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Scenery Review: KMTP - Montauk Airport, USA By Dominic Smith Introduction Montauk Airport (KMTP), located at the eastern tip of Long Island, New York, has been a haven for pilots who enjoy VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flying since its establishment in the mid-20th century. With a single asphalt runway and a modest terminal building, this small public airport offers a peaceful flying experience amid scenic beaches and natural reserves. The X-Plane 12 version aims to capture the spirit and layout of the real-world KMTP. Retailing at a rather accessible price of $12.95, the scenery features actual layout data to provide a realistic flying experience. Custom materials and surfaces enhanced with Physical-Based Rendering (PBR) add to the visual richness, although within the constraints of its budget-friendly price point. The package also makes good use of X-Plane 12's new vegetation technology, offering hand-placed forests and custom 3D grass to complement the overall scenery. As a fan of serene airports conducive to low and slow VFR flying, Montauk Airport piqued my curiosity. One of the real airport's charms is its laid-back vibe, which provides an ideal setting for focusing on the essentials of piloting. Will the X-Plane 12 rendition capture that same sense of tranquillity? Let's find out as we explore the merits and performance of this budget-friendly scenery package. Installation Acquiring this scenery is straightforward, particularly if you're familiar with the Org store. Upon purchase, you're presented with two downloadable zip files, one for X-Plane 12 and another for X-Plane 11. The size of the extracted scenery is modest, clocking in at just under 300MB. This small footprint makes for a quick download (as long as you have a reasonable internet connection) and is relatively light on storage space. The installation process adheres to the tried-and-tested method that many X-Plane users will find reassuringly familiar. There's no need for online activation or entry of a serial number, something that I personally find very appealing. Once you've extracted the zip file, simply move the resulting folder into your X-Plane Custom Scenery directory, and you're good to go. Documentation While the package does come with a text document that clearly outlines the installation steps, it feels somewhat sparse in other regards; there are no additional resources to be found. This absence feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the user's connection to the airport. Even a simple historical overview or a basic airfield diagram could have enriched the package and given flyers more context for their Montauk adventures. As it stands, users will have to rely on the software itself and perhaps a bit of online sleuthing to fully appreciate what Montauk Airport has to offer. Exploration Starting my exploration as usual from a distance, the first thing that struck me was the expansive coverage of the area by the developer. Seen from the air, the landscape is notably more detailed compared to a "vanilla" installation of X-Plane 12. The three main water bodies, Lake Montauk, Big Reed Pond, and Oyster Pond, are all sharply defined, catching the eye even before you make landfall. Diving lower (no passengers onboard), I was impressed by the meticulous redesign of the forests. The trees seemed carefully placed, offering a more authentic representation of the area's natural beauty. The shoreline also caught my attention; it is well-articulated, featuring an array of caravans, deck chairs, and tables. The only thing missing was a human touch, as there were no virtual people to be seen. Further inland, additional residential houses had been added, making the landscape feel more vibrant and interesting. The docks, populated with a large number of different boats, contributed to the area's liveliness. While the scenery did incorporate a small degree of ortho imagery, which kind of worked, I feel the scenery could have easily stood on its own merits without it. I also noticed some maintenance buildings around the docks, which appeared to be from the default X-Plane library, going by some of the signage. Among the unique elements of this package is a well-crafted breakwater, composed of numerous rocks and stones. While there's some artistic license involved, it adds a pleasing aesthetic touch to the overall experience. As I approached the main airport, it became apparent that the layout closely mirrored its real-world counterpart on Google Maps. The textures for the runway and apron were clearly marked and finely detailed. Close inspection revealed weathering effects like cracks and general wear, adding to the sense of realism. The airport hosts a few hangars and a modest main building and whilst they're well-designed, a bit of weathering could have made them feel slightly more authentic, especially given the location's proximity to the sea. That said, considering the scenery's budget-friendly price, this can be overlooked. Completing the picture, a small car park containing a handful of vehicles, faithfully echoed what I'd seen on Google Earth. Overall, the experience was positive overall, marred only by the absence of 3D characters to give the airport a more lived-in feel. Night Lighting Upon exploring the airport under the cloak of night, it quickly became apparent that I was going to need a torch! While the runway did offer some degree of illumination, the airport buildings were noticeably lacking in this department. While the absence of lighting could be consistent with the real-world airport, it does take away from the experience a little. With the potential for future updates, one might hope that the developer could consider adding a few strategically placed lights, particularly around the main airport building and hangars. Such a minor addition could go a long way in enriching the scenery's night-time appeal. As night shots won’t be particularly interesting or beneficial, let’s go for some good old snow. Performance Navigating around Montauk Airport and its surroundings was a completely smooth experience, which reaffirms why I enjoy smaller