Dominic Smith

Scenery Review: KBNA - Nashville International Airport by GloballArt By Dennis Powell Introduction Welcome to the gateway to the heart of country music, USA. Nashville International Airport serves the Mecca of country music, home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and stars of stage, screen, and radio. A sprawling airport that covers more acreage than Los Angeles International, KBNA is the busiest airport in Tennessee, averaging more arrivals and departures than all other airports in the state combined. Situated next to one of the most famous cities in the US, Nashville International offers something for aviators of all levels. It can handle everything from Piper Cubs to Boeing 747s, and anything in between. Nashville itself is in a scenic part of Tennessee and offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. For the rotor-wing crowd, KBNA is also home to the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 1/230th Air Cavalry Squadron. GA pilots using this airport won’t feel as intimidated as they might at similarly sized airports such as LAX or JFK. There’s lots of room for everyone here. Installation Process This offering by Globall Art comes as a 2.1GB download with separate versions for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12. Inside the zipped file are three folders: one each for the airport, the mesh, and the roads. Also included are two six-page manuals, one in English and one in Portuguese. No license code or product key is required. Do follow the instructions in the manual, as some files need to be moved to the plug-in folder within the Resources directory in X-Plane. Documentation Documentation consists of two separate six-page PDF files. I won’t pretend I can read Portuguese, but thankfully it also comes in English. The PDF gives a complete rundown of what’s in the files, how to install them to ensure the animations work as advertised, and a brief history of the airport. It also describes which features are included, how to get the best performance, and provides links for ortho and terrain mesh for the city of Nashville. A separate link is included for the SAM library so the jetways and marshallers work properly. Lastly, it covers the credits, copyright details, and contact information for the developers. Charts aren’t included with the documentation, but I grabbed one from AirNav for reference. High Altitude Overview From altitude, the airport stands out quite starkly from the surrounding terrain. In both real life and the sim, the area is undergoing major construction, with large patches of exposed earth clearly visible. With the provided mesh and ortho tiles installed, the airport blends reasonably well with the surrounding landscape, though like in real-world satellite imagery, there’s still a noticeable contrast between the construction zones and the nearby terrain. In that sense, Globall Art has actually reproduced reality quite faithfully. The extensive work underway is easy to spot both in the satellite photos and in the sim. Runway and Taxiways KBNA has four runways, three of which are parallel: 20L/02R, 20C/02C, and 20R/02L. The remaining runway, 13/31, crosses 20R/02L. There are roads that run beneath Runway 20C/02C and the taxiways for Runway 20L/02R, and these are well rendered with mesh that creates tunnels beneath the surfaces. The runways and taxiways themselves are textured with ortho photos and look very accurate. Unlike some designers, Globall Art didn’t use transparent textures here, which means your AI-selected aircraft will use the airport. You’re going to have company on the taxiways and ramps. Ground Textures and Foliage Ground textures are done with ortho photos, and I usually have issues with those, but this time someone at Globall Art went the extra mile to eliminate 2D objects and awkward shadows, mostly. There are still some present, but most are tucked away in parts of the airport that most GA pilots, and certainly no one flying airliners, will ever see. You’d have to be very low and very slow in a helicopter to catch them. Both the real airport and this sim version are undergoing a massive construction project. What really caught my attention was that in the construction areas, you’ll find animated vehicles moving around like there’s a serious project underway. The included terrain mesh helps with this by adjusting the ground to match the layout of the site. The foliage is something else. While it’s 3D and moves with the wind, it doesn’t quite match the autogen foliage surrounding the airport. I tried several seasons, and in the dead of winter there were still green trees on the airport, while the surrounding autogen was showing bare trees. I’ve never been to Tennessee, so I don’t know if that’s how it looks in real life or not. Also, some of the trees in the outlying areas have time-sensitive shadows that contrast with those generated by X-Plane’s lighting. Signage and Navigation Aids Signs are everywhere at this airport, especially on the ground. The taxiway and runway signs appear to match the airport diagram and are genuinely helpful, particularly when, like me, you’re not entirely sure where you’re going while taxiing to Runway 31. As for nav aids, the airport has all the modern equipment, including a VOR station that appears when tuned in. You’ll also find plenty of road signs leading to the terminal. One I was hoping to see, however, was missing. There’s an aircraft viewing area, and on Google Earth there’s a sign that says, “Do not feed the birds, they’re an aviation hazard.” It would have been cool to see that included, but then again, only those of us who fly helicopters would have ever spotted it. Main Airport Buildings The 3D modelling of the terminal is particularly well done, with smooth shapes and accurate detail, especially around the roof structure. The textures, with a few based on photo imagery in places, are used to good effect and give the buildings a believable, finished look without standing out or feeling artificial. One of the concourse buildings includes a visible interior space, complete with seating and shopfronts. While you can’t walk around inside, the interior is designed to be seen from the ramp or while taxiing to the gate, and it adds a welcome sense of depth and activity. From certain angles, it gives the impression of a working terminal without overloading the scene with unnecessary detail. The terminal includes five concourses and a total of 55 gates. With Traffic Global running, it can get pretty busy, with aircraft constantly coming and going. Jetways and gate markings are all present and correct, and if you enjoy sitting on the ramp watching the action, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Adjacent to the terminal is the newly built Hilton hotel, sandwiched between two new parking garages. The garages light up spectacularly, but more on that later. One small feature that caught my attention was the animated fans in an air conditioning building connected to the terminal. Another standout was the view from the control tower, which includes a full interior. There’s a surprising number of custom buildings here, including the Tennessee Army National Guard ramp with its helicopters and support hangars. Globall Art must have had access to some solid reference material, as it all matches up with what I could see on Google Earth. The buildings are detailed, accurate, and show just how much work went into the layout. My one minor complaint here was the AH-64 Apache helicopters, as they have a five-blade rotor system, and no Apache ever produced has a five-blade rotor system. Thankfully, the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters seem more accurate. Ground Clutter This is a busy airport, and the ground clutter shows it. There are pieces of ramp equipment everywhere. There are cones, signs, GPUs, and baggage carts scattered all over the place. A lot of the clutter is moving too, with baggage carts, fuel trucks, and other vehicles darting here and there on their way to complete their jobs. Oddly enough, the only people you’ll find here are the ones driving the various ramp vehicles. Surrounding Area As mentioned earlier, I installed both the Nashville ortho and mesh to get the best out of the scenery, even though my system was already taking a hit rendering the airport itself. X-Plane does a decent job on its own, but with the included files from Globall Art, the surrounding area really comes to life and blends more naturally with the airport. One thing that stood out was a huge pond in an old rock quarry, which Globall Art has rendered particularly well. Their mesh and ortho make it look very realistic. Night Lighting With apologies to country music legend Willie Nelson, turn out the lights and the party is not over. It’s just getting started. All the ramp lights, runway lights, taxi lights and more are done just right. Not too over the top, and not too subtle. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a large international airport, and it makes night ops feel polished without being distracting. Then there’s the building lighting, which really stands out, especially on the Hilton parking garage, with its red and blue lights turning the façade into a light show. The rest of the terminal and nearby buildings are also well lit, and the whole place feels alive after dark. Performance Impact This airport is not for those with low-performing computers. The developer recommends a graphics card with at least 8GB of VRAM. Mine has 12GB, and it was still taking a major hit on frame rates. While flying the Cowansim Bell 206B3, I was getting frame rates as low as 14 FPS, and as high as 25 FPS over the airport. Outside the airport, frame rates climbed into the upper 30s and even close to 40. All that detail comes at a cost in performance. Globall Art recommends that users with lower-end systems set their graphics settings to medium to reduce the load on the GPU and RAM. That said, I still had a smooth flight in and around the airport, even though my frame rates often dropped below 20 FPS. Conclusion All in all, I found this to be a very interesting airport. It’s set in a scenic part of the country and has so much detail, I could spend hours just flying over the airport itself. I was really blown away by the animated construction areas, and it was great fun trying to spot places I’d seen on Google Earth Street View. I did wonder about adding a few 3D people around the terminal to bring it more to life, but that’s more of a personal wish than a criticism. Other than that, it’s a great scenery package, and I’d highly recommend it. Just make sure your computer is up to the task so you can get the most out of it. ______________________________________ KBNA - Nashville International Airport by GloballArt is now available from the X-Plane.org Store here: KBNA - Nashville International Airport Priced at US$21.95 Features Accurate replica of Nashville International Airport, updated for 2025. Precise modeling based on original references, blueprints, and other studies. Custom terrain mesh. Fully customized pavement with ambient occlusion included in the textures. Ground textures change dynamically with weather conditions: wet, snow, and ice. Custom jetways compatible with SAM plugins. Marchellers to lead aircraft to the stop position. Controlled by SAM Plugins / Stairport Sceneries (Marten). Static objects, vehicles, and aircraft included in the scenery. Custom and default vehicle traffic on roads and streets. Controlled by Ground Traffic Plugin (Marginal) and X-Plane. HDR lighting with custom night textures. Custom textures with ambient occlusion. Default animated ground service (X-Plane). Standard and custom Approach Lighting Systems (ALS). Included aircraft taxi routes (“taxi route”). Taxi routes compatible and configured for World Traffic (WT3) and other plugins. Ramp Starts defined for airlines. Satellite Terminal and Control Tower with rendered interior. 355 custom taxi signs with lighting. Custom taxiway markings. Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 (both versions included as separate downloads) Windows. Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 2.1 GB Current version: 1.1 (June 10th 2025) Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 30th June 2025 Copyright©2025: 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).

Scenery Review: EPGD/GDN Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport by FlyDesign By Michael Hayward Introduction Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport serves as the main airport for northern Poland and the city of Gdansk. It also serves the Tri-City area, which includes Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia. While not as large as major hubs like Warsaw or Krakow, Gdansk has grown in popularity in recent years due to the rise of low-cost carriers and increased tourism. FlyDesign, a French-Polish developer, produces airport sceneries for X-Plane, as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator and P3D. They have been creating highly detailed airport add-ons across Poland since 2017. In this review, we will take a closer look at FlyDesign’s Gdansk scenery. As someone who has visited the city multiple times and flown through this airport, I was excited to see how well the scenery compares to real life. Gdansk is a popular tourist city in northern Poland, offering destinations throughout Europe. FlyDesign’s scenery extends beyond just the airport and terminal; they recreated nearby towns, added photo-realistic ground textures (ortho), and hand-placed individual buildings, trees, and other scenery objects. It’s a noticeable improvement, especially for pilots flying low or in poor weather. Whether flying from another European city or on a quick domestic inter-Poland flight, Gdansk proves to be an enjoyable and realistic destination. Installation Process Installing FlyDesign’s Gdansk is a simple process. After purchasing from the X-Plane.org store, you download a zip file containing versions for both X-Plane 11 and 12. Simply drag and drop the relevant folder into your chosen simulator’s "Custom Scenery" directory, and you are ready to go. Documentation The package includes three documents: an end-user license agreement, full-colour charts for the airport (including approach, departure, and ground maps), and a 5-page manual discussing the airport's history along with an installation guide. The charts are especially helpful, providing full insight into the airport’s operations that you can use for navigation both commercially and for VFR flights. From Above From the sky, the scenery immediately catches your eye. The ortho-ground textures are well-defined and stretch across the Gdansk/Rebiechowo region surrounding the airport. You can clearly see the towns, roads, and greenery. The addition of hand-placed objects like hotels, the railway viaduct and station, and various buildings gives the area a lot of character. This is especially true if you know the area. I certainly recognized many elements from past trips! To help the airport ortho blend in with the wider surroundings, I used a custom tile for the Gdansk area and simHeaven during my screenshots. It’s not required, but it makes a big difference if you’re flying VFR or just enjoying the views. General Layout On the ground, Gdansk features a single main runway with one parallel taxiway that runs the length of the terminal. There is also a smaller parking area to the east, used by light aircraft and helicopters from the local HEMS. The layout is straightforward, but FlyDesign has done a good job of adding markings and signage to make it feel more realistic. Ground Textures The concrete textures include subtle weathering, such as oil stains and cracks, which brings the surrounding airport to life. They have also made full use of X-Plane 12’s bump mapping to define the concrete and the grid layout that spans the ground area. Taxiway signs, ground markings, and runway identifiers are all properly placed and easy to see. Main Terminal The terminal itself is impressive. It follows a similar modern style to many other Polish airports that were upgraded in the early 2010s for the 2012 UEFA Euro football tournament, which featured host cities across the country. The main terminal building features a waved roof with large glass windows that span its entire length. "Gdansk" is written in large, bold lettering. There are seven jet bridges across the front of the terminal. Immediately to the east is a secondary building connected to the main one; this was the former terminal that handled the airport's full operations before its major expansion opened in April 2012. Terminal Interior The terminal features a full open-plan interior with gate areas receiving extra detail, visible from within your plane's cockpit. These details include departure screens, boarding desks, and duty-free shops on the far wall. White podiums act as supports for the roof throughout the terminal. There are also 3D people and ground staff placed throughout the area, which helps to bring the airport to life. Additional Buildings Other structures around the airport include the large radar dome, a number of hangars, various maintenance buildings, and the fuel storage tanks. The fire station is also present and features fire engines positioned outside, adding to the sense of activity. There’s also a small cargo area, with DHL clearly represented. It’s not a huge operation, but it’s nice to see this aspect of the airport included, especially for those flying regional cargo routes. Ground Clutter FlyDesign has done a good job with the airport’s ground clutter. There’s a mix of service vehicles, baggage carts, stairways, cones, and 3D people placed in realistic spots around the terminal and apron. It’s not overdone, but just enough to make the airport feel busy and active. The variety helps keep things looking natural rather than repetitive. Railway The elevated railway viaduct, complete with gantries and passing trains, adds further realism to the airport's surroundings. It sits just in front of the terminal and helps ground the scenery in real-world context. One minor drawback is the underlying ortho texture. While one side includes parked 3D modelled cars, the other is just flat, which slightly detracts from an otherwise impressive feature. Night Lighting Night lighting on the ground is crisp and clear, with blue edge lights along the taxiways, a mix of green and yellow centrelines, and signs that glow in bright yellow or red depending on whether they link to a runway. The runway itself is easy to spot from the air, and the surrounding area includes hand-placed streetlights, making approaches at night both scenic and clear. Its clear time was spent making the night lighting match the quality of the daytime visuals. The terminal looks particularly good at sunrise and sunset, with X-Plane 12’s improved lighting adding plenty of colour and atmosphere. Performance Impact Because the scenery includes many detailed buildings, 3D objects, and textures, it does use a bit more VRAM than simpler airports. On lower-end PCs, this might cause some small performance drops, especially when flying complex aircraft. On my system, which is fairly high-end, I did not have too many major issues. The scenery ran smoothly even with aircraft like the Zibo 737 and Toliss A321, though I did notice a few dips when taxiing close to the terminal. It’s a fair trade-off for the level of detail, but lowering your graphics sliders a notch can help if things get too heavy. Conclusion FlyDesign’s Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is a great addition to the X-Plane 12 scenery lineup. It has the right mix of realism, good looks, and usability. Whether you are flying short routes around Europe or simply enjoy exploring detailed airports, this one delivers. The terminal interior, the surrounding area, the lighting, and the overall layout all come together to match exactly what you would expect to see at the airport in real life! If you are looking for a European airport that is not too big, offers numerous destination options, and allows for quick turnarounds, then FlyDesign’s Gdansk is certainly a strong recommendation! ______________________________________ EPGD/GDN Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport by FlyDesign is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: EPGD/GDN Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport Priced at US$19.95 Features: Support for both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 EPGD International airport, completely new 4K buildings with all detailed, Highly detailed Terminal Interior, 3D LED technology runway lightning, Animated jetways and docking guidance system by SAM, High resolution ground textures, Hand-placed vegetation, All Dynamic lightings, Fully AI traffic compatible, Optimized for excellent performance, EPGD charts by LIDO. Requirements: X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 44 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended 1.5 GB Download Size Current version : 1.4 (March 5th 2025) Reviewers System: Windows 10 Professional AMD Ryzen 5 5900X Processor 32GB RAM Palit GeForce RTX™ 3080 GamingPro ______________________________________ Scenery Review by Michael Hayward  13th June 2025 Copyright©2025: 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)  

