here, but created detailed modeling, but you couldn't actually tell the difference...  do we now have another extreme level in detail, absolutely yes.

 

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Carpet is tired and actually beautifully disgusting!. There is even a rubbish or throwaway container box built into the floor for all those used coffee cups.

 

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There are more extreme molded panels surround the "Emergency" cockpit hatch, and yes you can remove it, but only by moving the catch, and then separately pulling the hatch downwards and on to the floor, the reverse motions are then required to refit the hatch.

 

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The two pilot chairs are perfection, not only in the construction as noted, but the three element seating The seating cloth material is very authentic and has a nice weave to it as well. And all the armrests (four) can be moved up or down.

 

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You can get quite obsessive with on how much detail you can put into simulation these days, but never in all my days have I seen anything quite like this Q4XP.

 

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JPAD (Menu)

The aircraft's menu is accessed by a Tablet or JPad which is situated on the left and right side windows in a portrait mode (the same angle as used on a real Q400), you access them by pressing the Hotspot (Suction cups) on the lower windows, or by using the X-Plane MENU/PLUGINS/FJS Q4XP dropdown menu which puts the JPad on a separate moveable (and scalable) window (for Home Cockpit builders).

 

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There are four Icon tabs; Q (HOME), PAYLOAD, CHECKLISTS and SETTINGS.

 

Q-HOME : There are three sections on the Q - HOME page, VER (Version), AIRCRAFT and PAYLOAD.

 

The HOME page is mostly a summary of the setup of the aircraft. VER (Version) shows you your current aircraft build and Patch (Update) notes, which can be updated via the SkunkCrafts Updater plugin (In the MENU/PLUGINS).

 

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AIRCRAFT : The Aircraft page is a summary of the aircraft, including details of the CREW, AIRPLANE (Airline, Rego, SELCAL and Year built) and great AIRFRAME data (Hours, Flight Count...). Notable is that you can actually change the data in the Crew/Airframe data, and the input can be directly done via your keyboard...  a JPad icon shows in the lower left corner (arrowed above right), to say you are now in the keyboard mode.

 

To be able to change these data details is excellent, I loved the personalisation of the aircraft to your own needs.

 

The PAYLOAD option can be accessed via both the HOME page and the PAYLOAD page, as they are one and the same.

 

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PAYLOAD : The page displays the aircraft's currant STATUS. With PAYLOAD INFO/, STATE, and some options in "Connect/Disconnect GPU", "Auto connect GPU", "Board using both doors", "Call Pushback" once loaded and "Fuel Before Loading Pax" options.

 

You don't have a dedicated Ground Elements menu as a most of the actions on the ground are automatic...  Once you have arrived and parked, three states have to occur (Park Brake - Landing Taxi Lights off - Both props at less then 350 RPM), then the (ground crew) will add chocks to the wheels, and put out cones around the propellers...

 

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Once the props have stopped turning, then the front door will open, and then the rear door and stairs if you have selected that option (Board using both doors).

 

You can control all the doors via the visual aircraft profile (or set Key Commands), but you can't turn off the auto option. The rear stairs can be quite awkward to select, and has to be activated after the opening the door, just make sure you have the right (Aft Airstairs) signal.

 

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The excellent GPU (Ground Power Unit) can be selected automatically (Auto connect GPU) or added in manually if you want to stay on the internal APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) while on the ground, the same three states are required to addon the GPU in auto mode.

 

Now it is time to LOAD the aircraft via the SELECT LOAD button. This brings up a loading data sheet on how the aircraft is loaded with Passengers, Cargo and Fuel...

 

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...   Weights can be set in either Kgs or Imperial units (arrowed above left). There are general loading choices via Icons, that show Empty, Qtr, Half, 3 Qtr and Full loads. Or you can also input all the loading data manually via your keyboard, and if you are overweight, the RAMP WEIGHT will turn RED.

 

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When done you can do a LOAD SUMMARY, that will show you a LOADING SHEET, with a C.G% M.A.C graph. Happy then press the CONFIRM LOAD button to lock the data in.

 

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Now you can START LOADING the aircraft, but note the option right to "Fuel Before Loading Pax" option. In other words the aircraft refueling will be done, before the passengers are loaded onto the aircraft, and that does add in a significant extra time on the ramp? Another option is to do a FAST LOAD, which loads the above load data instantly... Now the fun starts!

 

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The Fuel cart will first appear and then the cart is connected to the ramp tank, and a stand appears (arrowed below right)... and then both the grounding cable and then the large fuel hose are connected to the aircraft... 

 

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...  when all done the refueling then takes place, and the refueling amount (and weights) are shown on the PAYLOAD/STATUS page plus the time it takes to refuel the aircraft.

 

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The reverse procedure when the refueling is completed is now done. Now the loading of the passengers and their baggage starts, first if the doors including the cargo door are closed they will now open, and extend the stairs. Then the boarding sequence starts...  it does take time to cover all the boarding sequences at around 19 minutes...  when done the aircraft will now close all the doors...

 

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....   and then takes away the cones, chocks and everything except the GPU as you require it to start the aircraft (unless you have chosen not to via the options). Now loaded you are cleared for an "Engine Start". If you wish, you can check each of the passengers "Boarding Pass", with a Name, Age, Sex and Seat No.

 

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When completed you can then add the roof back on to the aircraft or toggle the internal or external areas. Bags and Weights can also be checked by moving the mouse over the cargo areas.

 

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You can select the (Better)PushBack truck to come immediately, but I found it far to quick in locking up to the aircraft, so I just did it the usual manual way...  you can also connect the GPU immediately automatically on landing, but again I like the manual control better.

 

Obviously the whole unloading procedure is reversed on landing, and it is quite exceptional in operation, but it does take the manual control of all these elements out of your hands...  for some that could be a problem, for me though it works very well and takes a lot of the loading work out of your hands, plus in timing it is extremely realistic.

 

CHECKLISTS : The "Checklist" tab shows you the checklist options. Then each checklist sequence....  in a deeper explanation of each check item, you can press the "Show More Info" tag, and each checklist item is explained in detail...  again brilliant, but there is no "Auto" check list procedure (yet anyway).

 

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SETTINGS : The SETTINGS page is for global setting on the aircraft... 