sceneries like this one. Framerates stayed high on my system, which isn't the newest or most advanced (specs listed below). For those with limited GPU resources, turning off 3D vegetation will offer a bit of additional performance, due to the number of trees present. Conclusion Montauk Airport for X-Plane 12 may not aim for photorealistic accuracy, but it doesn't need to. What it delivers is a captivating and well-detailed version of a tranquil airport, a feature bound to resonate with many X-Plane aficionados. While there are areas for improvement, such as the missing 3D characters and somewhat limited nighttime lighting, the package does excel where it matters most. Covering an expansive area beyond the airport's immediate surroundings, this scenery is a commendable addition to any virtual pilot's repertoire, especially those who favour the peace and quiet of smaller airstrips for leisurely VFR flying. Priced at a very reasonable $12.95, the package offers excellent value for money, despite a few minor shortcomings. Overall, it's an inviting scenery that assures countless hours of flying enjoyment. ________________________ KMTP - Montauk Airport, USA by Skytitude is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: KMTP - Montauk Airport, USA Priced at $12.95 Features: Completely Renovated Scenery for X-Plane 12 with Outstanding Detail Level Actual Layout Data Custom Materials and Surfaces with Physically Based Rendering Effect (PBR) Highly Detailed Spectacular Buildings and Objects High Density Hand-Placed Forests and Plants Custom 3D Grass Using New X-Plane 12 Vegetation Technology Accurately Built Large Surrounding Area with Thousands of Hand-Placed Objects Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac, or Linux Download Size: 263 MB Current version: 1.0 Review System Specifications Intel i5 10400 – 32GB RAM - Nvidia Asus RTX 3060 – Windows 10 Home 64 Bit __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dominic Smith 21st Sept 2023 Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Aircraft Review: ICON-A5 - VSKYLABS Test-Pilot by VSKYLABS By Michael Hayward Introduction The ICON A5 is an amphibious light-sports aircraft produced by ICON since 2016, although its development lies a little earlier with a concept model first flown in 2008. With a focus on recreational flying, it was designed to be simple to fly with familiarity for those that may not fly too often. The ICON A5 is more than just a typical light-sports aircraft; it's a culmination of careful planning, engineering, and design. Its body, measuring 23 feet (7m) in length, exhibits a compact and efficient design that is ideal for a single pilot. The wide wingspan, which spans 34.8 feet (10.6m), contributes to the aircraft's remarkable stability and control, whether in the air or on water. With an empty weight of 1,080 lbs (490kg), the ICON A5 is lightweight, enhancing its performance and manoeuvrability. Despite its minimalistic design, the aircraft can still bear a significant load, having a maximum takeoff weight of 1,510 lbs (685kg). The heart of the A5 is its robust powerplant, a single Rotax 912 iS engine that ensures a smooth and enjoyable flying experience. In terms of performance, the ICON A5 leaves little to be desired. It boasts an impressive range of 427 nautical miles (491 miles, 791km) that allows for extended journeys or pleasure cruises. It comfortably cruises at speeds up to 95 knots (109 mph, 176 km/h) and has a service ceiling of 10,000 feet (3048m), offering spectacular views of the landscape below. This combination of features embodies ICON's commitment to creating a truly distinctive and enjoyable flying experience. The company's meticulous attention to detail and focus on performance are reflected in every aspect of the A5's design and operation. VSKYLABS have been developing aircraft on the X-Plane scene for well over 10 years. Their focus on attention and detail have made them a namesake for high-quality GA and utility aircraft within this platform. In this review, we will take a closer look at their ICON A-5 and see if this aircraft keeps to their standard of quality and functionality. Exterior Model The ICON A-5's exterior design is a unique blend that has become iconic in the flight simulator space, being a distinctive mix of boat, car, and aeroplane aesthetics - a testament to the involvement of Nissan engineers in its design. VSKYLABS has meticulously reproduced the A5's model shape, capturing its unique sleek curves and hybrid design in excellent detail. The resulting look is fantastic and speaks volumes about the developer’s attention to detail. From the functioning emergency parachute, which comes in handy during emergencies, to the 'Lamborghini' style cockpit entry, details found in the real-world A5 are faithfully replicated. Even the rear-facing propeller, designed to push the aircraft forward – a design feature reminiscent of the Piaggio Avanti, is accurately reproduced. The attention to detail doesn't stop there, however. The A5's exterior features high-definition 4K textures across its bodywork, enabling even smaller elements like warning stickers to be readable, greatly enhancing the realism of the A5. Bump mapping technology adds further depth to this detail, highlighting panel gaps and fuselage rivets, thus enhancing the aircraft's lifelike appearance. Adding to this realistic representation, VSKYLABS included the wing fold function, allowing the aircraft to maintain a compact shape when on land or docked at sea. This feature, mirroring the functionality of the actual aircraft, again enhances the authenticity of the add-on. Regarding liveries, only the ICON A5 house colours are provided, aligning with ICON's single-livery offering. This choice allowed VSKYLABS to devote their attention and resources to perfecting this one design, which turned out remarkably well as a result. Cockpit & Interior Many compare the A5's cockpit layout to a car's dashboard, which is not surprising given that BMW engineers were involved in designing the flying console. This unique influence brings a refreshing perspective to the flight deck, straying from the usual aircraft cockpit designs. Accommodating two