KBRO - Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport by Fly2High By Nick Garlick Introduction Hello fellow pilots. After a long absence, I’m very happy to be back in the world of X-Plane. Since I’ve been away, X-Plane 12 has continued to evolve with regular updates and improvements that have only strengthened the sim. While other platforms have made impressive strides, I still believe X-Plane holds its own in a unique and rewarding way. For this return review, I’ve chosen to look at the latest scenery release from Fly2High, a prolific developer who has quietly built a growing library for the platform. Their newest addition, KBRO (Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport), marks their fifth scenery for X-Plane 11 and 12, following on from KCAK, KASE, KJAN and KSAV. So, how does KBRO shape up? Why This Scenery? In my X-Plane world I mainly fly military aircraft, but I occasionally like to mix things up with a bit of general aviation, short-haul cargo, or even the odd helicopter trip. Smaller airports with regional traffic, light GA, and the occasional military visitor are always appealing. KBRO fits that bill nicely. Located in southeast Texas near the Mexican border, Brownsville South Padre Island International is a small airport with plenty of scenic potential. For example, departing runway 13 and banking northeast takes you up Goose Island Passing Bay, a long stretch of water connecting the inland with the Gulf of Mexico. From there, you can follow the coastline north past Port Isabel, South Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and Redfish Bay, all the way up to Corpus Christi or Galveston. Alternatively, you can turn south over South Bay and head west toward Starbase, the home of Elon Musk’s SpaceX operations. Just make sure it’s not launch day, or you might end up as flack bait. Still, it’s all part of the adventure. KBRO features two runways: 13/31 is 7,339 feet long (2,255 m), while 18/36 is 6,000 feet (1,829 m). It handles regular shuttle flights to Houston, Dallas, and Monterrey, and sometimes hosts military traffic as well. Carriers include Aerus, American Eagle, and United Express, with aircraft such as the CRJ-700, Embraer E-Jets, ATR-42, Boeing 737, and Cessna Grand Caravan all in regular use. Historically, the airport also saw the likes of the Boeing 727, McDonnell Douglas MD-80, and even the BAC One-Eleven, one of my all-time favourites. It’s the sort of airport that feels equally at home with modern jets and vintage classics. Installation The scenery download is around 2.2 GB and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It requires a recommended 8 GB of VRAM to run smoothly. There’s no auto-installer included, but installation is straightforward. Once purchased, simply download the file to a location of your choice, extract the contents, and place the folder into your ‘Custom Scenery’ directory inside X-Plane. Finally, make sure it’s correctly positioned in your scenery_packs.ini file. Once installed, the scenery occupies around 2.35 GB of disk space. Documentation There isn’t much to say here. The package doesn’t include any proper documentation, charts, or background information about the airport. There is a short two-page PDF, but most of it is just a basic welcome message. View from Above Before diving into the details, it’s worth taking a high-level look. From above, the scenery does a solid job of capturing the airport’s layout; runways, taxiways, aprons, and key buildings are all well represented. It’s a noticeable improvement over the default version in X-Plane. An ortho tile covers the area immediately surrounding the airport, blending in nicely with my own custom photographic tile. I always appreciate this touch, as it makes arrivals and departures feel that bit more immersive. Runways and Taxiways Runway and taxiway details are sharp, with well-defined markings and numbers. As I approached runway 13, I initially thought the numbers were duplicated, but a quick check with satellite imagery confirmed it’s accurate to the real airport. The surfaces show just enough weathering to avoid looking sterile. For the price point, the texture work is impressive and contributes to a convincing airfield environment. Ground Textures and Vegetation Ground textures across the infield and aprons carry through the same attention to detail, with oil stains, tyre marks, and weathered areas all helping to sell the realism. These textures hold up well in all weather and lighting conditions, whether it’s rain, sun, or snow. Unlike some sceneries still using legacy X-Plane 11 trees, this package features proper XP12 3D vegetation throughout. The trees appear carefully placed, and grass elements are used sparingly but effectively. Signs and Navigation Aids Signage is well placed and clearly legible. I can’t speak to real-world accuracy, as I haven’t sat at the fence with binoculars, but in sim, the signage feels logical and useful. It gives you all the information you need to navigate the airport without issue. Main Buildings The terminal is well modelled, along with the historic 1931 Pan American Airways building. Various hangars and other ancillary buildings are also included, and these appear true to life based on available reference photos. Materials and shapes feel authentic, with some light weathering adding to the overall look. Interiors The terminal includes a detailed interior, complete with static 3D people, seating areas, baggage, and signage. While the people models aren’t the most detailed I’ve seen, it’s still nice to see them included, as they help bring a bit of life and atmosphere to the terminal. Parking and Start Options There are thirteen parking options across the main apron, plus three hold points near the runways. Of course, you can also start directly on the runway if you prefer. A small but welcome bonus is the control tower interior, which, while not overly detailed, adds a touch of character and could easily have been left empty. Ground Clutter Clutter is plentiful, which is always welcome at a smaller regional airport. The aprons are populated with fuel trucks, baggage equipment, and cargo trailers. The car parks include realistically placed vehicles, many of which are recognisable makes. It feels busy but not overdone. Surroundings Just beyond the airport, there’s a nicely modelled National Weather Service station, complete with radar domes and masts. Further afield, you’ll also find a representation of Elon Musk’s Starbase facility, a fun local landmark to include. Night Lighting I won’t get bogged down in detail here. Night lighting does exactly what it should, it illuminates the airport clearly and effectively. The effects are done reasonably well, consistent with what we’ve come to expect from X-Plane 12 and looks good in all conditions. There was with no noticeable impact on performance when flying at night. Performance I’m happy to report that KBRO wasn’t graphically demanding on my system, unlike some other sceneries I’ve tried. I don’t bother quoting frame rates anymore, as every sim setup is different and what works well for me might be completely different for someone else. What I can say is that I tested the scenery in both X-Plane 11 and 12, using default ground textures as well as my own custom ortho tile with X-World America by simHeaven, and it ran smoothly in all kinds of weather and lighting. Conclusion Fly2High may not be a premium developer in the X-Plane world, but with KBRO they’ve shown they know how to create interesting and enjoyable airports at a very reasonable price. Their rendition of Brownsville includes hand-placed vegetation, custom textures with realistic wear, static vehicles, and a well modelled terminal interior. Add in the Starbase facility, and smooth performance, and you have a package that delivers far more than the default scenery. There isn’t much to criticise, though I would have liked to see some basic charts or a short history of the airport in the documentation. Even at this price point, that sort of detail is often included in similar products. Overall, KBRO is a solid little airport that runs well, looks good, and offers a nice change of pace. If you enjoy discovering new corners of the X-Plane world, it’s a worthwhile addition. After reviewing this one, I’m tempted to explore more of Fly2High’s scenery. ______________________________________ KBRO - Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport by Fly2High is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: KBRO - Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport Priced at $13.99 Features Hand-placed vegetation around entire airport and surrounding areas Custom ground textures Carefully modeled terminal interior Hand-placed cars around entire airport Custom night lighting Accurate dirt/grunge textures around airport 3D grass vegetation Modeled SpaceX areas Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8GB + VRAM Recommended Download Size : 2.2 GB Review System Specifications Windows 10, Intel 4790K liquid-cooled, overclock to 5GHz, 32GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM, Nvidia GTX 1070ti, Titanium HD Audio Card. __________________________________ Aircraft Review by Nick Garlick 5th June 2025 Copyright©2025: 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).

Scenery Review: KBLU – Blue Canyon Nyack by X-Codr By Dennis Powell Introduction Sometimes what makes an airport stand out isn’t its size, it’s the location. Situated in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, KBLU Blue Canyon Nyack offers not only stunning mountain views, but proximity to an area steeped in American history. The airport’s location is just two and a half miles west of Emigrant Gap, the western end of Donner Pass, and thirty miles west of Lake Tahoe. The airport sits at an elevation of 5,284 feet, so before you even take off, you’re already just over a mile above sea level. The high altitude and mountain terrain offer pilots a challenge just taking off, and hoping their aircraft doesn’t experience a mechanical failure, as there’s little chance of finding a safe landing spot. A short, narrow runway limits this airport to light GA and helicopters, and it gives pilots ample opportunity to practise density altitude procedures. It also offers stunning mountain backdrops, great for screenshots. Installation Process The scenery downloads in two parts: the airport itself, which is around 471 MB, and the X-Codr scenery library at just over 2.5 GB. If you already have the scenery library installed from a previous X-Codr download, you can skip it. Just make sure to check which version you have, as this might be an update if you’re using an older package. There are no licence requirements or activation codes needed to start enjoying the scenery. Documentation The package download includes a six-page PDF that explains the installation process and provides a link to the Living Scenery Technology plug-in. If you don’t already have this plug-in from a previous X-Codr package, just click the link and follow the instructions to place it in your plug-ins folder in X-Plane. This allows you to turn on the runway lights. Without it, you won’t see this airport at night. About the Screenshots To show the scenery at its best, the screenshots in this review were taken using a custom Ortho4XP tile, and X-World America. High Altitude Overview Since the airport sits just four feet over a mile high already, getting a high-altitude overview meant going a lot higher than I usually fly, up to 8,000 feet, for starters. From that altitude, the airport stood out a little, looking like a scar on the ridgeline, as the surrounding area is heavily forested. The closer you get, the more it blends in, as smaller trees and bushes become more visible. There’s also a slightly dusty feel to the airport, as it sits so high and dry Runway and Taxiways The north end of the runway sits just 300 feet from Interstate 80, making for some interesting approaches. It feels like you're slipping down out of the trees and dropping into a tight spot. The south end of the runway offers a more open approach, with thinner tree cover and a clear area just before the threshold. There's a slight rise in the terrain as you reach the runway, giving it a bit of a ramped-in feel. It's still a narrow slot to aim for, but not quite as dramatic as the approach from the north. It’s a short runway too, just 3,300 feet long and 50 feet wide. That’s not too bad at sea level, but up here at 5,284 feet, your aircraft will definitely feel the difference. My Cessna 172 wasn’t exactly thrilled with the thin air. I found flaps really helped when I tested the takeoff run. The runway itself is in fair to good condition, with patches of drifting dirt that reflect the unmanned nature of the airport. Although I couldn’t confirm it (the airport wouldn’t open in WED), I suspect X-Codr used ortho imagery for the runway texture over a transparent surface. Despite the numerous ramp start points, you won’t have to wait in line or worry about AI planes while you back-taxi to the end. Markings for the runway are custom and suitably weathered. One unusual thing I noticed, going from the runway to the ramp, was a noticeable bump on the short taxiway, which can even be seen on video of the real airport. Ground Textures & Foliage As for the ground texture, I suspect there’s some ortho imagery baked into the airport scenery itself. The custom objects folder includes what look like ortho textures, though I can’t confirm exactly how they’re used. The ground blends well with the surrounding autogen, and the foliage matches the area nicely. Both line up with satellite imagery almost seamlessly. Short, scrub trees and bushes encroach on the airport from the sides, giving way to tall timber. Signage & Navigation Aids There isn’t much in the way of signage, just a small sign near the airport entrance and the name painted on the runway. Navigation aids are practically non-existent, including a non-functioning airport beacon. The real airport’s beacon is listed as not operational on many airport information websites, so not having a working one here is realistic. Main Airport Buildings The main buildings that stand out here are two observatories, which seem to be locked up and disused. They’re well detailed, with protruding door handles, boarded-up doors, and a security camera on the corner of one of them. Other buildings include three shacks on the airport itself, and a few garages just off the road leading to the airport. All are well detailed and appropriately weathered. No interiors are included for any of the buildings. Lastly, there are two cell towers close to the field and what appears to be an automated AWOS station. Ground Clutter There are three dome mountain tents sit at the edge of the ramp, plus a couple of chemical toilets. There are no 3D people here, which helps lend the feel of an unattended airport. You won’t even find a car in any of the parking lots. Surrounding Area At just 30 miles from Lake Tahoe, and 40 miles north-east of Sacramento, the airport sits on a ridge above the Blue Canyon, just west of Donner Pass. It’s surrounded by stunning, rugged mountain scenery and is very close to the interstate highway that runs through the pass. The interstate can even help you find the airport if you’re trying to get back to it. One thing I noticed while flying over the area with both the Cessna 172 and the Bell 206 was a distinct lack of places to put down in case of an emergency. The interstate would be your only option if the engine fails. Truckee Tahoe Airport to the north of Lake Tahoe, and Lake Tahoe Airport to the south, are both short flights from KBLU. If you’re planning to simulate an engine failure, I’d aim for Truckee Tahoe, as it’s closer to the interstate. Seasons One thing worth mentioning is the seasonal changes. In spring, you’ll spot flowers and bright green grass popping up, while summer and autumn give the place a drier, dustier look. It’s a nice touch that adds a bit of life as the months go by. Night Lighting The night lighting here is different from most airports I’ve flown to. The runway lights only come on if you click your push-to-talk button five times. Make sure you have the Living Scenery Technology plug-in installed, or you won’t get any lights. Other lights at the airport include the anti-collision lights on the two cell towers, the tetrahedron showing wind direction, and the three mountain tents, which light up at night. As mentioned on several airport information websites, and modelled here, the beacon isn’t lit. My recommendation is to follow the well-lit freeway until you see the cell tower lights, then click the PTT button to bring up the runway lights. Performance Impact This scenery isn’t too hard on the computer. I was getting my usual mid to upper 30s for FPS throughout the entire flight to, from, and around the airport. It should run smoothly on any computer that meets the minimum requirements for X-Plane 12. X-Codr mentions in the PDF that textures may appear blurry depending on your distance from objects on the field. The idea is that this helps save VRAM. I didn’t really notice any blurry textures myself, but my computer is fairly robust, so your mileage may vary. Conclusion Overall, I’d say this airport is well worth the price. It’s in a stunning scenic area, great for learning density altitude operations, and mountain sightseeing. It’s definitely one for small GA aircraft and helicopters, as I don’t think I’d try it even with large GA aircraft unless they’re really good at short field operations. The airport is well done, and despite my usual objections to ortho imagery, these are used without the time-sensitive shadows and flat 2D objects that often spoil ortho work in other airports. I think this airport is tailor-made for people who love backcountry flying and want a slightly more civilised base to return to after exploring mountain passes and valleys. ______________________________________ KBLU - Blue Canyon Nyack, California by X-Codr is now available from the X-Plane.org Store here: KBLU - Blue Canyon Nyack, California Priced at US$7.99 If you purchase A30 Scott Valley with KBLU , you get 25% off. Features High Quality Models: Models are detailed down to the door handles Models feature high resolution textures with PBR maps Realistically animated models (Tetrahedron blows in the wind, etc) High Quality Ground Textures: Custom accurate pavement Realistic dirt spill over on pavement Custom color corrected ortho for the airport Dynamic Scenery: Realistic seasonal changes. Watch the grass spring to life, full of flowers during the spring. Watch grass thin and shrubs and grass shift from their vibrant spring green to a dull brown through the summer and autumn Experience beautiful weather effects for puddles after a dramatic thunderstorm, or a snowy winter wonderland after a winter storm blows through the Sierra Nevadas Activate runways lights with your push to talk button 5 times on the airport’s CTAF Detailed Rendition of KBLU: Accurately placed clutter (barrels, propane tanks, etc) All buildings, marking, clutter, dirt, etc based on on site photographs from May 2022 Bundle with A30 - Scott Valley to save 25% off one of these scenic Northern California airports! Requirements X-Plane 12 only (not XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB VRAM Recommended Download Size: 482 MB Current version: 1.0 (May 1st 2025) Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 30th May 2025 Copyright©2025: 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).