-Engines Off State : Three options are available for; Cold & Dark, Long Turn (around) and Short Turn (around). Actually there are four states of start...  Cold&Dark is just that in everything off. Long Turn is like overnight in operating on GPU, with batteries off. Short Turn is GPU connected, or APU running, as in a state as if you just changed crew during a turnaround. Final option is if you click the X-Plane "Engines Running" checkbox, the plane will load as ready for takeoff.

-Your Role : Three options for; Captain, 1st Officer or Auto. You can set this to Captain for the left seat, 1st Officer for right, seat, or if set to auto the simulation will try to determine which seat you are in by the position of your camera.

-KGS/Lbs : Global selection of kilograms or lbs

-Baro Units : use IN or HPA as the units for all three barometers

-Baro Sync : use either IN or HPA as the units for all three barometers.

-Seasonal Weights : This options sets which base weights the payload system will be using to estimate the load on the LOAD DATA page of the payload system. With changes for Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall or Auto.

-JPad Location : This option sets which side of the cockpit, if any to display the JPad tablet...  Left shows the JPad only on the left side, Right shows the JPad on the right side, Both will have all the JPads displayed or None in no JPads displayed in the cockpit.

-Yokes : Show or Hide (A key command can set this action as well)

 

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-ClipBoards : The Yokes also have these little clip boards, which can be hidden independently from the yokes.

 

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-Steering Axis Three options in TILLER - YAW - ROLL This option give you the choice of these three options to control the steering, in just the Tiller (manual) operation, Yaw were as the nosewheel moves with the rudder, or Roll were as the nosewheel turns with the side Roll movements. (Note...  this option was originally labeled "Yaw Axis as Tiller", and the idea didn't work very well at all, so it was changed back to the basic Tiller-Yaw-Roll Commands.)

 

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-Control Display : The control display will help you to keep informed and teach you about the correct power selection on the Q400. You have three options.

-Always On - it will always be on screen.

-Fade Away - it will appear momentarally when either running into a gate, holding a command to go through a gate, entering the rating area, or being at the top of the EMR area.

-Off - The control display will never appears.

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Instrument Panel

Power on is via the DC Panel upper far left on the OverHead Panel (OHP). (GPU is connected to power the aircraft).

 

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The Dash-8 Q400 uses a Honeywell electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS) with five displays. And the startup sequences are simply excellent...  You can have the power connected, but the five pack instrument displays will still be blank?

 

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The displays have to physically all turned on separately...  this is done via each side EFIS Control Panel in two knobs (per screen, each side). The displays will act like real cathode ray tubes in sync on, then do a self test "T" and go through a series of startup lighting procedures...  it is all simply brilliant!

 

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Note that you also have to turn on the central Standby COM unit as well? All screens can be actually active, but will still need the brightness turned up to actually see them. The central MFD (Multifunction Display) is switched on via the knob on the rear separate EIS panel called Engine and System Integrated Display Control Panel.

 

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The display control panel (EIS Control) is situated on the rear of the pedestal along with the excellent Radio layout and Trim Panels.

 

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Each display panel can be moved to another display and then further changed in four options; PFD (Primary Flight Display), NAV (Navigation), SYS (Systems)  and ENG (Engine), The opposite is set on the other pilot's position as shown here.

 

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You can also switch displays on each flying side, while the central display is for the main Engine details. Notable TRQ (Torque), PROP RPM, ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature) as main, and sub categories include; NH (High-Pressure%), FF (Fuel Flow), NL (Low Pressure%), OIL Temp and Pressure and FUEL capacity...  and SAT (Static Air Temperature).

 

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We are extremely familiar with the PFD. It has the Speed and Altitude ribbons, with a rate of turn above the Artificial Horizon. Right is the V/S Vertical Speed indicator, and the built in ILS bands and Baro. Set below is a HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator), with built in Heading, Course, ILS Freq, and VOR1 and VOR 2 indicators.

 

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MFD or MAP/NAV (Navigation) Display is to the right, with the MAP/NAV set upper and the PFCS (Primary Flight Controls) indicator lower. Be aware the FMS1 frequency shown is for the NAV only, it does not change on the NAV SOURCE to VOR 1 (ILS), VOR 2 or same FMS1 if you adjust the frequency. Notable is the separate Integrated Standby Flight Display (ISFD), upper right.

 

Two panels cover (Centre right) the Landing Gear, GPWS Landing Flap control (Ground Proximity Warnings), and Flap 35 Approach, with lower the Hydraulic Control Panel...

 

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...  lower on the front pedestal is from top; FUEL CONTROL, ENGINE CONTROL and PROPELLER CONTROL Panels.

 

Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), is to all Legacy Dash 8 flyers already very familiar, and in reality it is not at all different here in layout or operation. Both Timers at each side are independent, but otherwise the Course, Heading, NAV Source, Altitude are all the same as are the central selector buttons. Spoiler FLIGHT - TAXI selector works exactly the same as well.

 

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OverHead Panel also looks like the Legacy, but in fact it is far more highly detailed and intricate. Still spit into four rows with the huge FIRE Panel top centre dominating...  DC Electrical and Ice-Protection are far left row, with AC Electrical, AIR-CON/BLEEDS, SIGNS far right row.

 

Centre Right top are the PANEL LIGHTING, APU CONTROL and ENGINE START panels. Centre lower-middle are the PRESSURISATION panels and front lower are the EXTERIOR LIGHTS panels.

 

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The Caution Warning Panel  (CWP) is HUGE, 14x6 set alerts and Warnings that can be tested, as can the (Advisory) on the full OHP and FIRE sections.

 

Another nice feature, is that you can set your rudder pedals in distance via the turning handle mid-floor, wind the handle untill you find the correct perfect position!

 

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UNS-1Ew Flight Management System

There have been attempts to bring the Universal UNS-1 Flight Management System to X-Plane, but certainly not as authentic or as in-depth as this FlyJSim system. This is the first installation of the UN-1 that I have used, and it has created by a leading coder Amy Parent. It is very, very authentic, and again sets the bar in X-Plane amongst other simulators in recreating real world systems for Simulator users at a high quality level.

 

First important thing to note, is that the UNS-1Ew is a separate system for each side, the units are not connected in any way, and both sides (with a few XFILL helpers built in) are required to be programmed as a system completely and separately.