occupants (the models of which, are some of the most impressive I have seen in X-Plane), the cockpit features a joystick between each seat, a car-styled dashboard in front of the left seat, and a car-styled glove box in front of the right one. This car-like inspired design continues on the primary flight dashboard, which features all the standard gauges in a car-like design. The result is a stylish, easy-to-read layout that simplifies flying the ICON. The centre console houses the standard Garmin G1000 display, the default X-Plane option, which works well within the A5 cockpit. Underneath, you'll find the radio panel, landing gear lever, flaps switch, lighting buttons, and the essential water rudder control for water taxiing. The cockpit's textures are rendered in 4K resolution, which look fantastic from all angles! From the smooth moulded plastic of the main panel to the carbon fibre along the door sides and A5-branded rugs on the textured floor, VSKYLABS has invested substantial time in detailing the cockpit. The result is a highly realistic representation that adds significantly to the overall flying experience. Sound In creating a true-to-life representation of the ICON A5, VSKYLABS has incorporated authentic sound samples from the actual aircraft. While the Rotax 912 may not be a particularly remarkable engine, using real-life audio samples from it allows pilots to hear the smaller, nuanced sounds that they would experience in flight, an effect that is particularly enhanced when using a quality headset. Further enriching the auditory experience, VSKYLABS has implemented FMOD into the A5, which adds depth to the overall sound across the aircraft. Flight Dynamics The ICON A5 offers the unique opportunity to delve into the realm of water dynamics, given its amphibious capabilities. With the water rudder deployed, pilots can easily navigate across bodies of water, though it's essential to manage turns carefully due to the distinct difference in friction compared to ground manoeuvring. In the air, the A5 is incredibly user-friendly. Despite its seemingly bulky 'sky-boat' build, it's surprisingly nimble, living up to the expectations of a light sports aircraft. Particularly enjoyable are the low, slow flights over coastal terrains. However, it's worth noting that the A5 performs best at lower altitudes, making it perfect for scenic trips. Its user-friendly nature and straightforward controls mean that you'll feel comfortable flying it within minutes. But beware of lake landings, as the water can often be deceptively closer than it appears! Performance In terms of in-sim performance, the VSKYLABS ICON A5 really stands out, as my testing showed minimal stutters or lag. What's truly commendable is how the ICON A5's framerate matches up to that of the default X-Plane 12 Cessna, a notable achievement given the level of detail that the ICON A5 presents. Granted, my setup boasts a high-end graphics card, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, but even taking this into consideration, the performance is still exceptionally good. Opinion & Closing Remarks The ICON A5 has undoubtedly earned its status as an icon in flight simulation (pun not intended!). As a default aircraft for both Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight, it has proven its versatility for land and sea flying, making it a staple in the realm of flight simulation. Though its real-life history has been mixed, its simulator counterparts have enjoyed widespread success. VSKYLABS has done an outstanding job in recreating the A5 within X-Plane, presenting one of the highest-quality general aviation aircraft on this platform. Furthermore, its unique design sets it apart from the crowd, so if you're in search of a distinctive aircraft that combines flair, style, and the capability to operate both on land and sea, the VSKYLABS ICON A5 Project should be at the top of your list. ______________________________________ The ICON-A5 - VSKYLABS Test-Pilot is available from the Org store here: ICON-A5 - VSKYLABS Test-Pilot Priced at US$32.95 Project Main Features: The most comprehensive VSKYLABS Project up to date. VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot' Project. Highly defined flight dynamics model of the ICON-A5, built around the powerful, native X-Plane 11 'Experimental Flight Model' environment. 'Designed for VR' - Virtual Reality Ready (of course it is a joy to fly in 2D...). Unique aspects of the ICON-A5 are simulated and are part of the flying experience along with the unique and authentic systems, cockpit panels and display systems: Highly detailed, fully animated aircraft exterior and interior 3D model. Fully functional, authentic A5 Angle of Attack display system. Unique and authentic iconography and embedded into the display systems in the cockpit. CAP system (Ballistic Parachute system) modeled along with automatic gear retraction upon activation. Bilge water build-up and purge system are modeled. Removable cockpit windows. The A5's unique custom designed, authentic Landing and Taxi lights. Fully animated wing-fold mechanism, embedded into the flight dynamics model/physics. Fully functional LR G1000 Avionics - Incorporating an innovative solution of a single display with dual PFD/MFD modes! Fully functional G1000 autopilot modes. Custom built PFD Companion and a fully functional Autopilot system included. High quality, animated pilot figure for highly immersive experience in 2D/VR modes. Built-in Avitab Plugin compatibility (AviTab plugin is not included). FMOD Sounds. The project is under constant maintenance and development - updates are free. Skunkcraft Updater is included - all updates are being pushed smoothly without the need to re-download the entire base package (base package will be updated every once in a while to minimize the gap). Highly responsive VSKYLABS support forums. 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: 3.5 (March 27th, 2023) Reviewers System: Windows 10 Professional AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor 32GB RAM Palit GeForce RTX™ 3080 GamingPro Aircraft Review by Michael Hayward  23rd June 2023 Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)