Scenery Review: A30 - Scott Valley, California by X-Codr By Dennis Powell Introduction Nestled in the majestic Cascade Mountains of Northern California, just thirty-five miles northeast of Mount Shasta, lies the tiny Scott Valley airport. The valley, first discovered in 1830, was home to the Shasta tribe of Native Americans and was originally known for beaver trapping until the gold rush of 1849. Today, scenic mountain vistas and agriculture are its main attractions. Surrounded by the stunning Cascade Mountains, and with a short runway of just 3,700 feet, this isn’t one for the airline pilots. It’s a small airport, sitting at just over 2,700 feet above sea level, and tucked away in a small valley. The real airport is home to firefighting helicopters during the fire season, and the sim version includes dedicated helicopter pads as ramp start points. The runway is just long enough to handle light GA. My Cessna 172 managed to take off and land without using the whole runway, even without flaps on take-off. It’s a great airport for mountain sightseeing, and it’s close to Mount Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascades. Installation Process The installation’s not very complicated. It comes with two files: an updated X-Codr scenery library and the airport itself. I recommend adding the updated scenery library, as my copy seemed to be out of date. I’d also recommend adding X-Codr’s Living Scenery Technology as you’ll need it to turn on the airport lights. More on that later. To install, just download the scenery and the updated library, and place them both into your Custom Scenery folder. The airport is only around 561 MB, and the scenery library is about 2.41 GB. There’s no activation code or licensing required. Documentation The airport comes with a six-page PDF manual that covers installation, special features, and the plug-ins required to make everything work. There’s also a FAQ section for any questions you might have, plus contact information in case something’s not covered. The library download includes a two-page PDF that explains what you can and can’t do with the library, along with more contact details. Make sure to follow the link for the Living Scenery Technology file. It’ll save you a headache later if you’re trying to find the airport at night. About the Screenshots To show the scenery at its best, the screenshots in this review were taken using a custom Ortho4XP tile, and X-World America. Exploration Walkthrough By default, the ground textures are stock X-Plane, as far as I can tell. No ortho photos were used for this airport, and the foliage also seems to be X-Plane’s default, so it blends naturally into the wider landscape. X-Codr notes that the scenery is designed to work well with both default and ortho imagery, and from what I’ve seen, it really shines when paired with higher-quality terrain and enhanced autogen. It makes for a much more immersive experience. For the high-altitude overview, I flew over the airport several times at 7,600 feet. Given the airport already sits above 2,700, it didn’t take long to climb to altitude. The airport is surrounded by agriculture, lots of farms, and it seems to blend in very well with the surrounding area. Almost too well. I had trouble spotting it from high altitude, and at night, the airport just disappears entirely. It sits in a confined valley, surrounded by very large, rugged mountains, so getting to a safe altitude means going a lot higher than I usually fly. Fortunately, the valley isn’t so small that I couldn’t manage a decent approach for landing. Following the road to the airport made it easier to find the runway. Runway and Taxiways The single runway looks like it’s well maintained and has decent-sized areas at each end for turnarounds and engine run-ups. Taxiways are only offered at points to turn into ramps, so a lot of back taxiing on the runway is required when starting from any of them. I wasn’t able to open this airport in WED to confirm my suspicion, but since no other aircraft spawned at the airport, I suspect X-Codr used a transparent texture for the runway and separate polygons to represent the different textures. This is one of those things left over from X-Plane 11 and no longer needed in X-Plane 12, but some designers still use the technique to vary runway appearance. It also means you’ll have the airport to yourself, and you won’t be waiting for AI planes to taxi and take off. Signage & Navigation Aids Signs are pretty limited here. There’s the airport sign, a couple of small signs, but as far as runway or taxi signs go, there’s nothing. The runway itself has markings, but other than that, you get a lighted windsock, a beacon, and that’s about it for navigation aids. Blink and you’ll miss the whole place. Main Airport Buildings The buildings really do this airport justice. They match the pictures on Google Earth Street View perfectly, and I’ve seen other photos online, so these buildings just look right. There aren’t many of them, but they’re well detailed, and a few are even open so you can view the interiors. The ones that aren’t open don’t have any interior detail. Ground Clutter Ground clutter is everywhere, and it’s well detailed. All kinds of objects like traffic cones, benches, fuel point objects and just stuff everywhere. What the airport doesn’t have is people. Not a soul to be seen. It’s like we caught the airport on a break where everyone went to town for lunch. Add to that the weeds growing on the ramps and you might almost get the feeling you were at a deserted, abandoned airport. Surrounding Area There’s a lot to see around the airport. Most prominent are two hay storage barns with stunning detail inside. Not only can you see the space between the pallets of hay, but the support beams in the roof have proper structure, with metal plates bolted into the beams. There are a couple of farmhouses close to the airport, done with appropriate detail and well executed. What really stands out though are the power lines and poles. They’re very well detailed, with transformers and lines going from pole to pole. At first, I thought the lines had warning balls on them for low-flying aircraft, but it turned out to be X-Plane 12 putting hot air balloons near airports in their latest update. Night Lighting And here’s where things got interesting. Night lighting almost doesn’t exist at this airport until you install the Living Scenery Technology add-on. At night, the airport disappears. Even the beacon is only visible if you’re very close to it. If you’re five miles out and looking for a sign, you won’t see one. With the Living Scenery Technology plug-in, you can turn on the runway lights by clicking the Push To Talk button five times. But you’ll need to bind a key to that function, or it won’t work. If you don’t have the Living Scenery plug-in, finding this airport at night will take a lot of guessing, a GPS, a map, and a lot of luck. Performance Impact I didn’t see a huge impact on frame rates with this airport. X-Codr seems to take a lot of care to make sure their scenery doesn’t hit lower-end computers too hard. Everything ran smoothly, and my computer didn’t seem to have to work too hard with this one. Conclusion Overall, I’d say this is a nice little airport for anyone into light GA or helicopters. It’s not meant for airliners or military aircraft that need a long runway. But if you like mountain flying and cool scenery, this place has a lot to offer. It’s a quirky little spot with personality, and it’s close to some stunning views. A great place to start exploring the Cascade Mountains of Northern California. If I were using a rating system, I’d give it four stars, mainly because the method for getting the runway lights to work is a little confusing, and there’s no people. Other than that, it’s well worth the price. ______________________________________ A30 - Scott Valley, California by X-Codr is now available from the X-Plane.org Store here: A30 - Scott Valley, California Priced at US$9.99 Features High Quality Rendition of Scott Valley for X-Plane 12 Extremely detailed buildings, modeled off real photographs Near photo-realistic textures. Realistic material and normal mapping on textures for excellent lighting and reflections. High quality ground textures with layered detail textures for extreme detail, with minimal performance impact Realistic night lighting Custom pilot-controlled runway lighting system, activates runway lights with 5 clicks of the TT command when on the correct CTAF frequency Baked extremely low poly models for LODs, providing huge performance savings, with very little visual loss Realistic weather effects Realistic seasonal effects (such as leaves on the ground, and leaves falling from trees) Bundle with KBLU - Blue Canyon Nyack for 25% off one of these scenic Northern California airports! Requirements X-Plane 12 only (not XP11) Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB VRAM Recommended Download Size: 561 MB Current version: 1.0 (May 1st, 2025) Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 27th May 2025 Copyright©2025: 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: PAE Beechcraft Bonanza G36 - Powered by REP By Colin Parker Background The Beechcraft Bonanza G36 is a low-wing, conventional landing gear, single-engine, six-seat aircraft designed and built by Beechcraft. It first flew in 2006 and is identical in every way to its predecessor, the A36 Bonanza, itself an upgraded version of the Model 36 with a plush interior aimed at high-end customers. The airframe has remained essentially unchanged since the A36 first flew in 1970. The aircraft has a spacious interior and strong airframe, making it ideal for a variety of general aviation missions including passenger and cargo transportation. The main difference between the A and G models is the integration of the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. The G1000 in the Bonanza was developed by Garmin in collaboration with Beechcraft. What follows is my experience with PAE’s Bonanza G36 for X-Plane 12, which includes the Reality Expansion Pack (REP) from SimCoders. It’s a great pairing that adds a lot more depth than I was expecting. Installation & Documentation After purchase, you can download the aircraft as a zip file. It’s a fairly sizeable add-on, with the download weighing in at 1.2 GB and expanding to 1.87 GB once uncompressed. The documentation is very complete. In the main aircraft folder, you will find a 71-page user manual covering all aspects of SimCoders’ Reality Expansion Pack (REP) for the aircraft, along with both detailed and summary checklists. Inside the documentation folder, there is a handy PAC chart showing engine settings and speeds for different phases of flight, as well as the actual performance charts from Beechcraft. There is a clear expectation with this add-on that it be flown in line with the real-world procedures and limitations. Reality Expansion Pack (REP) The 71-page manual mentioned earlier gives you a good idea of just how deep and feature-rich the Reality Expansion Pack (REP) is for this aircraft. Key REP functions are accessed via a sidebar that appears when you hover your mouse near the left-hand edge of the screen. From here you can bring up: A kneeboard with full checklists Mass and balance tools that use the real aircraft’s loading chart A full pre-flight walk-around, including chocks, pitot covers and tie-downs Towing controls to reposition the aircraft on the ground A detailed maintenance report, where you can check wear and tear, request repairs, and even "pay" for servicing An automatic engine start option (which, in my opinion, is cheating!) There are also additional settings under the Plugins menu, where you can tweak everything from hypoxia simulation to advanced braking and steering behaviour. REP even remembers the aircraft’s condition between flights, which means things like battery drain or wear and tear carry over. You can also enable an economy system where fuel prices vary between airports and the aircraft “ages” depending on how well you treat it. Components can be set to wear realistically over time, from brand new to well-worn flying club condition. All in all, REP adds a lot of realism and operational depth to the Bonanza. It’s not just about flying the aircraft, but about managing it too, which I found surprisingly engaging. External Walkaround The aircraft is beautifully rendered and comes with a good range of liveries, many of them variations on a clean, classic look. A selection of these is shown below. The attention to detail on the flight control surfaces and undercarriage is very impressive. The movement of the actuators, particularly on the flaps, is very accurately simulated. Rivet work and skin textures really look the part, and the lettering on warning and information labels is complete and clearly readable. If I had a criticism, it would only be the pristine condition of the aircraft. A bit of dirt would actually improve the realism. When starting from cold, the REP adds tie-downs at the rear and under both wings, along with chocks, a pitot cover and engine covers. It’s vital to perform the walk-around and remove everything before attempting to start the engine. Only the main door can be opened from outside the aircraft. The rear doors are accessible from inside the cabin, or externally by using the REP walk-around feature. Cockpit The interior lacks the photographic depth seen in some of the more well-established add-on publishers’ work. It is simply a little too perfect. That said, like the exterior, the interior is a detailed rendering of the real thing. The fuel controls are tucked away on the left-hand side of the pilot’s seat and are not visible from the default sitting position. You will need to either set a custom view or assign the controls to a key or switch to change fuel tanks. There is also a hot spot on the right-hand side of the cockpit that allows you to fit and remove the AviTab plugin. Garmin G1000 Integration Full use has been made of the advanced integration features provided by Laminar to create a realistic Garmin G1000 implementation. Both the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD) are Garmin branded and boot up realistically. The MFD starts with a Bonanza-specific welcome screen showing the status of the navigation data, checklist information, and the current Beechcraft system version. A particularly nice detail is the Garmin copyright notice. The system integrates with the autopilot in the same way as other aircraft that use the X-Plane 1000. The autopilot can follow heading and climb instructions provided by the pilot or automatically fly a configured flight plan. There is no auto-throttle, so power must be managed manually. Starting from Cold When starting from cold, it’s easiest to begin with the REP walk-around feature and then follow the checklist on the kneeboard. Those familiar with SimCoders’ other products will recognise both straight away. This was my first proper introduction to REP, and I have to say I appreciate both its completeness and ease of use. Once the walk-around is complete, all that remains is to carefully follow the engine start checklist on the kneeboard. Engine start is very realistic, and the engine sounds fantastic once it’s running. The engine and associated systems have had a complete make-over by SimCoders, and it shows. One important aspect of REP is its “memory”. It remembers the state of the aircraft when you close the simulator and applies the time gap between sessions to wear and system condition. What this means, and I discovered this by accident, is that if you leave the electrics on when you shut down, there’s a good chance the battery will be flat when you restart. The model also has an elephant-like memory of any harm you’ve done on previous flights. It tracks engine running time and flight time, all of which feed into maintenance and repair requirements. Maintenance & Fuel You can avoid it for a while, but eventually you will have to look at the maintenance report and request at least routine maintenance, if not repairs (!) for your aircraft. SimCoders’ REP adds a layer of economics to the flight simulation experience, allowing you to “pay” for fuel and servicing. If you like, you can also integrate REP with an FSEconomy or X-CPL account. These are add-ons I knew nothing about, but they introduce a whole new set of challenges. Virtual money is spent on fuel and maintenance, and you can take on contracts to earn cash as well. Ground Handling With nosewheel steering, ground handling is straightforward. There is an option to allow the nosewheel to be steered using the yoke, like a car, but to be honest, control with the rudder is rapid and precise. Before starting the engine, it is worth giving the REP ground towing option a go. This is accessible from the sidebar and allows you to manoeuvre the aircraft so that it is facing the right way and well clear of other aircraft or people before engine start. Takeoff Before flying the Bonanza, make sure you set the control sensitivity as recommended in the REP user manual. I created a specific user profile for the Bonanza, as these settings are quite different from those for other aircraft I fly. Holding short of the active runway, complete the pre-takeoff checks. While it may be tempting to skip them, you’ll