 

On turning the Management System on...   each system then first goes through a full self test, and that can take a few minutes, then the system's author shows a copyright screen...

 

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Left side up and currently running, and now the right side sets itself up, again the same self-test procedure, and when done you have to "Accept" the current FMC version by key LK5 to lock in the current GPS position (EKCH-Copenhagen).

 

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Both systems have pop-out windowed panels for ease of use, and they can moved around the screen but not scaled.

 

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The input system is via numbers, and not with actual direct input (except for waypoints), once understood it is a very easy system to use... 

 

The current airport EKCH is now shown at the top of the FPL (Flightplan) selection. There is a side menu by pressing again the ON/OFF/DIM button...   this brings up a unit menu for Screen BRIGHT(ness) or DIM, CANCEL, DISPLAY or OFF...  OFF turns the whole unit off, so you will need to do another self-test to get back to your current situation...

 

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...  DISPLAY will adjust the unit screen up or down to your preference, and CANCEL will take you back to the home screen.

 

Flightplaning

To create a route is actually easy... the current position is already set 1 EKCH. To enter the Departure data, you press the MENU button, that brings up the Menu list including both the DEPART (Departure) and ARRIVAL options. Press LK4 to select DEPART. Which then displays the options of your departure runways.

 

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I'm using 22R so that is No.5 on the LIST, so 5 is inputted into the runway box LK2, and ENTER is then pressed to activate the departure runway...   then the available SIDs (Standard Instrument Departure) options will show...  again my SID is LANG1C, or No.7...

 

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...  then press ENTER to actvate. I have no TRANSITIONS, so I just press ENTER to input, and the Departure detail is complete.

 

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Get used to inputting the numbers, and it is very easy if very quick to use. Now the FPL shows the departure waypoints...

 

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.... and you can scroll through the waypoints via using the PREV or NEXT buttons. Entering (DCT) waypoints is easy. Just select the next key below the last waypoint and directly add in the ICAO waypoint code (DEGUL), then press ENTER. There is check if it is the correct waypoint and it's coordinates. If again correct then press ACCEPT to insert the waypoint... easy.

 

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Airways are just as easy...  Select the next waypoint, then press LIST to bring up the option lists of the various NAVAIDS available...  AIRWAYS option is RK2 on the right.

 

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Input your preferred AIRWAY (No.1) and press ENTER, then the termination waypoint from the list (No.2 EEL)...  then press ENTER to lock in the airway.... again very easy.

 

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Other NAVAID options available on the LIST page include; AIRPORTS, NDB, INT, VOR and GAP.

 

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You can of course delete any waypoints directly by just selecting it directly..  or use the same on the LIST page.

 

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*GAPS* can be inserted into the flightplan to break up the waypoint sequence, if not required then they can in the LIST page also be deleted DEL again.

 

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Now I add in both the intermediate flightplan waypoints and their airways as per my SimBrief routing.

 

Now for the ARRIVAL data...  select MENU and this time select ARRIVE RK4. The ARRIVE airport is ICAO EGCC (Manchester) so that is inputted directly RK1, and the UNS-1 shows you if this is the correct airport, if yes then again press ACCEPT.

 

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Then inputted are the runway (05L), STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) ROSU1F... then the type of APPR (Approach) No.5 ILS/D 05L

 

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As you know, I like to adjust my approaches to a custom flightplan....  So deleting the set arrival route, with a custom approach route via CROFT, KOLID, EKLAD and NOKIN and then into 05L was extremely easy. You can see the route on the MFD via pressing the FORMAT button on the EFIS Control Panel (Pedestal) to the corresponding MFD side.  Obviously you can SAVE, DELETE and RELOAD Flightplans on the MENU page.

 

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And that is the flightplan completed. Holding patterns using the UNS-1 are also available, as are RNAV, Geometric VNAV, RNP and Curved Legs options. We will look at DTO (DIRECT TO) in flight.

 

There is a PREF (Performance) page, but you don't fill in any data. The only other area to fill in is on the FUEL page.

 

FUEL DATA

There is no auto fill-in from the JPad to insert in the Fuel data, but you only have to add in the PAX number, CARGO and actual FUEL load, and then the optional; ALTERNATE, HOLD and EXTRA fuel data for the Fuel Reserves.

 

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XFILL

Once you have only done the Flightplan data for the left FMS unit. To transfer the flightplan there is the XFILL FPL on the MENU page. This will cross reference the flightplan to the other FMS unit. (Just make sure you don't mix them up, as they are on the opposite unit).

 

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Same with the FUEL page, when completed in filling out the fuel data, then press MENU and fill in the fuel amount... then press the XFILL button to again transfer the data to the other FMS unit.

 

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It may look a bit complicated, but the UNS-1Ew Flight Management System is extremely easy to use, you will be filling it in like a Pro very quickly.

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Flying the Q4XP by FlyJSim

So we are loaded (Passengers, Cargo and Fuel) and are ready for flight...  

 

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First impressions are the extremely familiar as with the Legacy, the same forward view and my nemesis...  the same throttle quadrant. The Q400's throttle quadrant is a very workmanlike, very rugged...   tough, something you would find more on a farming machine than an aircraft.

Left to right is first the Trim setting, then the Parking Brake handle. The twin throttle levers themselves are quite petite, compared to the huge CONTROL LOCK handle behind. Then there are the twin PROP/FUEL (Lean-Rich) and Fuel Cut-Off levers and finally far right is the Flap lever 0º-5º-10º-15º-35º.

 

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But don't make no mistake as the quadrant is beautifully done. So why do I hate it so much.

The problem with the Legacy Quad, was that it was diabolical to use? There was a really annoying system, that switched the twin PROP/FUEL levers into an active mode with the twin throttle Flight/Idle position. This resulted in a non-fuel flow to the engines, and hence mostly sitting on the ramp for twenty minutes or so trying to make the throttles go live. It was never fixed... it was simply a "a Pain...." and ruined many a good simulation.