miss out on some of the cleverer parts of the engine simulation, and a simulated failure will eventually catch you out. Lining up on the runway and smoothly applying full throttle rewards you with a throaty roar from the engine. As with all modern single-piston engine aircraft, you’ll need to apply some right rudder to counteract the engine and propeller forces trying to swing the aircraft left. The Bonanza lifts off at about 80 knots. Retracting the undercarriage gives you a climb rate between 500 and 800 feet per minute, and pattern height is reached quickly and smoothly. All control surfaces respond precisely to pilot input, and I find trimmed flight easier to achieve in this than in many other add-ons. Cruise The Bonanza settles into the cruise very easily, and I found it easier to trim for level flight than with many other add-ons. Cruise performance depends on several factors, including altitude and outside air temperature. Power settings, RPM, mixture, and the resulting airspeeds and fuel consumption are all detailed in the performance tables provided with the documentation. Airspeed in cruise can range from 124 to 163 knots, depending on conditions. The REP modifications simulate fuel consumption very precisely, so planning your fuel before a flight needs to be taken more seriously than with some other aircraft. Stall & Spin Awareness The aircraft stalls with a crisp right-hand wing drop but recovers quickly if corrective action is taken. Juddering starts about 10 knots before the stall warning activates, so there is plenty of advance notice. In straight and level flight, the stall occurs at around 45 knots. I couldn’t get the aircraft to spin, but the guidance suggests that spins are difficult to recover from and require immediate, decisive action when they occur. Landing I fly the landing approach at around 100 knots with flaps. If you forget to lower the undercarriage, you’ll get a spoken warning as you pass below 700 feet. The landing itself needs the usual dance on the controls, but it’s straightforward enough. Sound The soundscape is one of the best things about the add-on. Every switch and fuse has a sound, and the fuel pump changes tone as its speed increases. Engine noise, particularly on startup, is exceptional, and the ground roll sounds are very realistic. Night Lighting The lighting all works as expected, with position lights only visible in the correct arcs. The various cockpit lighting options, including flood and instruments, both perform as expected and look correct from outside the aircraft. Reflections from nearby lighting are also very realistic. Performance I have not experienced any noticeable framerate impact with the add-on. It combines the complex functionality of REP with a realistic appearance, while still using only a minimal amount of processing power. Conclusion PAE are a new entrant in the X-Plane 12 add-on world, and their rendering of the Bonanza G36, in collaboration with SimCoders, is a very credible first project. Visually, it may lack the polish of some of the more established brands, but it is still a good-looking and complete simulation of the real aircraft. The Bonanza is considerably more complex than the aircraft I usually fly, and I have really enjoyed getting used to its systems and wrestling with some of the real-world challenges of aircraft ownership introduced by the REP. ____________________________________________ PAE Beechcraft Bonanza G36 -- Powered by the Reality Expansion Pack is available from the Org store here: PAE Beechcraft Bonanza G36 -- Powered by the Reality Expansion Pack Priced at US$45.00 Key Features Code-Driven Flight Dynamics Realistic takeoff, stall, and landing performance Authentic ground handling and flight physics True-to-life aerodynamic and engine behavior High-Performance Powerplant Continental IO-550-B engine fully modeled Optional turbonormalization system via REP's maintenance panel Advanced simulation for oil, combustion, and spark plug fouling Realistic startup, shutdown, and engine failure modeling Custom Fuel System with Tip Tanks Integrated Osborne Tip Tanks mod Custom fuel transfer logic and electric pumps Vapor lock simulation and dynamic fuel prices by region Fully Simulated Air Conditioning System Custom 3D control Cabin temperature and airflow simulation G1000 annunciation for system status Realistic cooling, heating, and defogging Custom G1000 Alerts & Startup Screens Enhanced splash screens Real-world-inspired warnings and alerts: Fuel Electrical Bus Starter Alternators Oil Pressure Landing Gear Position Air Conditioning Emergency Landing Gear Extraction Full simulation of manual gear extension Accurately modeled electrical/hydraulic failures Custom emergency kneeboard checklist Advanced Maintenance & Wear System Persistent aircraft state saved per livery Live maintenance reports and repair tools Engine wear, brake/tire wear, battery drain Full economic simulation for upkeep VR Ready + Realistic 3D Modeling -------------------------------- Highly detailed 3D cockpit and systems VR hotspots for towing and walkaround Fully compatible with external hardware Realistic sounds and ground physics Integrated Economy System FSEconomy and X-CPL-Pilot support In-game economy: earn money per flight Fuel buying/selling based on regional pricing Persistent aircraft wear and fuel status Requirements: X-Plane 12 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Download Size: 1.2 GB Current version : 1.0 - April 12th 2025 Reviewers System: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor 3.80 GHz Memory: 32.0 GB Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Aircraft Review by Colin Parker 21st May 2025 Copyright©2025: 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: de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo by X-Hangar By Dominic Smith Introduction Well, I’m back again with an updated model from X-Hangar, this time the venerable DHC-5 Buffalo. This tough and versatile transport, with its own kind of charm and character, is the latest to grab my attention, especially as it’s from a developer whose work I always enjoy. The DHC-5 Buffalo, a follow-on from the DHC-4 Caribou, was developed by De Havilland Canada and first flew in the 1960s. Built to meet the demanding needs of both military and civilian operators, the Buffalo made a name for itself with its STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) abilities, able to get into places where most aircraft could not. Over the years, it’s been used for everything from troop transport and cargo runs to search and rescue and has built a reputation for being both reliable and versatile. X-Hangar's DHC-5 Buffalo, much like their Caribou before it, shows their commitment to delivering aircraft that are immersive, easy to fly, and fun. It comes packed with features, including a carefully modelled 3D cockpit, working windows, doors and cargo ramp, realistic rain effects and wipers, two load layouts (passenger or cargo), detailed pilot and passenger figures, an Easter Award feature, support for Garmin 600 and 700 series avionics, better lighting and rain visuals for X-Plane 12, a well-written PDF manual, and a wide range of international liveries to pick from. Documentation Keeping with X-Hangar’s usual approach of making things straightforward and easy to use, the Buffalo comes with a detailed 19-page PDF manual. It gives a good overview of the aircraft’s systems and cockpit layout, and also walks you through how to operate it through all phases of flight. The manual is nicely written, easy to follow, and includes plenty of images to help explain things clearly. It also covers some of the newer features like the Easter Award box and support for the optional Garmin 600 and 700 series avionics. Installation Installing the DHC-5 Buffalo is as simple and straightforward as you would expect from X-Hangar. Once you’ve made your purchase, you just download the zip file, which contains versions for both X-Plane 12 and 11. After that, it’s just a case of unzipping the file and dropping the folder into your 'Aircraft' directory. There are no complicated steps, no software wrappers to deal with, and no online activation needed. Once it’s installed, it’s ready to fly, which is something I’ve always appreciated about X-Hangar's aircraft. Exterior X-Hangar’s DHC-5 Buffalo, much like their earlier DHC-4 Caribou, has a solid, no-nonsense look that fits the real-world aircraft perfectly. Built to handle tough jobs and rough strips, the Buffalo’s chunky fuselage, high wings, and twin turboprop engines are all captured nicely here. It’s a little bigger and a little more powerful than the Caribou, and you can see those differences in the model. The texturing on the Buffalo is really well done, with liveries that match up closely to real-world examples, twenty in total. Compared to the earlier Caribou, the Buffalo’s exterior textures show a bit more refinement, especially with the metallic finish, giving the paintwork a slightly more realistic look. It still has that bit of X-Hangar charm though, which suits the model well and keeps it from feeling too polished or clinical. A small selection of the liveries are shown below. The exterior of the Buffalo strikes a nice balance between realism and artistic style. While it does not have the photorealistic textures you might find on some of the more expensive models, it still stands out as a faithful and enjoyable version of the real thing. The working doors, windows, and rear loading ramp add a lot to the experience, along with a few extra touches like the X-Hangar tent and truck, which help bring the aircraft’s world to life a little more. Interior The cockpit of X-Hangar’s Buffalo strikes a nice balance between practicality and visual appeal, following the style they set with the Caribou. Everything feels nicely thought out without losing that bit of X-Hangar charm. In front of the pilot, you have the essential six flight instruments alongside the Century 41 autopilot, which gives you a good solid setup for flying. The centre console holds all the important engine gauges and includes a Garmin 530 GPS unit with a pop-out feature for easier use. Engine fire controls are positioned just above, where they are easy to get to if needed. A new addition worth mentioning is the inclusion of a Garmin 430 for the copilot's side, giving even more flexibility when it comes to flight management. Rain effects have also been improved in X-Plane 12, with water now streaming more realistically across the glass during wet weather operations. Between the two pilot seats you will find the radio controls, all within easy reach. Above your head, the throttle, prop pitch, flaps, and ignition switches are arranged across the overhead panel, helping to break up the large glass area while keeping everything close to hand. Thanks to the latest updates, the gauge glass now has a more transparent look, and there is a new 3D panel top graphic that gives the cockpit a slightly sharper feel compared to earlier models. Despite the age of the design, X-Hangar has kept everything crisp and easy to read. If you look closely, you might spot a little softening of the textures here and there, but it does not take anything away from how enjoyable the cockpit is to fly from. Stepping into the cabin, you get a choice that adds a nice bit of variety to the Buffalo. Using the kneepad, you can either have seats filled with passengers, or with a simple click, fold them away and load up a few classic vehicles instead. It is a small touch but it gives the aircraft a real sense of versatility, just like the real thing. As a small bonus, if you're flying in the month of April (and who isn’t), you might spot a little Easter Award box tucked into the cockpit. It's a fun feature that adds items based on your flight hours, and while it does not affect how the Buffalo flies, it adds a nice personal touch for those who enjoy clocking up the hours. Sounds The sounds included with X-Hangar’s Buffalo do not use the FMOD sound system, and honestly, I find that quite refreshing these days. FMOD has become the standard for a lot of developers, but not always for the better. Even without it, the Buffalo’s engine sounds are more than good enough and fit the aircraft well. It is always hard to show sound in a written review, but if you watch the video below, it gives a pretty good idea of what the turboprops sound like in the sim. Flight Characteristics After getting familiar with the Buffalo on the ground, I was keen to see how it performed in the air. I picked Sitka Airport in Alaska as my departure point, a place that has been a favourite of mine ever since the old Inside Passage and Final Frontier packages by Tom Curtis back in the X-Plane 9 days. From the start, the Buffalo’s ground handling, just like the Caribou, impressed me with how responsive it felt. Taxiing out to the runway was smooth and enjoyable. As I opened up the throttles, the aircraft surged forward, showing off the power of the GE T64 turboprops. In true STOL fashion, the Buffalo was airborne in no time, climbing away with that same effortless performance the real aircraft is known for. Once up in the air, the extra thrust from the twin turboprops was obvious, giving a nice boost over the older DHC-4. During cruise, the Buffalo held altitude with ease, feeling very stable. I resisted the urge to throw it around too much, but I did run a few stall tests, and the aircraft behaved exactly as you would expect. It gave a slight wing dip before recovering cleanly, just like a good STOL transport should. Coming back into Sitka for landing, the Buffalo’s low-speed handling really stood out. The final approach needed a few gentle corrections with the wind, but nothing that felt tricky or unstable. It was a nice, controlled return to the ground. Night Lighting The night lighting in the Buffalo follows the same style as other X-Hangar models. There are plenty of dimmer switches to adjust the different cockpit lights, along with dedicated switches for the landing lights, taxi light, and navigation lights. Everything works as expected, although I did find the exterior lighting to be a bit strong, with some reflection showing on the fuselage. That said, it is not something that takes away from the experience, and flying the Buffalo at night is still just as enjoyable. A Note About Lighting Just a small note regarding the screenshots in this review. I used X-Plane 12.2 Beta 4 during testing, and at the time of writing, the lighting system in the sim seems to be overly bright in some areas, with a noticeable loss of contrast and colour depth. While older versions of X-Plane 12 had darker cockpits, the outside world lighting, in my opinion, looked more natural. I mention this in case you notice the screenshots looking a little washed out compared to what you might expect. This is more down to the sim itself than the Buffalo model. Performance The performance of the DHC-5 Buffalo is right in line with what I have come to expect from X-Hangar models. It is designed with real thought for the average simmer’s computer, and as such, you do not need the latest and greatest setup to enjoy it properly, which is always a big plus. Even with a relatively detailed airport and changing weather conditions (bring on those clouds), the Buffalo ran smoothly, which is a clear sign the developer had performance in mind during development. Conclusion The DHC-5 Buffalo by X-Hangar, much like the earlier Caribou, blends a good bit of old-school charm with a go-anywhere (almost) slice of versatility. It runs really well, showing that X-Hangar is focused on making aircraft that are both fun to fly and easy on the computer. You will not find 4K textures here, but you do get authentic sounds, a wide choice of liveries, and a real sense of character that makes the Buffalo stand out. For anyone looking to add a classic, versatile aircraft to their hangar, the Buffalo is a cracking choice. It offers the kind of adventures and flying experiences that few others can match. ________________________ The de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo by X-Hangar is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo Priced at US$22.95 Features For both X-Plane 12 and 11 3D cockpit VR cockpit Rain and wipers Opening windows Opening doors Opening ramp Yoke hides with keyboard key or press of a button on the panel Steerable yoke in both 3d and VR Pilot figures Passenger figures Static models Chocks and remove before flight flags Menu to hide co-pilot and other options Two different loads: Passenger or Cargo Cargo or passenger load displays according to load (more with more weight and less with less weight) Many international liveries Layers for painting your own livery Garmin 540 GPS with pop out or press buttons Autopilot Century 41 Checklist in .txt format to use in the Sim User manual in .pdf format to help fly in X-Plane FSE file included to fly Flight Sim Economy Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB VRAM Minimum Download Size: 311 Mb Review System Specifications Intel i5 13400 – 32GB RAM - Nvidia Asus RTX 4070 – Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit __________________________________ Aircraft Review by Dominic Smith 29th April 2025 Copyright©2025: 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).

Scenery Review: KLDJ - Linden Airport, New Jersey by Skytitude By Dennis Powell Introduction If you looked up the term “cute little airport” in any dictionary, you might just find the subject of this review. Welcome to the Garden State of New Jersey and Linden Airport. Situated just south of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and surrounded by urban sprawl, Linden Airport is a tiny GA field hemmed in by the city on three sides and a rail yard to the south. Its claim to fame is that it's only five minutes from New York City by helicopter. If you’re looking for a smaller GA airport from which to explore New York City and its surroundings, this is it. You won’t be intimidated by large airliners forcing you to wait in line for takeoff. The airport offers a single runway, running east to west, and a spacious ramp with plenty of ramp start points to choose from. As advertised, it’s only five minutes from here to New York City, or even less if your destination is Staten Island. Installation Process Installation couldn’t be simpler. Just open the zipped file, then copy and paste it into your Custom Scenery folder. In my case, I just drag it to the Custom Scenery folder that’s pinned to my sidebar when I download files. It’s that easy. There’s no product code, licence code, or activation process involved. Documentation Documentation for this file is limited to a single readme file in Notepad format that explains the installation process. There are no charts or navigation documents included for this airport. High Altitude Overview Flying over the airport, it’s almost easy to miss. It’s very small and is surrounded by a mall on one side and a rail yard on the other. The single runway runs east to west and has a full-length taxiway just south of it. There’s a large ramp in front of the hangars, and another even larger ramp behind that. The most noticeable feature from above is the strip mall to the north, with its huge parking lot that’s almost bigger than the airport itself. At one time in its history, Linden Airport had two runways, but the north-south runway was demolished to make room for the strip mall. Parts of the old taxiway leading to that former runway are still visible from the air. Runway and Taxiways The runway is wide at 100 feet, but not very long at just 4,140 feet, so don’t expect to get a Boeing 747 in or out of here. The runway surface is in good condition, though the markings are realistically faded and worn. It’s well-lit along the sides, but there are no centreline lights. There are two taxiway connections at midfield and another at each end of the runway. They’re well marked and match the runway in terms of faded paint, but overall, they’re in good condition. The main taxiway runs parallel to the runway and connects to the large ramp. Ground Textures and Foliage For ground textures, the author used ortho photos, but unlike some airports I’ve reviewed, it looks like they took the time to eliminate time-sensitive shadows and things like cars on roads, aircraft on ramps, and other 2D objects from the ortho. I wasn’t able to open this airport in World Editor, so I can’t confirm whether ortho photos were used for the runway, taxiways, and ramp, but I suspect they were, with transparent textures added. I say that because I never saw any AI aircraft spawning on the ramp or using the airport at all. As for the foliage, it seems to blend well with the surrounding autogen, and I couldn’t see any time-sensitive shadowing under the trees. The trees are 3D and move with the wind. Signage and Navigation Aids When it comes to signage, there are custom airport signs at the edge of the field that match what I saw on Google Earth Street View, along with numerous taxi signs on the field itself. They all appear to be correct and easy to read. As for navigation aids, there’s only the airport beacon guiding you to the field. No other nav aids are present at this airport, so you have to find it the hard way. Main Airport Buildings The airport terminal looks like a large hangar, with another hangar right next to it. Behind those are four more hangars, including the nesting T-type hangars, and they all match up well with pictures found on the web. The next most prominent structure is the strip mall next to the airport. It features a few stores, including two each of a Home Depot and a JCPenney, as well as Marshalls and Sears. In reality, there are quite a few different stores in this area, including an AMC movie theatre, but that’s missing here. What I haven’t been able to figure out is where these store models come from. They’re not default, and they’re not in the airport’s objects folder either. The strip mall doesn’t appear in the default version of the airport, so it must be in this file somewhere, I just haven’t been able to find it. Ground Clutter and 3D People There’s not much in the way of airport clutter here, and no people. It feels like the airport is deserted. There aren’t even any parked aircraft on the ramp. A fire truck is parked next to one of the main hangars, and aside from some traffic cones, there’s not a lot else. One detail I did notice is the 3D rings on the tie-down points in the parking area. Each of the T markings has prominent 3D hard points that stick up from the ground. They were too far apart for my Cessna 172 from Airfoil Labs to tie down to, but they are there. Surrounding Area Here’s where the first real mystery comes in. The author has added the nearby strip mall, which now covers what used to be part of the airport, but I can’t figure out how they did it. There’s nothing in the objects file, and it’s not part of the default library, so I’ve no idea how the strip mall ended up in the scenery. As for the rest of the surroundings, autogen fills things in pretty well, and the area looks as built up as you’d expect for this part of New Jersey. The airport is surrounded by urban clutter, mostly provided by Laminar’s autogen, and it fits the scene perfectly. I really felt like I was flying over Linden, New Jersey. Night Lighting This is another area where the scenery really stands out. It’s been said that most airports should look like a black hole when surrounded by a city, and this one pulls that off very well. It’s a little black spot surrounded by city streetlights, parking lot lights, and a huge airport just to the north. The only things that give it away are the airport beacon and the runway and taxiway lights. There’s minimal ramp lighting and only a few lights on the main hangars. It really does feel like a black hole in the middle of a city. Another nice touch is how the author used ortho photos to precisely place the runway and taxiway lights, so they’re exactly where they appear at the real airport. Performance Impact This is one of the most built-up areas in X-Plane, being this close to New York City, and the performance reflects that. For most of my flights, I was averaging between 23 and 38 frames per second. Now, I’ve got a pretty solid computer with plenty of memory, but if you’re on a lower-end machine with just the minimum specs to run X-Plane, New York and upper New Jersey are going to push it. I’m running 32 GB of RAM and a graphics card with 12 GB of video RAM, and even then, I wasn’t seeing anything above 38 FPS, so judge accordingly based on your setup. Conclusion If you’re looking for an airport to start exploring the New York City area, there’s none better. You’ve got the airport to yourself, so there’s no waiting to take off. It’s super close to a lot of scenery objects, especially in NYC. It’s not a huge airport, so it’s not one for people who like to fly airliners, but for light GA and helicopters, it’s ideal. And for the price, you really can’t beat it. It’s probably the most accurate version of this airport available, and I even checked the default version to be sure. I’ll give it five stars, and would give it more if I could have opened it in WED to see how they did what they did. ______________________________________ KLDJ - Linden Airport, New Jersey by Skytitude is now available from the X-Plane.org Store here: KLDJ - Linden Airport Priced at $12.95 Features Highly Detailed & Realistic Representation – A precise recreation of Linden Airport Expansive Industrial & Commercial Areas – Perfect for immersive VFR flights Advanced PBR Textures & Materials – Realistic surfaces with physical-based rendering Dynamic Weather Effects – Wet surfaces powered by X-Plane 12's latest technology True-to-Life Buildings & Night Lighting – Stunning visuals at any time of day Ultra-High Resolution Object Textures – Enhanced realism with X-Plane 12 detail maps Dense, Hand-Placed Vegetation & Forests – Lush surroundings for added immersion Custom 3D Grass & Foliage – Using X-Plane 12's cutting-edge vegetation technology Extensive Surrounding Area – Thousands of hand-placed objects for maximum authenticity Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux Download Size: 500 MB Current version : 1.0 - March 13th 2025 Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 25th April 2025 Copyright©2025: 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: Aeropro EuroFOX by VSKYLABS By Colin Parker Introduction The Aeropro EuroFox is another Rotax-powered microlight/light sport aircraft coming out of Eastern Europe. The first model was built in 1990 by Aeropro at their factory in Nitra (then in Czechoslovakia, now Slovakia) and has become a well-established aircraft, popular and trusted by pilots. It’s a high-wing monoplane, seating two in a tandem configuration. It cruises at around 90 knots (similar to a Cessna 150 or 152) and with a stall speed of about 35 knots, it is ideal for short field operations. The EuroFox is available in either tricycle or tailwheel configurations and comes with the usual cocktail of engine and instrumentation options. The VSkyLabs add-on includes three variants of the EuroFOX aircraft: A240, A220, and A220 STOL. The EuroFOX A240 is equipped with tricycle-gear and steerable nosewheel, while the A220 is a taildragger and incorporates a steerable tail wheel. Installation and documentation The package includes separate versions for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12. This review covers the X-Plane 12 version. The download comes as a 232 MB zip file, expanding to 358 MB once uncompressed. Once downloaded, extract the "XP12-VSL Aeropro EuroFOX AU v9.0" folder into: X-Plane 12\Aircraft\Extra Aircraft\ As with other VSkyLabs products, the EuroFox includes a well put together Pilot Operating Handbook (POH). It is based on the official AeroPro POH but includes everything needed to make the most of the various add-ons. There are links to the AeroPro documentation as well, which are useful, although the add-on uses knots or kilometres per hour for airspeed, while the real-world manuals are all in miles per hour. Like their other aircraft, VSkyLabs have grouped all the X-Refs and commands into a single collection, making it easier to set up flight simulator hardware and integrate with tools like Air Manager. External walk-round All three aircraft are beautifully modelled on the outside and come with the same set of liveries. Textures, rivets, and latches are all nicely done, and all labels are crisp and clean. The three-blade propeller definitely looks the part. Transparent panels reflect light effectively and feature realistic stress marks and scratches. Light also reflects convincingly off the exterior surfaces. Other than the doors, there are no openable panels, and no ground handling equipment or covers. While it would be nice to have these features included to allow for a proper walk-round, their absence has not spoiled my experience of the add-on and seems fair given the price point. The main wheels on the tricycle version are bush wheels. On the standard tailwheel aircraft, they are a more traditional size and fitted with fairings. Visually, the only difference with the bush flying version is the larger bush wheels and the rather natty looking bright red leading-edge slats. In the Cockpit The EuroFox cockpit is laid out in a very similar way to VSkyLabs’ Aeroprakt A22. All variants share the same setup, with a standard instrument six-pack, an X-Plane G530, transponder, and a simple autopilot integrated into the turn and slip indicator. You can switch the airspeed indicator between knots and kilometres per hour by clicking on it. The compass is mounted at the top of the windshield, and there is no directional gyro. There is a fuel tank in each wing, with the fuel level indicators visible from within the cockpit in the wing roots. Fuel level changes are accurately reflected on the gauges. Starting up involves opening the fuel valves for each tank. Like the Aeroprakt, these are located behind you and are easy to forget about when you're seated in the cockpit. The Rotax engines behave more like car engines than traditional aero engines. They run on standard unleaded fuel, but for me, having grown up on Continental and Lycoming engines, the biggest difference is in the engine revolutions. Warming up the engine at 2500 RPM for two minutes, then increasing to 3000 RPM to reach oil temperature, feels high but is correct. There is a hot spot on the right-hand side of the canopy that allows you to fit and remove the AviTab plugin. Ground Handling With nose wheel steering, ground handling in the tricycle gear variant is very straightforward. Visibility on the ground isn’t bad by tailwheel standards, although you still need to weave to make sure you avoid running into anything. The steerable tailwheel, supported by differential braking, makes both variants easy to manoeuvre. Like other tailwheel aircraft, the EuroFox is sensitive to wind while on the ground. During taxiing, it is important to orient the control surfaces correctly to stop a wing from lifting. A handy tip I came across is to always keep the stick pointed in the direction the wind is blowing. For example, if the wind is coming from over your right-hand shoulder, then push the stick fully forward and to the left. I have always struggled with working out how to deal with wind on the ground, and this tip (obvious though it now seems) has worked wonders for my taxiing. Take-off and Landing Tricycle gear: Smooth application of throttle sees the EuroFox lift off at around 35 knots. Like the Aeroprakt, it climbs like a lift, with a rate of over 1000 feet per minute. Landing is straightforward, with or without flaperons. I flew the approach at 60 knots with full flaperon, with wheels touching down at around 40 knots. Tailwheel: As with the stock Super Cub, hold the stick back until you're rolling, then centre it and work the pedals to keep straight as the tail rises. The aircraft lifts itself into the air a little later than the tricycle version, at around 40 to 43 knots. If you can land the Super Cub, the EuroFox will present no challenges. Both three-pointer and wheeled landings are straightforward, with an approach at 60 knots and touchdown at around 40. Stall and spin Awareness Having tested the stall behaviour, I am not entirely sure it is quite right. It seems to stall with a left-wing drop just under 40 knots, which is about right, but the flaperons do not seem to make any difference. A spin can be achieved (although, according to the in-cockpit labelling, intentional spinning is prohibited) by applying full rudder in either direction just before the stall. To recover, simply centre the joystick and apply power. For the bush-flying version, the leading-edge slats make a noticeable difference to stall performance. Rather than stalling, this version just settles into a 500 feet per minute controlled descent, during which the ailerons remain usable. In the Cruise Handling is smooth and well balanced in all axes. The EuroFox cruises at around 90 knots and is easily trimmed. The long wing flaperons give the aircraft a positive and immediate roll response, and pitch control is equally responsive. There are no noticeable differences between the three aircraft variants. Visibility is nothing short of astonishing. The clear panel in the roof makes more of a difference than you might expect, especially when turning. None of the old problems I remember from learning in the Cessna 150, like having to lift the wing before turning to make sure the path was clear, then hurrying into the turn and hoping nothing had changed, apply here. The autopilot is basic but effective, allowing control of both direction and attitude. Once you are flying at your desired height and heading, you can enable the autopilot by pressing the ALT button. A green rectangle will appear in the centre of the autopilot panel, with an orange square in the middle. This indicates "altitude hold" mode, and the aircraft will maintain straight and level flight. Clicking the UP or DN buttons changes the indicator to orange, switching the autopilot to "attitude hold" mode. In this mode, it maintains the pitch attitude you have set, causing the aircraft to climb or descend. You can also use the LT and RT buttons to control roll and change direction. Clicking ALT again will reset the system to "altitude hold" mode, and the aircraft will return to level flight. Pressing ALT a second time disables the autopilot. It is more complicated to explain than to use. There are no fancy linkages to flight plans in the Garmin 530, or any throttle control, but it does what it says on the tin. If, like me, you struggle to take external videos while maintaining control in flight, it is the perfect solution. The Garmin 530 allows you to enter and view flight plans and is where you manage radio and navigation frequencies. A separate transponder unit is installed in the usual place just below it. AOA Indicator The EuroFox includes a virtual Angle of Attack (AOA) indicator, based on the 'Alpha Systems AOA' Eagle kit. It uses a simple, colour-coded chevron display that's easy enough to get used to. The green bar shows a low angle of