 

Thankfully here that issue has been rectified, mostly by creating very distinct lock positions (the PROP/FUEL levers go up and lock back down into the gate... very nicely done) and the levers are now simply controlled by an up and down arrow manipulator (sigh of huge relief). Only one point to say is that the far right PROP/FUEL lever can be hidden and hard to move from the left pilot's position, as the manipulators get lost behind the right PROP/FUEL lever... so you have to physically move your visual view to adjust the lever, but I can live with that aspect.

 

The Throttle gate to achieve the "Beta" reverse is another complex annoyance. The issue created was that the twin throttles had to be held on 30% position and not full back on the stop, and if you went back to the gate or missed the idle point, the props would of course go into reverse... In Flight!

 

I hated it with a passion. There has been a significant change on the Q4XP, as the throttles now have detents or gates behind the throttle. You can see the layout via the pop-up "Control Display" (CD) right lower corner. Now the throttles (on my Saitek X56) sit at the correct full back position, but on the CD, there are two more detents to the rear that can still be accessed. First is the DISC (or Disconnect) which is like a pressing your clutch down in a car, but for propellers. The second detent is the REV (Reverse) of the propellers.

 

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There are a few key commands set up to go through the separate detents. One in the "Toggle Thrust Reversers", that works, but extremely slowly with four (yes four) separate clicks to go two detents back to reverse, and it moves extremely slowly with each detent movement? which is not great on landing and wanting the reversers straight away? then another four clicks to go back up to the IDLE position.

 

FlyJSim do provide another key (I use my joystick trigger), in the Q4XP Commands called "Use to pass the gates on both Power Handles"... quite a mouthfull, but it does basically the same as the Toggle command, but a bit more quicker with the timings of the detent movements, it can still be (far) too slow (in trying to make the movements realistic), but overall after a little practise it does work, and give you effective reversers on landing. It does however need to be speeded up, just a little more to be realistically effective.

 

So the PROP/FUEL and Throttle arrangements are certainly a huge step forward from the Legacy set up, not perfect, but better... leaving the CD on the screen on landing can help with knowing if first, the throttles are actually moving through the detents, and secondly in what position they the detents are currently in.

 

While we are on the subject of pain. Of the huge feature list you get here, one vital important feature is missing...  Global and Current saves.

As noted above with the extensive loading of the Q4XP and the extensive programming of the UNS-1Ew, and with two separate units. If you restart the flight or want to reload the same flight (say the next day). Then the only way to do that is from total scratch? that is 20mins gone at the start of your simulation, just getting back to same ready to fly position as you were at before...  add in a lot of current CTDs and it is a massive if wastefully time consuming. For myself, I have just come straight off the ToLiSS A340 review, which has that excellent Global and Current save system. My point is it makes the difference in wanting to do a regular simulation in the choice of aircraft for the day, the ready to go A340, or the backbreaking total reset of the Q4XP. 

 

Shut the forward door, and a call to BetterPushBack...   Both PROP/FUEL levers are set to "START&FEATHER", but you only have to start one engine, usually the right side, BLEED OFF and select the No.1 Engine and hit the starter button...  unlike the Legacy the PW150A starts up immediately.

 

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Now you get the feel of the first time of the redone sounds. The FMOD sound pack in the Q4XP is highly specialised, and provides a fully 3D positional experience. And you hear the change in treble and bass as you advance from minimum to maximum prop, subtle changes in the mixture are also highly noticeable, as are all the clicks and bumps on the switchgear. Sound is far better than the Legacy, and that was actually very good anyway.

 

You have been doing simulation for ten years, but sometimes you can look like a complete absolute dummy....  I couldn't move the yoke(s) in a roll movement as it is locked, and I lost earlier a full fifteen minutes trying to unlock it? It was the huge "Control Lock" behind the throttles (Duh), then they came free. Note the excellent "Stick Shaker" situated behind the Yokes.

 

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To steer you also have to switch on the "STEERING" on the left panel by the Tiller (yaw by rudder is set on the Settings page).

 

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Notable is now the NAV page is filled on the FMS, as more data can be seen, but even more later from the UNS-1Ew.

 

Important is that the Hydraulics are powered up? Power is taken from the engines to pressurise the hydraulics, but here it is critical that the pressures are powered up on the Braking Hydrualics, no pressure and then simply no braking effect...   this aspect can easily and will totally ruin your day. The settings can be set on the Hydraulic Control panel and pressures are seen in the lower "HYD PRESS" of the right MFD. (And yes I had no braking effects, until I had worked it all out)...

 

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Once both engines are running, all the hydrualic lights should be active (STBY HYD/PTU CONTROL) and the all the HYD PRESS markers active and level.

 

On all the Dash8s I have flown on, they only taxi on one engine (mostly to save fuel)...

 

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But as I reach the threshold of EKCH Rwy 22L, I start the No.1 (Left engine). When both running, the Bleed is switched back on and the APU is shutdown.

 

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Trim centre is set...  You can't actually input any of the switches on the Yokes, but you can set the Commands to do so, so the Trim switches will work when you adjust the trim, as does the A/P DIS (disconnect) and TCS. Interesting is the Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch, as X-Plane 12 will come with a Push-To-Talk action!

 

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A vital need is to set the "AUTOFEATHER" centre ENGINE CONTROL for takeoff. This syncs the propellers for the maximum thrust required...   But just as VITAL is that once airborne and leveled out is to turn the "AUTOFEATHER" back off! If you don't you will get a nasty engine failure further down the route, mostly as you start your descent. So many users did this simple mistake.

 

Q4XP - Autofeather 1.jpg

 

Timer(s) going (yes you have to start both), PROP/Fuel levers are set to Rich (MAX), and up go the twin throttles...

 

Basically the Dash8 wants to kill you! 

 

Both of those Dowty R408 propellers rotate to the right with both having 5071 SHP in doing so. So the Dash will pull strongly to the right, adjusting the throttles to match can help, but a firm hold of the yoke is required, the tricky part is on rotation as the Dash will also lean as it leaves the ground...  so the Q400 is a bit of a handful. Speed Bugs can be set (left of the PFD)

 

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You feel the gear retraction... it is nosily in operation and locks up with with a load of clunks. The list of Dash 8 landing gear incidents would fill a book, the worse was the Scandinavian Airlines System Flight 1209, registration LN-RDK, that just like us, had taken off from Copenhagen Airport, Denmark, and after a second incident in Vilnius, SAS grounded its entire Q400 fleet consisting of 27 aircraft, and then a few hours later the manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace recommended that all Q400 aircraft with more than 10,000 flights stay grounded until further notice, this notice affecting about 60 of the 160 Q400 aircraft then in service worldwide. As a result, several hundred flights were cancelled around the world. Horizon Air grounded nineteen of its aircraft and Austrian Airlines grounded eight. The cause was corrosion inside actuators on 25 of 27 aircraft checked. Accordingly, SAS decided to continue the grounding of its Q400 fleet until all the affected parts were replaced, and gradually the Dash 8 fleets returned to the air.

 

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Once in a "Positive Climb" around 10º... when you turn on the Autopilot, the aircraft will go directly into a PITCH HOLD, WINGS LEVEL mode that keeps the Q400 in a set climb and straight heading, it takes away a lot of the workload instantly. If you need to adjust the V/S (Vertical Climb) then you can do so, or connect in the LNAV for the system to do the route navigation.

 

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Your only eyes are on the speed ribbon...  there is no Auto-Thrust or engine mode helpers here, as speed adjustment is only through moving the throttles directly, and the speed will very quickly run away at any leveling out at any set Altitude if you don't contain it.

 

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Once in the air the UNS-1Ew gives you a lot of data, there are five pages of route and fuel data to absorb...

 

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You also have to move physically between the route pages on the FMC, if not the waypoints move on ahead without you (on both units).

 

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Behind you, you can drop the jumpseat for a third crew member in the cockpit, but it bars the door if you want to use the toilet.

 

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The average high speed cruise for the Q400 is around 300–360 kn/556–667 km/h, with a range of 1,100 nmi /2,040 km, and a ceiling of 27,000 ft / 8229 m.

 

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The trick of these regional turbo-props are their excellent economics, they are very cheap to run vs payload. Once you reach your cruising altitude and speed...  you set the PROP/FUEL condition to MIN 850 to highlight the lean running nature of the aircraft.

 

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You can via the MENU, use the PPOS to WPT, display distance and time from present position to each flight plan waypoint. Another inflight tool is the DTO or DIRECT TO. It is there in If you want a direct course to another waypoint in you do a Direct-To to insert (change) the waypoint at the top of the route list.

 

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Easy use, you just fill in the required ICAO Waypoint and the UNS-1 will update the route list to take you DIRECTLY to the new inserted waypoint. Note the HOLDING waypoint selection is also set on this DTO menu page.

 

Lighting Internal

This year we are getting some excellent cockpit lighting, the Q4XP is absolutely no different in this respect. OHD, GLARE SHIELD, CTR (Pedestal) FWD&AFT are all adjusted via the PANEL LIGHTING on the OHD.

 

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Pilots side lighting is supplied by two knobs, one is above on the roof, and another MAP light is directly to left or right of each pilot.

 

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A third spotlight is positioned above the door entrance, again adjustable. DOME lighting is two selections, STORM and STORM/DOME on the OHP.

 

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Overall excellent, and the significant approach instrument lighting is also highly adjustable and comes with great external visibility.

 

Cabin

The cabin lighting is controlled by the brilliant "Cabin Control Panel" up right at the door entrance...

 

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You can not only set the cabin temperature in ºC or ºF, but "Warmer or Cooler", you can test the panel as well. Cabin lighting can have "Sidewall" (On/Off), or "OverHD" (On/Off) lighting, and extremely nice it is in here as well.

 

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Other area lighting includes... BOARDING, AIRSTAIR built into the stair steps and LAVATORY. Inside the toilet it is nicely lit, and so are the rear doors...  but I couldn't find any galley lighting (It looks incomplete?)

 

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Signage lighting is also excellent, all the Seatbelt/No Smoking Signs work separately. "OCCUPIED" and "LAVATORY" and all the EXIT signs are perfect (EXIT signage only works in ON mode, ARM is just that in ARMED).

 

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Final note on the CCP is that you can turn on the NVS System, or The Noise and Vibration Suppression system (NVS), which is the Q in Quiet in Q400. Noise and vibration have always been a problem with turboprops, and so the "Quiet" uses an Ultra Electronics noise and vibration suppression (NVS) system. Microphones are concealed about the cabin send noise signals to a computer which also receives propeller speed information. The computer then signals tuned vibration absorbers mounted on fuselage frames. These absorbers generate vibrations to diminish the original resonance. Bombardier claims that NVS in the Q400 reduces the cabin noise levels to around 75dB- the same as in the CRJ jet cabin.

 

External

Again the Q4XP shines (pun intended) externally...

 

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...  there twin landing lights built into each wing...  Anti-Collision can be in two selections RED (Ground) or WHITE (In the air). All Navigation lights are Red, Green and twin top tail lights...  there are no wing strobes. The WING lights are set to cover inboard and outboard of the engines (Twin) and look excellent from the internal cabin view. There is also a single nosewheel light on the front gear that swivels in the direction the gear is pointing. Overall the Dash looks amazing at night and is highly and visibly realistic.

 

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Going up or coming down, you always felt the pitch within the Q400 aircraft with it's long barrel body...

 

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.... That is great attraction on flying in Turbo-Props, as they are far more athletic in the air, and you feel all of the changes of height, direction and the sheer thrill of flying in a machine far more. Manchester EGCC beckons.

 

I'm going in the long way around via Liverpool, and into Rwy 05L. And I love this approach as it is always very interesting and realistic.

 

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The final turn to go directly into Rwy 05L is a V tight turn at NOKIN, so I set the Q4XP up early with a Flap setting of 10 and 170 knts...

 

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I am using the ILS approach to 05L. In most cases you would always land the Q400 manually, but I wanted to test something? Early flights on the Q4XP in the ILS approach cone, then caused severe weaving around the center line, not good and quite scary. That was updated in v1.02... has it been fixed?

 

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Just before the ILS beams I set Flap 15, and after the ILS contact, the speed goes down to 145 knts...  you rarely use the full STOL capabilities of the Dash. So Flap 35 is again rarely used as 15 flap is enough. Speed control is absolutely vital. The Dash is a high T-Tail aircraft, and it is not an easy aircraft to fly on approach....  many users just don't like it (mostly because it fools them into a inert state). So with the combination of that severe propeller right thrust pull, then no or immediate loss of tail lift...