attack and a good margin above stall. Just above that is a yellow triangle which marks manoeuvring speed, so full control deflection is available at that point. Yellow segments mean your angle is getting higher and the safety margin is reducing. The blue doughnut is the sweet spot for landing. If you see red chevrons, you're approaching or have gone past the critical angle and it’s time to correct. It’s a really handy bit of kit, especially during approaches. There are no audio cues like in the real thing, but it does the job nicely in the sim. Sound The model sounds very similar to the Aeroprakt, with accurate engine and in-cockpit audio. It might not be the most sophisticated soundscape I have ever come across, but it is more than acceptable, especially considering the price of the add-on. Night lighting The lighting all works as expected, with position lights only visible within the correct arcs. Cockpit lighting is suitably muted, and the airframe reflects external light in a realistic way. Performance None of the variants had any noticeable impact on simulator performance. They manage to look good while consuming minimal processing power. Conclusion Visually, and in terms of equipment, the EuroFox add-on is very similar to the VSkyLabs Aeroprakt A22. However, I have found it much easier to fly. All three models are a delight, although my particular favourite is the bush wheel variant, with its leading-edge slats and huge bush wheels. As an avid fan of flying “low and slow” in X-Plane, I am very grateful to VSkyLabs for continuing to produce these fantastic small GA add-ons. Thoroughly recommended. ____________________________________________ Aeropro EuroFOX by VSKYLABS is available from the Org store here: Aeropro EuroFOX by VSKYLABS Priced at US$29.00 Project Highlights Three aircraft included (A240/A220/A220-STOL). Designed for X-Plane 12 cutting edge flight model environment. Authentic flight dynamics with authentic performance and flight handling characteristics. Built for VR: Tailored for VR, and optimized for 2D usage. Engineered and designed as a genuine, default X-Plane 12 aircraft. The VSKYLABS projects are practically show-casing X-Plane, as they are stretching X-Plane default features, systems and flight model to its limits without any dependencies on complementary plugins or software...delivering a very robust simulation model, having maximum compatibility with the ever evolving X-Plane flight simulator. Perfect fit for beginner and expert pilots. Practice your skills through the Tricycle landing gears EuroFOX, Tail-Wheel variant, and a STOL Bush-Plane variant. Equipped with Alpha Systems AOA 'Eagle' indicator replica. Built-in Avitab Plugin Compatibility (AviTab plugin is not included). FMOD 2.0 sound pack. Autoupdater based on the SkunkCrafts autoupdater - 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: VSKYLABS offers continuous professional support, from all aircraft related aspects (operating and flying) to X-Plane technical support. Includes the VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders Heaven' assignment layer. It allows assigning all aircraft switches, knobs, levers and interactions in a designated, uncluttered section in the X-Plane 12 assignment screen. Under constant maintenance and development. Requirements: X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 9.0 (XP12) (Feb 1st 2025) Reviewers System: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor 3.80 GHz Memory: 32.0 GB Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Aircraft Review by Colin Parker 23rd April 2025 Copyright©2025: 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: Diamond DA20 SV by Aerobask - Second Opinion By Colin Parker Introduction The Diamond DA20 C1 is an Austrian-designed, two-seat, single-engine light aircraft intended for general aviation. Developed by Diamond Aircraft and based on their successful Dimona motor glider, it was first introduced in 1992. It features a composite airframe, tricycle landing gear, low-wing configuration, a T-tail, and a castoring nosewheel. It is widely used in flight schools due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness. The US Air Force has used the DV20 (a Canadian-built variant of the DA20) in its initial pilot selection programme since 2002. There have been a number of different variants with different powerplants. This version features the Continental IO-240-B3B engine, and Aerobask have designated it the DA20 SV due to its inclusion of the excellent Skunkcrafts Dynon SkyView glass cockpit. The DA20’s composite construction is a relative rarity among trainers. However, like Grob with their 115 and Slingsby with the Firefly, Diamond have drawn on their glider production heritage to create a good-looking and easy-to-fly aircraft. Although this DA20 includes instrumentation and avionics suitable for flight under instrument flight rules (IFR), its plastic airframe lacks lightning protection and therefore does not qualify for IFR certification. Additionally, the GPS fitted to the aircraft is not certified for instrument navigation. Installation and Documentation It’s important to note that the DA20 is only compatible with X-Plane 12.1.2 and above. If you haven’t upgraded to at least this version, it won’t work. After purchasing, you’ll be able to download the aircraft as a zip file. Once downloaded, extract the Diamond DA20SV folder into: X-Plane 12\Aircraft\Extra Aircraft\ The zip file is 295MB, expanding to 700MB when uncompressed. The first time you load the add-on, and again if you receive an update, you’ll need to enter the serial number provided by Aerobask and restart. You can either restart the entire simulator, or if you're comfortable doing so, simply reload the aircraft from the Developer menu. There are four PDFs in the Documents folder: Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) Checklist – Normal Operations Checklist – Emergencies Aircraft Installation All four documents are well laid out and provide just the information a flight sim enthusiast needs. If I had one criticism, it’s that the POH is a little light on documentation for the SkyView panel, offering only a link to an unnarrated video by Skunkcrafts. Aerobask Configuration Panel As with other recent Aerobask models, the DA20 introduces a new menu item in X-Plane that provides access to an aircraft configuration panel. The panel has four tabs: Ground – Allows you to choose the livery, set the crew model (male or female pilot), and choose whether the co-pilot is visible. It also lets you set the fuel level and configure external components, such as the external EPU and ground objects. More on the ground objects later. Options – Contains four sub-tabs. It allows you to control visual appearance and pop-ups for each instrument. If you have a Navigraph subscription, it also enables integration of Navigraph charts into SkyView. Additionally, it allows configuration of electrical reliability and enables a steerable nosewheel. This is not true to life, but it does make ground handling easier. Sounds – Replicates the sound panel in X-Plane settings. About – Contains the copyright statement and credits the incredible team involved in creating this aircraft. External Walk-around As always with Aerobask, the aircraft is visually superb. They have made extensive use of 4K textures and PBR to craft a model that looks real inside and out. Peering into the air intakes, there is a detailed representation of the engine. Little details, like the disc brakes, are faithfully reproduced. The aircraft’s skin is beautifully rendered, with rivets and bolts clearly visible. There are even minor blemishes in the carbon fibre, giving the impression of an aircraft that is well used but well cared for. The attention to detail in the operation of the ailerons and flaps is superb, with the actuators accurately reproduced and animated. Under the empennage, there is a skid to protect the aircraft body in the event of over-rotation, and the elevator trim is fully animated. It’s a shame there are no openable panels to let you inspect the engine or check fuel levels visually, but these are minor points in an otherwise exceptional model. In the Cockpit – Skunkcrafts SkyView This excellent representation of the Dynon SkyView glass cockpit is also used by Aerobask in their Shark XL model. Given the VFR-only status of the aircraft, it represents a level of complexity beyond real-world requirements, but it provides a very usable introduction to flying and navigating under Instrument Flight Rules, albeit not legally in IMC conditions. One of my constant challenges with other glass cockpits in X-Plane has been the difficulty of operating the controls, particularly the knobs, with a mouse. Over the years, this, combined with the fact that I learned to fly using an old-school six-pack panel, has rather put me off trying to use glass panels in the simulator. Skunkcrafts (and I guess Dynon should take some credit too) have addressed both of these issues. Their implementation of the SkyView PFD (Primary Flight Display) is a revelation. Firstly, you can configure it as a six-pack panel rather than an integrated display, and secondly, they’ve solved the problem of operating the panel. The SkyView itself is touch-enabled, which naturally makes things easier, but Skunkcrafts have also introduced a neat feature that allows you to control settings like barometric pressure and the heading bug using either a number panel or simply by scrolling your mouse wheel. This is much easier to do than it is to explain, and it has completely transformed my experience of glass panel flying in X-Plane. A quick look at the dataref settings reveals a large number of specialised datarefs, which could be used to create a physical cockpit connected to the SkyView panels using Air Manager or similar hardware integration tools. My only criticism of the SkyView is the lack of detailed documentation. Dynon have produced a series of online training courses for the real product, which are quite helpful, but it’s worth bearing in mind there are some differences between their system and the Skunkcrafts version. The good news is that there’s more detail on the SkyView panels in Stephen’s excellent review here: Aircraft Review: Diamond DA20 SV by Aerobask. To get flying, you really only need a basic understanding of the PFD, and thankfully it’s relatively straightforward. While I initially planned to include a full menu breakdown, I found it’s actually easier to explore the system for yourself. It’s intuitive, and for anyone wanting to go deeper, Stephen’s review and Dynon’s documentation are great places to start. A manual for the real Dynon SkyView system can be found here: https://manualmachine.com/dynonavionics/skyviewpilots/1435474-user-manual Please note this isn’t the manual for the Skunkcrafts version, but I found it helpful when learning the basics. Ground Handling With its castoring nosewheel, I expected the aircraft to be a challenge on the ground, but it really wasn’t. I’m not sure what Aerobask have done, but I found manoeuvring the DA20 much easier than with other aircraft like the stock SR22 and RV10 models. As mentioned earlier, the option to enable a steerable nosewheel is included for those who prefer it. The aircraft is quite slippery, so you do have to watch your speed while taxiing. Flying the DA20 SV Take-off: With a single notch of flap, progressively applying full power requires a fair amount of right rudder to keep the nose straight. The DA20 lifts off between 50 and 60 knots and, on full power, will settle at 70 knots with a climb rate exceeding 1,000 fpm. Crosswind take-offs are straightforward. As always, a bit of into-wind aileron is required to stop the wind-side wing from lifting early, but the well-coordinated and responsive controls make it a joy. General Handling: I learnt to fly back in the late 1980s on Cessna 150s, but the flying school also had a Slingsby Firefly (also of composite construction), and we each got one flight in it. Flying the Firefly was a joy compared to the Cessna. It was responsive and light to the touch in ways the 150 could never be. This DA20 reminds me very much of the Slingsby, with its smooth and precise controls. I usually have problems with trim in the simulator, but getting the DA20 trimmed for level flight is very easy. Maximum cruise is 117 knots, making it marginally faster than a Cessna C150/152. In smooth air, you could theoretically reach up to 150 knots, though I’m not sure the engine would actually pull the aircraft in a straight line at that speed. Stall and Spin Awareness: It’s in the stall that this model really comes to life. The wings of the DA20 have washout, meaning the stall begins at the wing root and spreads slowly outward as speed decreases. Stall occurs between 45 and 40 knots depending on conditions and is preceded by an increasingly strident stall warning horn and very realistic buffet. When the stall finally arrived, I experienced a fairly pronounced left-wing drop. The real-world documentation states that this shouldn’t happen, so more than likely it was down to my ham-fisted handling rather than a flaw in the aircraft itself. Slow flight into and out of the incipient stall is a fascinating exercise, made easier once again by the extraordinary precision of the controls. Landing: A successful landing requires the courage to fly as slowly as the manual instructs. Approach at 55 knots, wheels down at 45, feels almost stationary after cruising at 117 knots. Come in too fast and you’ll float… and float… and float. From circuit height in relatively calm conditions, I’ve found that the throttle can safely be closed as you turn base. In windier conditions, you do need a bit of throttle to get the aircraft over the threshold. I went with the first notch of flap on base leg, and the final notch after turning final. The target is to trigger the stall warning just before touchdown. This is harder than it sounds, but well worth the effort. Sound Sound in X-Plane 12 is one of its greatest assets, and Aerobask have really stretched the boundaries of what’s possible. The sound on this aircraft is nothing short of astonishing. Every control and switch appears to have its own distinct sound, and both the interior and exterior soundscapes are beautifully modelled. With an external view, I even caught the whoosh of wind as the aircraft passed close by. Night Lighting The Aerobask DA20 is equipped with the usual complement of lights: position, strobe, taxi, and landing. It’s also possible to set the landing and taxi lights to “pulse”, flashing alternately to make the aircraft more visible. There’s a map light inside the cockpit as well, allowing the pilot to see what they’re doing. The aircraft really comes to life at night. Light sources around it are perfectly reflected, and the overall lighting looks truly realistic both inside and out. I’ve been particularly impressed by the view of the interior lights from outside the aircraft. The map light works perfectly, and the effect of the instrument dimmer switch is clearly visible. Performance The use of 4K textures and PBR does mean this aircraft places more demands on your computer than less detailed models. You really do need the 8GB of memory in your graphics card that Aerobask recommend. That said, my PC is not a top-end machine, and I’ve had no issues. Conclusion Given my previous experiences with Aerobask products, I’m not surprised by the quality of the DA20 SV. There’s a lot to love about it: the SkyView glass cockpit, the stunning visual quality, the night lighting, and the attention to detail. But to be honest, it’s the flight model, especially its behaviour at slow speeds and in the stall, that really sold it to me. If, like me, you love flying low and slow in VFR on X-Plane, then this add-on is a must-have. ____________________________________________ Diamond DA20 SV by Aerobask is available from the Org store here: Diamond DA20 SV by Aerobask Priced at US$34.95 Features: Aerobask quality 3D model High quality mesh 3D cockpit High resolution PBR textures (4K) Fully functional virtual 3D cockpit Smoothly animated manipulators ground objects and external battery Accurate flight model Flight model by X-Aerodynamics Accurate behavior and performance in all flight phases Tested (and approved) by real-life pilot Claus Custom dual Dynon Skyview Touch, replacing the original avionics: Touchscreen everything Choice of modern or 6-pack instrument display Configurable screens (PFD/EIS/MAP) Synthetic Vision by OscarPilot Live METAR and TAF Navigraph charts (with Subscription) Scrollable moving map Select navaid/fix/airport directly from click on map resizeable popups and popout, with or without bezel More custom-made original instruments: SV-AP-PANEL autopilot control panel ESI-500 Standby Instrument from L3Harris® RP3 trim indicator from The Ray Allen Company Third party integration: default Laminar GNS530 integration automatic integration of RXP GNT750 (Windows only, needs separate license) automatic integration of TDS GTNXi Pro (Windows only, needs separate license) tablet with Avitab integration alongside with our options panel High quality sounds: Full FMOD environment by Daniela Rodriguez Careri Accurate doppler, distance attenuation and flyby effects. Simulated headset Liveries: 6 UHD 4K liveries out of the box White livery (for painters) Other: Windshield effects: reflections, rain and frost. Many parameters saved between flights. Configurable pilot. Requirements: X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac (even native M1, M2 Macs) or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM recommended Current version: 12.0r2 (January 9th 2024) Reviewers System: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor 3.80 GHz Memory: 32.0 GB Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Aircraft Review by Colin Parker 29th March 2025 Copyright©2024: 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)  