 

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....  on approach the Dash now REALLY wants to Kill you!

 

The trick is speed, and getting it absolutely right, too low and the aircraft will sink you quickly into the ground...  too high and the Q400 will  float, and that speed fluctuates quite a lot, and this were your throttle skills come in, you want more power, but don't ask for too much... or you will go over your speed, and again in the opposite direction, think and move like a surgeon at a delicate part of the operation, just go slow and precise on the throttle movements... 

 

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....   all the way down the slope the Q4XP felt solid, (I think the bug is fixed?), and puts me into a false sense of security. But 800 ft above the ground the Dash's tail starts to sway, small at first, then massively!  I was ready for the twisting, so took control immediately. For most, in the same situation it would have been an easily calamity, or a full TOGA powered missed approach procedure.

 

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But I am used to the Dash's antics, so was able to correct and sort out the direction and get the Q400 to do a correct alignment to touchdown, obviously the bug is still there, I did the same approach later, but manually and it was a perfect landing.

 

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Again speed or thrust power is absolutely critical to get right on flying the Dash on finals. Now the sounds we really love...  the reverse thrust power on FULL. Watch the blades twist and go from thick to thin then thick again as the reverse procedure is in action.

 

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No issues from the reverse gates, a couple of triggers and down they go, and the opposite way back to the higher idle position.

 

Once at a taxi speed I shut down engine No.1, mostly you would do this on the taxiway, but the turnoff at onto Taxiway J is a bit twisty, so I am doing it earlier.

 

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Taxiway J-G4-G and into stand 55, my favorite parking stand at Manchester...  then shutdown

 

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Once the nose taxilight goes out, then the chocks are placed at the front wheels (one at a time), then the cones around the props. When done, then the two front and rear doors open (your choice to open the rear door or not)....  and I didn't even have to lift a finger!

 

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Press the "Start Unloading" button on the JPad STATUS page, and the aircraft starts unloading, you can of course do an instant unload if you want to...

 

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...  but it is only 5min 14secs to do the unloading anyway, notable is that the rear cargo door opens later, and waits until the baggage carts arrive before unloading the bags!

 

You can check your weights usage, and the FMS will also show you your Flight times in; Takeoff, Landing and Fuel use.

 

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The Q4XP is certainly not an aircraft you don't just shut down quickly and move on from...  you sit there and take the Q4XP all in, even in the fading light. Inviting you...  wanting you to fly the Q4XP again, and again.

 

Q4XP - EGCC 43.jpg

 

Liveries

There are 18 liveries and one blank. All are the same basically as the Legacy list. The Legacy also built up a huge list of 3rd party liveries, and you can expect the same wide variety for the Q4XP. Quality is 4K and Hi-Res with excellent detail.

 

Q4XP - Livery Blank.jpg

Q4XP - Livery Iceland Air.jpgQ4XP - Livery Air Baltic.jpg

Q4XP - Livery Air Berlin.jpgQ4XP - Livery ANA.jpg

Q4XP - Livery Alaska.jpgQ4XP - Livery Alaska Horizon.jpg

Q4XP - Livery Austrain.jpgQ4XP - Livery British European.jpg

Q4XP - Livery Westjet.jpgQ4XP - Livery Eurowings.jpgQ4XP - Livery FlyBe Purple.jpgQ4XP - Livery FlyBe.jpgQ4XP - Livery FlyJSim.jpgQ4XP - Livery Air Canada.jpgQ4XP - Livery Air Canada Express.jpgQ4XP - Livery Porter.jpgQ4XP - Livery QantasLink.jpgQ4XP - Livery SATA.jpg

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Summary

FlyJSim created the first De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Q400 in 2012. But that aircraft was relegated to a "Legacy" title a few years ago as FlyJSim announced an all new complete from the ground up version called the Q4XP.

 

This is that all new Q4XP aircraft, and it comes with a huge expectations as a follow on from FlyJSim's last epic release of the Twinjet 737 and the aircraft has been over three years in development...  yes you guessed right, we expect a lot.

 

The level at this high Ultra quality in the X-Plane Simulator has reached a crescendo in the last few years, mainly because of the leap in quality of the FJS TwinJet. Can you actually go any higher, well if you could or can, then this Q4XP fills that category. But a note in Ultra High quality. It is easier to do in a General Aviation aircraft because of the size of the machine, but to scale up to a large transport aircraft is another and far more difficult challenge, but a massive challenge that FlyJSim was up to.

 

We have mentioned Ultra Quality, but here you see it and feel it. External and Internal details are overwhelming in detail and right down to the small intimate detail of screws and rows and rows of working circuit breakers. The cockpit is per high realism, but the cabin details are also of the "blow your mind" category, plus a working toilet no less... Lighting is sensational both in the cockpit and in the cabin with a Cabin Control Panel with NVS System available.

 

JPad is a great menu system, Loading&Weight, Payload Manager, Checklist and settings panel. But the system also allows for very realistic passenger and cargo load/unload scenario, with auto external placement of ground elements and door openings. But there is no built in AviTab.

 

Sounds are also high quality and a leap better than the Legacy. With FMOD sound pack, and 3D positional axis experience, both in the cockpit and cabin. But there is no actual sound panel for adjustments.

 

Systems are extreme in detail. Flight controls and hydraulics are very and highly specialised (Brakes don't work unless activated), Electrical includes DC and DC Power systems, including batteries, busses, TRUs, ECPU, and starter generators. Pneumatic, bleed air, ice protection system are all simulated. Full Indicating and Recording systems, Fire Systems and Fuel System, including all tanks and valves which are fully simulated.

 

Highlight feature is the excellent The UNS-1Ew Flight Management System, a first for the X-Plane Simulator with True-to-life route rendition of the flight plan on the MFD map, two independent FMS units must have their routes and fuel data synchronized manually through the crossfill simulation (XFILL), holding patterns using the UNS-1’s graphical holding definition page and geometric VNAV support.

 

Notable is the complexity, and a no global save system requires a complete rewrite of data and set up details of every flight that can become tiresome, ditto no global opening and closing of blinds and lockers, there is no AviTab (but available from the plugin folder), niggles with different 3rd party external Throttle and Joystick, No VR Support and updates that can be done via the SkunkCrafts Updater.

 

Expectation was extremely high for the FlyJSim Q4XP, so does it deliver? Certainly yes, and in every single area and category. But this is also an extremely complex simulation, and the Dash Q400 has a reputation of being quite a handful in the air, and on the ground. It is a very, very hands on flying machine and that aspect has been thoroughly transposed into the simulation.

Skill and dedication is required to get out of the aircraft the very deep qualities built into it, so like we mentioned... the Q4XP is not just another purchase, but an investment, not only in the aircraft, but in the time spent flying the machine thoroughly... so no "Flybynighters" need to apply here...  the Q4XP is for the serious minded of the simulation pilot's out there. Once intergrated...  you will be flying currently the overall best simulation in the X-Plane Simulator. it is overwhelmingly that good.

 

Obviously Highly Recommended...  and to all the really serious fliers out there.

_________________________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! the Q4XP by FlyJSim is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :


Q4XP by FlyJSim

Price is US$79.95

 

Features
Incredible Aircraft Model
  • We have always had a great 3d model, but for the Q4XP we went above and beyond to bring you the best visual experience we can. Get up close and personal with this intricately detailed Q400 model complete with 4k PBR texture throughout.
  • Explore the fully functional aircraft cabin. Sun in your eyes? Close the window shade. Load your bag into the overhead bins. If you’re hungry, have some food using the tray tables. Board the aircraft through the cabin doors. Explore the luggage compartments through the dedicated loading doors. Load up food and drinks through the service door in the galley.
  • Control the cabin with the Flight attendant control panel. Set the lighting to your taste, see what the cabin temperature is, check the status of the NVS system.
The Flight Deck
  • We set off to make the most accurately modeled and textured aircraft cabin we have ever created.
  • Your new office is beautifully and accurately modeled and textured. Explore the exquisite detail of the flight deck and all the equipment inside.
  • The controls are detailed and animated, just like the real aircraft. Enjoy the brand new intuitive prop and power controls, ensuring you have realistic and convenient control of your engines.
  • Just like the real plane, all switches and buttons work and move just like they should.
Our Famous detailed Lighting Returns
  • We have always had a passion to get the lighting authentic and aesthetically pleasing, and we have created a beautiful night environment both inside and outside the aircraft: 
  •  The Dome, Storm, and all flight deck lighting work and can be customized to your taste with the brightness knobs. Dim or brighten all flight deck displays, including the UNS. Your jump-seater even has their very own reading light
  •  The Cabin is lit with full overhead lighting and sidewall lighting with realistic flicker controlled by the flight attendant panel. Fasten Seatbelt and No Smoking lighting work just like the real aircraft
  •  It’s safe to board at night with the air-stair door lit just like the real aircraft
  •  Cargo compartment and service areas are properly lit so your ground team can load and service the aircraft, no matter the time of day
  •  All exterior lighting, including the taxi, flare, landing, wing, navigation, and tail lights illuminate not just your aircraft but the surrounding environment. The dual-functioning anti-collision/strobe switch lets you distinguish between ground operations and flight operations, just like the real plane
The UNS-1Ew Flight Management System
  • For the first time in X-Plane, we’ve created an accurate rendition of the UNS-1Ew FMS, its unique way of managing your flight plan, its lists & unique menu system, and the interaction between the two units: 
    •  Full procedure compliance: fly in and out of any IFR airport, no matter how complex the SID, STAR, or approach. RNAV, RNP, curved legs, you name it!
    •  Includes simulation of the FMS heading mode: follow vectors to final without ever disconnecting LNAV
    •  True-to-life route rendition of the flight plan on the MFD map
    •  Like in the real plane, the two FMS units must have their routes and fuel data synchronized manually through the crossfill simulation
    •  Create holding patterns using the UNS-1’s graphical holding definition page
    •  Geometric VNAV support
    •  The UNS-1 doesn’t know about your plane’s performance — remember to cross check your fuel usage!
    •  2D pop up and direct keyboard entry support
Aircraft Systems
  • The Electrical system is the backbone of the rest of the aircraft’s systems. The following Electrical systems are modeled in detail: 
    •  DC and AC control panels
    •  MFD electrical display
    •  DC and DC Power systems, including batteries, busses, TRUs, ECPU, and starter generators
    •  APU power
    •  External DC power
    •  Circuit breaker panel
  • Flight controls and hydraulics are an integral part of the flight experience. The following are simulated in detail: 
    •  All flight control surfaces (Ailerons, Geared tab, Ground adjustment tab, Spoilers, Flaps, Elevator, Fore and Aft rudder)
    •  Primary Flight Control Display on the MFD
    •  Flap and Hydraulic display on the MFD
    •  Rudder pedals with adjustment and brake animation
    •  Trim control panels and trim system
    •  Hydraulic push-off switches
    •  Yaw damper
    •  Roll and Pitch Disconnect
    •  Flight/Taxi switch
    •  Gust lock
    •  Stall protection system
    •  Hydraulic power distribution: 
      •    Standby AC pump operation
      •    PTU operation
      •    Alternate hydraulic system
  • Pneumatic, bleed air, ice protection system simulated including: 
    •  Bleed air control panel
    •  Environmental control system with optional FA panel operation temperature control
    •  Air conditioning panel
    •  Air distribution
    •  Pressurization indication and control panel
    •  Fwd safety valve selector
    •  Avionics cooling
    •  Ice protection panel
    •  De-ice system and components, including boot inflation
    •  Aircraft deice pressure indicator
    •  Pilot and copilot wipers
    •  Ice detection system
  • Indicating and Recording systems include: 
    •  EFIS brightness control and authentic boot-up sequence.
    •  EFIS & ESID control panels
    •  Index control panel
    •  AHRS control panel
    •  Clock systems
    •  EFIS display manual reversion and display unit failures.
    •  Central Warning System
    •  Warning tone generator
    •  Stall protection system
    •  ADC and ARHS system
  • Fire Protection, for the “unlikely” event of a fire, will allow you to put it out. The fire protection panel along with the fire tests and fire suppression is simulated.
  • Fuel System, including all tanks and valves. We have also simulated aux pumps and fuel transfer and well as the MFD fuel page.
  • Autopilot: The Flight Guidance Control panel is your home for the auto flight system in the Q400, and everything here is simulated.
  • Radios : The unique radios of the Q400 comes with two Audio and Radio Control Display Units, ARCDU’s to tune your com, nav, adf, and atc radios all in one unit. We additionally support channel tune mode for saving your most used frequencies.
  • Sounds
    A Q400 wouldn’t be complete without the iconic roar of the twin turboprop engines, and we’ve gone to great lengths to re-create this experience for you audiophiles. Continuing from the success of the 732 Twinjet, FlyJSim has developed an accurate and immersive FMOD sound pack, which provides a fully 3D positional experience. Hear the change in treble and bass as you advance from minimum to maximum prop, or the subtle nuances as you pass through each power range (including beta range sounds)
    Sounds are completely dynamic. Every switch, knob and click is fully replicated and randomized. Aural attention sounds, wheel rattles and cabin doors all create the most immersive experience in any X-Plane aircraft.
    Animations
    With this release, FlyJSim is proud to release a new and improved animation system. With the goal of a more immersive experience, each switch, lever, knob, and anything you can select will animation smoothing from one position to the next. This small addition adds to the overall feel of the simulation. On top of that, you will find we have animated almost everything we could.
     