Scenery Review: NSFA - Faleolo Intl. Airport - Samoa by Cami De Bellis By Dennis Powell Introduction Who hasn’t dreamed of a tropical vacation with white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and exotic scenery? I know I have. Now, thanks to Cami De Bellis, we have a gateway to that tropical paradise with Faleolo International Airport in beautiful Samoa. Cami De Bellis has created a stunning new version of Faleolo International, from the updated runway to the breathtaking modern terminal. With over 9,000 feet of well-maintained runway, the airport can accommodate everything from large passenger jets to light GA aircraft and helicopters. It’s the perfect launching point to explore the Pearl of the Pacific. The airport also serves six airlines with connections to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and American Samoa. Installation The compressed file is a little over 1.3 GB in size once downloaded from the Org Store. The folder contains two files: NSFA Faleolo International Airport and NSFA Faleolo Terrain. The terrain folder is important, as this airport is not on flat ground. The parking lot for the main terminal is terraced, and this file corrects the ground levels in X-Plane. To install, simply download the files and place them in your Custom Scenery folder. It’s as simple as that. Documentation Inside the NSFA Faleolo International Airport folder, you’ll find an RTF file containing the documentation. It’s six pages long and provides installation instructions, along with tips for getting the best performance out of the airport. There are also guidelines for users with an Ortho4XP Patch to ensure it doesn’t conflict with the included terrain file. The documentation also includes credits and notes about the included liveries. Exploration Walkthrough From high altitude, this scenery package stands out from the surrounding landscape. This isn’t the fault of the creator but rather a quirk of how Laminar Studios handled vegetation. While Cami uses native South Pacific plant life in her airports, for some reason, Laminar decided to make Samoa look like Northern Idaho. The forests surrounding the airport are filled with pine trees, which feel out of place for an island in the South Pacific. I spent a year and a half in Hawaii, just a bit to the north, and the only time I saw anything resembling pine trees was at high elevations, not down at sea level where this airport is located. The result is that the airport contrasts sharply with its surroundings, but that’s down to Laminar’s autogen, not Cami’s work. Runway and Taxiways Faleolo International has only one runway, and from the look of it on Google Earth, it appears to be very well maintained. Cami has captured this perfectly, with a pristine runway, brand-new taxiways, and well-marked ramps. The markings are crisp, with no mismatched or off-center lines. Some of the pavement is represented by ortho photos, but only in areas where aircraft aren’t supposed to go. This means you won’t run into any issues with trying to overpower your aircraft as if you were on grass. Taxiway access is limited, with only a few connections to the main ramp in front of the terminal. To access the runway, especially from the executive terminal, you’ll need to back taxi. And be prepared to wait. If you have AI planes enabled, traffic control can get a bit chaotic at times. Ground Textures and Foliage For the ground textures, Cami has used ortho photos, and while I’m not usually a fan of orthos, she has done the hard work of eliminating many of the 2D objects and unwanted shadows that can ruin an ortho photo. This isn’t an easy task, as I’ve learned from experimenting with other airports. When it comes to foliage, Cami shines by using native plants and trees. Anyone familiar with the CDB Library will know she has the local flora nailed down perfectly. Now, if only Laminar Research could do the same. I mean, come on, pine trees at sea level in Samoa? Like I said, that’s on Laminar, not on Cami. She knows her South Pacific islands. Signage and Navigation Aids If you’re looking for signage, this airport has plenty. Taxi signs are accurate, well-placed, and highly visible. Billboards are everywhere, and they match up perfectly with Google Earth Street View. As if that weren’t enough, the terminal buildings are covered in signage. I could spend hours just reading them all. As for navigation aids, there is a VOR transmitter located on the field, and when I tune it in, the instruments point right at it. That’s the limit of my IFR training, I’m afraid. As a helicopter and light GA pilot, I don’t usually rely on nav aids to find my way around, but I suspect those trained in IFR will have no trouble locating this airport. Main Airport Buildings and Interiors One feature that really stands out is the main terminal. Its unique architecture has been captured splendidly by Cami, and it includes a fully modelled interior as well as exterior details. Many of the hangars are fully open, revealing aircraft under maintenance, spare parts, and supplies. Signs are scattered throughout, and even a few people are placed inside, giving them a lived-in feel. Most hangars, the new VIP terminal, the control tower, fire stations, and auxiliary buildings also include interior details, making the airport feel immersive and realistic. Ground Clutter and 3D People Ground clutter is everywhere at this airport, from ramp equipment and vehicles to broken airplanes and the usual assortment of cones, barriers, signage, and moving traffic. But what really makes the airport come alive are the people. Anyone familiar with the CDB Library will recognize plenty of familiar faces here. Cami has not only used many of her signature "Peeps" from the library but has also added new characters specific to Samoa, dressed in traditional outfits. In my humble opinion, it’s the people that truly make an airport feel like a living space, and Cami De Bellis provides some of the best 3D people available in X-Plane. Surrounding Area The airport sits right on the coast at just 58 feet above sea level. Google Earth shows lush tropical rainforest to the north of the field, but for some reason, X-Plane’s autogen has rendered a pine forest instead. The capital city of Apia is about twenty-five miles to the east. A terrain mesh is included in the package, accurately rendering the airport’s unique topography, including the subtly terraced parking lot in front of the terminal. One notable feature near the airport is a large solar panel array. This is the only spot in the scenery where the ortho remains purely 2D, without 3D objects placed over it. Night Lighting Night lighting is very well executed, with most buildings featuring lit interiors. The lighting is subtle and not too harsh, and service vehicles moving around the ramps have active lights. The main terminal building has the most lighting, with illuminated ramps and interior spaces, making it stand out from the surrounding area. Runway and taxiway lighting is also well done, providing a realistic effect without being overdone. Performance Considering the size of the package and level of detail, I expected a slight hit on frame rates, but surprisingly, I didn’t notice any. Every flight has been smooth, with frame rates in the mid to upper 30s or better. This is despite the fact that many object textures are in 4K resolution and the scenery includes over 130 custom objects. I believe anyone with a midrange computer should be able to achieve decent frame rates and a smooth experience at this airport. Conclusion I’d give this airport ten stars if the rating system went that high. At just $17.60, it’s worth every penny, and you’ll get more than your money’s worth. It’s a rich, vibrant airport full of detail, with unique architecture and plenty of character. I’d call this a must-have for anyone who loves South Pacific culture or is a fan of Cami De Bellis. She’s really outdone herself, and this airport shines. ______________________________________ NSFA - Faleolo Intl. Airport - Samoa by Cami De Bellis is now available from the X-Plane.org Store here: NSFA - Faleolo Intl. Airport Priced at $17.60 Features Ultra-detailed scenery for NSFA – Faleolo International Airport Over 130 custom objects with ambient occlusion Terrain mesh enhancements to smooth bumps and accurately reflect the airport's topography Adjusted XP12 default mesh for the airport area by Maps2XPlane (Ortho4XP patch included) Photorealistic textures on buildings, vehicles, trees, and more Ground textures based on high-resolution 90cm satellite imagery Detailed airport objects and GSE vehicles Custom textured taxiways, runways, and apron New Regional (Domestic) Terminal recently opened New VIP Terminal Custom surrounding buildings and high-definition airport lighting High-res textures for buildings in 2K and 4K Stunning night effects WT3 compatibility Native characters designed specifically for the airport Active ground traffic Requirements X-Plane 12 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1.3 GB Version 1.0 (Feb 5th 2025) Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 21st March 2025 Copyright©2025: 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: Extra 330-350 SC by Vertigo Design By Michael Hayward Introduction The Extra 300 series is a single-seat aerobatic aircraft designed by Extra Flugzeugbau. First manufactured in 1988, it has undergone several iterations and has won multiple aerobatic competitions over the years, including being crowned World Champion Aerobatic Aircraft five times between 2009 and 2016! Vertigo Design is a small, two-man development team within the X-Plane community, having released a handful of aerobatic planes for the sim, each proving popular in its own right. Their latest update brings the Extra 330 SC to X-Plane 12, along with the introduction of the 350 SC model. For those of you not familiar with the model, the Extra been around for some time as Stephen originally reviewed it way back in 2016. However, things have certainly changed in the X-Plane world since then, so in this review, we’ll take the Extra for a spin, putting it through its paces to see just how close it gets to the real thing. Aircraft Specification Crew: 1 Length: 7.01 m (23 ft 0 in) Wingspan: 8 m (26 ft 3 in) Height: 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) Empty Weight: 677 kg (1,493 lb) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 820 kg (1,808 lb) Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A 6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed piston engine Aircraft Performance Cruising Speed: 154 kts (252 mph, 406 km/h) Stall Speed: 60 kts (69 mph, 110 km/h) g Limits: +10/-10g Download & Install After purchasing from the X-Plane.Org Store, you receive two download links, one for X-Plane 11 and another for X-Plane 12. Once you've downloaded the version for your chosen simulator, you'll get a ZIP file containing both the Extra 330 SC and Extra 350 SC. Simply drag and drop these into your X-Plane Aircraft folder, and you're good to go! Each aircraft folder includes an introduction manual in both English and French. These documents are eight pages long and provide a basic overview of the aircraft, including a labelled cockpit panel map and explanations of key gauges. The manuals are also well-designed and a pleasure to read, so I highly recommend going through them while you load in for the first time! Additionally, there is a 15-page instruction manual that dives deeper into startup, operation, and flight procedures. Acting as a checklist, it walks you through each step of setup and configuration, making it a handy reference for your first few flights. Note: Due to the complexity of the flight model, it is advisable to set your Flight models per frame to four in X-Plane's General settings menu. Exterior Model The Extra is a simple aircraft, but Vertigo has packed in plenty of detail. At the end of each wing is a small frame that acts as a winglet, helping to keep the aircraft stable. The edge of the horizontal stabiliser moves as part of the elevator, and on the belly of the aircraft, you'll find the large engine exhaust and smoke system that traces the aircraft’s path as it flies. Up close, you can also spot the intake for what is presumably the Pitot tube beneath the canopy, as well as the hinges and locking system that allow the pilot to enter and exit the aircraft. There are also three aerials, one on the roof and two on the belly, enabling communication with the outside world. Vertigo makes full use of PBR and bump mapping in the add-on, creating fantastic reflections along the aircraft’s body. While the Extra is sleek, with a smooth surface and pointed design, a closer look from different angles reveals tiny panels, dents, and imperfections. While these wouldn’t cause any issues in flight, they add a real sense of life to the aircraft. A great deal of effort has gone into making each surface look as realistic as possible. Both variants come with ten liveries, including the famous Red Bull colours (both standard and air race schemes), along with several classic racing designs from over the years. Textures are rendered in 4K resolution and look crisp up close, even down to the pilot names on the canopy frame of certain aircraft. Cockpit and Interior The Extra 330 and 350 both feature a small, simple cockpit with two layers of steam gauges, a row of switches and circuit breakers in the middle, and three additional rows of gauges forming a triangular layout. On the left-hand side frame, you'll also find the GPS. Like the exterior, the cockpit textures are rendered in 4K resolution and are crisp and easy to read in flight. The layout is straightforward, with the most important flight instruments: artificial horizon, altimeter, and airspeed indicator, all placed centrally on the main console. Startup and configuration of the Extra are as simple as they come. To get going, it's just a case of switching on the battery and magnetos. With no flaps and fixed gear, you're set for the duration of your flight. Once you get moving, you’re provided with pop-up digital versions of the steam gauges, giving you a clearer indication of your speed and altitude from within the cockpit. I found this handy when I first started flying the Extra, as it gives you a little more clarity on what the aircraft is doing. Just don’t forget to click on your flight helmet and gloves! Flight Dynamics The Extra 330 and 350 are both fast, nimble aircraft and can be incredibly sensitive to even the slightest touch of the stick. I find the 330 to be a tad more responsive, but that doesn’t mean the 350 is any slower. With just a small nudge, you’ll be spinning and flying vertically in no time. The roll, in particular, is especially sensitive, requiring only minimal input to get the aircraft on its side for a quick turn. One of X-Plane’s greatest strengths is its use of Blade Element Theory to recreate real-world flying dynamics. Vertigo will have made several fine adjustments to the airfoil to ensure the aircraft flies as smoothly as it does in real life. A model like this is where "BET" truly shines, demonstrating just how accurate it can be, especially given the unique flight profile a stunt or race plane requires. The way this aircraft performs in X-Plane’s flight engine is a great showcase of what the platform is capable of. Vertigo also ran the add-on by Red Bull pilot Lukasz Czepiela and used his feedback to refine the flight model, making it as faithful to the real thing as possible. If it’s been approved by a professional who sits behind the stick in real flight, then I certainly can't question its authenticity. It’s definitely a lot sharper in turns than the microlight aircraft I flew a while back. On the ground, it can be a little tricky to steer, especially as a taildragger. You sit fairly low in the cockpit, with the engine immediately in front of you, which makes it harder than usual to follow the taxiway line, mainly because you can’t see it. Be aware too that the aircraft doesn’t have flaps or speed brakes, so slowing down can be quite the challenge. Sound The Extra comes with its own custom audio, designed to match the sound and feel of flying the real thing. While a little basic in some areas, as it does not use FMOD, the recordings themselves are high quality and sound great in the simulator. Buttons and switches, however, rely on the default X-Plane sound system. All engine sounds have been recorded from a real Lycoming engine and are split between ground and air, with pitch and speed adjusting dynamically based on throttle output. Once airborne and flying a high-speed course, the engine sound adds to the immersion, helping you stay focused as you make small power adjustments to keep the aircraft steady. While slightly lacking in some areas, the audio is more than enough to keep you immersed in the flying experience. Performance During my time testing the Extra, I didn’t experience any frame rate issues or lag, which is a real credit to Vertigo Design. Given the level of detail in the model, you might expect some performance impact, especially with Flight models per frame set to four, but it ran smoothly throughout. Of course, how it performs will depend on your system, but in my experience, it ran flawlessly. Opinion and Closing Remarks Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my time flying the Extra 330 and 350 SC in X-Plane 12. While the audio can feel a little flat in some areas, the model and flight dynamics more than make up for it. The airfoil alone is a work of art and fits beautifully within the X-Plane environment. The aircraft’s sensitivity took some getting used to, but once you get a feel for how it flies, it’s easily one of the best in X-Plane. Up close, the modelling is fantastic, with small details that capture the likeness of the Extra while giving the stunt plane a real sense of life. Both variants are nimble little aircraft and an absolute blast to fly, especially when skimming close to the ground or following the course of one of X-Plane’s freeware air race add-ons. At $24.99, this add-on is far from the most expensive in X-Plane, but it’s certainly one of the most unique to fly, making it well worth considering for your virtual hangar. If it's good enough for Lukasz Czepiela (professional pilot of the Red Bull Air Race) to use it personally to prepare for races, then it's certainly good enough for me. _________________________________ Extra 330-350 SC by Vertigo Design is available from the Org store here: Extra 330-350 SC Priced at $24.90 Features: Now includes two models: The Extra 330 SC and the Extra 350 SC Compatible with both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 PBR textures (for incredible dynamic reflections) Incredible flight model made for real pilots (already used by a real Red Bull Air Race pilot !) High quality 3D model 3D visual for damaged structures Immersive sounds Realistic pilot animations High quality liveries and HD textures Reviewers System: Windows 10 Professional AMD Ryzen 5 5900X Processor 32GB RAM Palit GeForce RTX™ 3080 GamingPro Aircraft Review by Michael Hayward  13th March 2025 Copyright©2025: 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)  