    The JPad
    Every plane these days needs an EFB to make it complete. The JPad is our solution to the UI and menus used in the past. You will have access to a 3d tablet in the flight deck or as a 2d pop-up.
    The Features here are only the start of what we have planned to come for the JPad, but already you have several things you can do:
    • Always stay up today with notifications of patches right on the JPad home screen. Patch notes are also available to be read in sim.
    • See your aircraft statistics per livery, including total flight and engine hours, and how many passengers you have carried.
    • Set yourself as Captain, and your friend as First Officer, your weights will be included in the operating weight of the aircraft.
    • Load and service your plane using the Payload Manager. You will be able to enter your desired flight load and watch your passengers and baggage load and even check boarding passes for each passenger from the Payload Status page.
    • Keep track of the status of your flight using the built-in checklists, never miss a switch or a setting again!
    • Configure the aircraft to your liking with the onboard settings menu. These include selecting loading state, your role as captain or first officer, weight and baro unit selection, and baro syncing and much more.
    • If you feel like not having a 3d tablet, you can hide it on the fly with a click-spot on the forward suction cup.

 

Requirements
X-Plane 11
Support for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 when available
Windows, Mac or Linux
4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended
Download Size: 1.5 GB
Current and REview version: 1.04  (November 3rd 2021)
 
Installation
Download of the Q4XP is 1.44Gb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 4.01Gb folder. Activation is via the standard authentication Key.

Auto-updater by Skunkcraft is Included for any updates and changes

 

Documents
There are Three Manuals Included with the package. All are extensive and well laid out with great details including detailed instructions to program the UNS-1. Note the main "Manual" is a URL or online, and is updated frequently to reflect any changes.
  • Q4XP Manual.url
  • Q4XP_FMS_Taskbook.pdf
  • Q4XP_Tutorial.pdf

_____________________

 

Aircraft Review Updated by Stephen Dutton

19th November 2021

Copyright©2021: X-Plane Reviews

 

Review System Specifications: 

Computer System: Windows  - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 1TB SSD - Sound : Yamaha Speakers YST-M200SP

Software:   - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.55

Plugins: Global SFD plugin US$30.00 : Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 : RK Apps XPRealistic v2 - US$34.99

Scenery or Aircraft

- EKCH - FlyTampa Copenhagen XP (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$31.00

EGCC - Manchester Airport XP10 by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - Sorry not currently for sale

 

(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

 

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  • Stephen changed the title to Aircraft Review : Q4XP by FlyJSim
On 10/28/2021 at 8:36 PM, Stephen said:

Librain is included, but XP12 will have the rain effects built in anyway.

 

I have not seen any rain effects with this aircraft. I also checked the forums and X-Plane store description which neither reveal that this aircraft is equipped with such a feature. I've also check settings, in the AC and I do not see any options to turn it on or off. Do you know of a way to add the rain effects?

By the way, very well done review. Thank you for the time spent on that. Very informative for us all.

Dave.

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17 hours ago, PlanetCoops said:

There is no mention in the review of how this complex, ultra quality aircraft performs in XP11 in terms of fps and resource usage.  Will I need a new computer to run it at > 30 fps?

The Q4Xp is a difficult aircraft to relate to on fps and resources. And this aspect has been wildly talked about on the forums. Here is why it is odd? My system sees no real framerate change from most of the same sort of Hi-Def aircraft, so I run around 35frs on average, however friend users with powerhouse computers are seeing a 50% drop in performance? That does not make sense...  My feeling that that there is a power leakage in the plugin, so any real base line performance is not currently available, that is hard for purchasers of course, but I think the 50% drop in performance is abnormal and will be fixed. My advice is don't be too greedy with the graphic settings and you will be fine.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi and thanks for this  extensive review.

Let me just say that I am neither a X-Plane or FJS fanboy, but I am a Q400 fanboy. I have been using the MJC Dash for around 15 years back to the FSX days.

1421130177_ScreenShot2021-12-02at10_00_19.thumb.png.197b85859a2fba690360c6ce2a4af71c.png

I understand that FJS made a mess of the lever in the Legacy version and never fixed it for some reason but what they have done here is not an improvement.

After close to 15 years of flying the MJC, I have never encountered "reverse in flight". RW pilots have commented that there are measures to prevent this (AKA the horrible alarm that sounds in the Q400) when you try to pass flight idle in the air. MJC modelled this correctly and realistically. There were never any issues.

What had been done here is neither realistic nor an improvement over the first version. Apparently there was no "fresh approach" for fixing the original problem and no attempt at following MJC's (and Dehavillands) lead on how to make this work the way its supposed to. Pushing buttons to go through imaginary gates is not acceptable. 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Q4XP beta is an improvement certainly over the Legacy. as you note most Real World landings only require the DISC (or Disconnect), and not the full reverse, so I have been practising that approach. The set up now works as best as it could, in fact it was a clever way to get around a difficult problem. Amazing Aircraft as well, I'm well smitten.

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