Scenery Review: KLAX - Los Angeles International v4.0 by FunnerFlight By Dennis Powell Introduction Welcome to sunny California, land of movie stars and all the glitz and glam that comes with the film industry. Our feature today isn’t just any A-list celebrity; it’s the biggest and busiest international airport on the West Coast and the eighth busiest in the world, handling over 75 million passengers a year. Los Angeles International Airport, a star of countless movies, TV shows, and songs, has been given the VIP treatment by FunnerFlight for X-Plane 12. With so much detail packed into this scenery, it takes time to take it all in. Why This Scenery? For starters, it’s a huge airport that covers 3,500 acres of land with four parallel runways and contains more buildings than I could count, but the designer says there’s something like 35,000 objects, so that’s about a thousand objects per acre. It has objects both inside and outside the airport boundaries. Inside the airport, you’ll find the famous Theme Building that even people who don’t know much about aviation will immediately recognise from all its TV and movie appearances. Outside, you’ll find the prominent Hyperion Water Treatment Plant and the famous In-N-Out Burger franchise. You’ll also see the row of well-known hotels lining the entrance to the airport, all rendered in great detail. Just don’t try landing your helicopter on the rooftop pads. They don’t support it. The airport fully supports AI aircraft and features working jetways, Laminar Ground Services, and photorealistic textures provided by over 20 square miles of satellite ortho imagery. Let’s take a deep dive into this scenery package and see what FunnerFlight has to offer for one of the busiest and most famous airports in the world. Installation Process Once you purchase this scenery package, you’ll download a 774 MB compressed folder. Inside, you’ll find the full airport package along with all the documentation. The installation is straightforward; simply unzip the folder and copy the airport into your custom scenery folder. Once extracted, the airport takes up about 2.33 GB of space. Be sure to check the documentation and use the provided link to download the AutoGate feature so the jetways function as intended. It’s also recommended to use the Global Traffic plugin to exclude traffic from nearby airports, which can help improve frame rates. Documentation When it comes to documentation, this package has a lot. Included is a nine-page manual that covers ways to improve frame rates and provides links to the AutoGate feature, which you’ll need to make the gates work. There’s also a Copyright and End User Licence Agreement, a DG Integrator License PDF, a Quick Start Install PDF, and a VFR chart for Los Angeles. The documentation also includes a link to a static and animated aircraft file to help bring some life to the airport. If you don’t install it, you’ll get a notice saying the airport may not display correctly when you start your flight at LAX. The documents are easy to use, intuitive, and will help you get the most out of the airport. Exploration Walkthrough I started my exploration from another airport so I’d end up over LAX at altitude. The detail from above is stunning. If you’re looking for the most realistic views of LAX, this is the one. FunnerFlight uses ortho photos, which I’m not a huge fan of, but they’ve done a great job covering the 2D elements with 3D objects, addressing some of my usual objections. Realistically, with an airport the size of LAX, it would take over a year to hand-draw every detail without an ortho set. Even from altitude, you can see that FunnerFlight has the most accurate and detailed control tower and Theme Building of any LAX add-on scenery available. Despite the use of orthos, the scenery blends well with the surrounding autogen, likely thanks to the effort Laminar put into making Southern California look as realistic as possible. LAX has four parallel runways, and here, they’re well represented and properly marked. It looks like the designer didn’t use the transparent texture for the runways and taxiways, likely because AI aircraft are supported. The ortho photos appear to make up the bulk of the visible textures, but I did notice some mismatched taxi lines, suggesting there are polygons and lines placed over the orthos. South Sepulveda Boulevard disappears into a tunnel beneath runways 25L and 25R at the southeastern side of the airport. The south end of the road is depicted in 2D, while the north end features a 3D tunnel entrance emerging just south of the LAX sign. Ground Textures & Foliage Ground textures are mainly provided by the ortho photos, supplemented by 3D vegetation, including the palm trees that Southern California is famous for, if I can believe all the movies and TV shows from the area. There’s a hefty file in the objects covering several different types of trees and bushes, including palm trees that are marked as Hawaiian palm trees. The Hawaiian trees don’t seem the least bit out of place in LA. Runway signage, especially the painted markings at the entrances of each runway, are custom objects with default taxiway and runway signage that look like they match up well with the airport diagram. I can’t really speak to the accuracy of the navigation aids, as I don’t usually fly anything but VFR personally, but they seem to be present here and active. At least when I tuned the VOR station, the needles on my panel turned in the right direction. Main Airport Buildings The airport buildings are, I would guess, the part of this package that took the longest to make. There are more buildings in this one airport alone than in all the airports I’ve ever built combined. There are nine main terminals, ten if you count the West Gates terminal at Tom Bradley International separately. At least seven or was it eight parking garages just inside the horseshoe loop, with more terminals to the west of the main terminals. Then there are hangars. Lots of hangars. From huge maintenance facilities to smaller cargo and independent hangars. Only a few of the larger airline maintenance hangars have interiors, with the American Airlines building even having an animated door. No other buildings seem to have interiors, not even the terminals. A prominent feature with a ton of buildings of its own is the central fuel facility, complete with all its tanks, control buildings, and a Los Angeles Fire Department station. The airport also features a lot of moving vehicles. Fuel trucks, baggage trains, pushback tractors, and assorted airport vehicles are everywhere, constantly in motion. This is a very busy airport for ground vehicles. There’s also ramp equipment of every type imaginable sitting on the ramps. California car culture is well represented in all the parking lots, with more 3D cars in just one lot than I’ve used in all my scenery packages combined. One thing that’s conspicuously absent, though, is people. Other than the marshallers, there are no passengers to be found. It’s like everyone decided to go to lunch at the same time. Landmarks and Surroundings Given its presence in the media, LAX is a landmark all its own, with the Theme Building appearing in countless movies. It’s well represented here, but moving beyond the airport, you’ll find the prominent Hyperion Waste Treatment Plant just southwest of LAX. This is the best and most accurate representation of the plant I’ve seen in any LAX scenery package. Also included is the famous In-N-Out Burger just off runway 24R. It looks just like the real thing, matching images found online, and it’s a feature shared with another designer’s LAX package. This might be the most famous In-N-Out franchise in X-Plane. Many warehouses, especially those for air cargo terminals, are scattered around the airport. However, the further you get from the main airport, the more they turn into 2D images on the ortho. There are more warehouses than I could count, along with smaller auxiliary buildings all over the airport. As if that wasn’t enough, every hotel lining the entrance is also modelled. A word of caution though, the helipads on the roofs of the hotels are not landable. Night Lighting Here is where this airport really shines, no pun intended. The night lighting is simply outstanding. The colour-changing poles leading up to the airport entrance, along with the Public Art LAX Gateway pylons, transition smoothly through a spectacular range of colours. The Theme Building and control tower also light up, with the Theme Building changing colours just like the pylons. Ramp lights and parking lot lights are just right, not too bright, not too faded. All the runway, taxiway, and navigation lights are exactly what you’d expect from the world’s eighth busiest airport. Performance Impact The designer recommends a computer with at least 8 GB of video memory on your graphics card and a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. However, I would suggest no less than 12 GB of video memory and at least 32 GB of RAM, and even then, you might want to consider adding more. Flying around the outskirts of the airport, I was getting frame rates in the mid to upper forties. The moment I turned and flew over the airport, it dropped to the mid to upper teens. Some areas, especially around the main terminals, put more strain on memory than others, but overall, you will want as much RAM and the fastest graphics card you can get to keep performance smooth. Conclusion Overall, I had a lot of fun with this airport. There aren’t many airports out there that can claim movie star status, and the real one even has a comprehensive website of its own. I spent way too much time just looking up what you can and can’t take on an airliner. (Who knew you could take antlers on a flight?) FunnerFlight has created one of the most detailed and accurate versions of LAX, the other being from Mister X. It’s certainly a massive improvement over the default version, unless frame rates are your top priority. It’s also ready for Global Traffic, but if you don’t have it, the airport fully supports standard AI traffic, so either way, you’ll find yourself in a very busy airspace. For the level of detail included, the price is more than reasonable, especially considering that the nearest competitor is almost ten dollars more. At $19.95, it’s hard to beat. I’ll give it four and a half stars, with half a star deducted for how it punished my computer’s memory. And really, where else are you going to hire an A-list movie star for that price? ______________________________________ KLAX - Los Angeles International v4.0 by FunnerFlight is now available from the X-Plane.org Store here: KLAX - Los Angeles International v4.0 Priced at $19.95 Features Airport Hotels, carparks, street lighting, and area warehouses LAX landscaped entry mound, Departure Level and Overpass system. Custom Southern California trees and bushes, including various kinds of palm trees. More complete perimeter scenery for a fuller look. Over 35,000 objects. New West Gate Terminal at Tom Bradley Int'l New Qantas and Delta maintenance hangars Improved lighting. Laminar Research Ground Service New XP12 Auto Jetways at every ramp (shift+g) Full Main Parking Lots with cars, buses, and trees Updated roadways Well known landmarks, namely Hyperion treatment plant and the world famous In-and-Out Burger Traffic Global Ready! Animated Airport v4.0 now uses Laminar Ground Service, so there is no lack of vehicles to add to the realism Photo-realistic Scenery Of Airport Close to 20 sq mi of aerial photography High-Definition resolution: 30 cm (1 foot) X-Plane or ortho-texture terminal taxiway option Requirements X-Plane 12 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ Video Card recommended Download size: 775 MB Current version: 4.0 (November 15th 2024) Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 28th February 2025 Copyright©2025: 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: Cessna 172NG Analog by Airfoillabs By DrishalMAC2 Introduction AirFoilLabs has brought the iconic Cessna 172 (C172) into X-Plane 12, offering a deeply immersive, study-level simulation of one of the most popular general aviation aircraft in history. Known for its simplicity, versatility, and extensive use as a training aircraft, the analogue C172 promises a highly detailed and authentic experience that appeals to both aspiring pilots and seasoned simmers. In this review, I’ll explore the AirFoilLabs C172 in X-Plane 12, focusing on its visual fidelity, flight model, systems depth, and overall user experience. As a real-world PPL student with experience flying the smaller C152, I have a solid grasp of how this aircraft should behave. To ensure accuracy, I consulted a C172 flight instructor while writing this review, helping to clarify any knowledge gaps that weren’t directly transferable from the C152. Installation Installing the AirFoilLabs C172 follows a slightly different process compared to most aircraft. After purchasing the product from the Org store, you’ll receive a .txt file containing links to download the AirFoilLabs Product Manager for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Once downloaded, you’ll need to run the installer and follow the setup process. This will install a plugin called XJet into X-Plane. The next time you load a flight, the Product Manager will pop up, prompting you to enter the provided serial key from the store. After activation, the Product Manager will handle the automatic installation of the aircraft and ensure it stays updated. Once installed, the aircraft takes up 3.26GB of disk space, which is relatively small given the extensive features and liveries included. External Texturing & Liveries The external texturing on this aircraft is fantastic. The use of PBR materials results in a stunning fuselage, especially noticeable on polished surfaces under different lighting conditions. With forty-eight liveries available in total, including a blank default livery, users can choose from a wide range of global operators, adding a personal touch to their chosen aircraft. Subtle weathering effects and signs of wear further enhance realism, making the aircraft look like a well-used trainer. The images below are a sample of some of those included in the package. 3D Model & Animations The AirFoilLabs C172 boasts exceptional external modelling, among the best I’ve seen in this class of aircraft. Every detail, from rivets to aerodynamic fairings, is meticulously recreated. You can even enable or disable fairings on the landing gear and vortex generators on the wings, both of which impact the flight model. If you’re unfamiliar, vortex generators help energise airflow over the wing, delaying airflow separation near stall conditions. This feature enhances low-speed performance and makes stalls more predictable. The C172’s 3D model is based on real-world schematics, and the attention to detail is evident. Fluid animations include operational doors, moveable sun visors, and even a floating pen during zero-G manoeuvres. On the ground, chocks, tiedowns, and detailed ground equipment create an immersive pre-flight experience. Additionally, removable engine covers allow for a full engine inspection, while fuel and oil caps can be manually removed to check fluid levels. A dynamic damage model simulates wing bending, overspeed flutter, and structural wear, accurately reflecting the consequences of mishandling the aircraft. These visual and physical effects further elevate the realism of the aircraft. Cockpit & Internal Texturing Step inside the cockpit, and you’re greeted by a fantastic recreation of the C172’s analogue panel. Every gauge, switch, and lever is precisely modelled in 3D. The wear on controls and upholstery tells the story of a frequently flown aircraft, adding to the immersion. Adjustable cockpit lighting allows for customised visibility during night flights, while full VR compatibility makes this an excellent choice for virtual reality pilots. A fully interactive environment ensures that every switch and knob functions as expected. Avionics & Systems The analogue panel includes all the standard equipment found in a real-world C172, including: Dual NAV/COM radios ADF Transponder GNS 530 Custom electrical system with functional circuit breakers For those seeking more advanced navigation options, Reality XP GTN 750 compatibility is also provided. The systems depth is remarkable, with custom logic for the electrical, fuel, and engine systems. Each component is modelled with wear and failure mechanics, delivering a highly realistic experience. For instance, spark plug fouling, fuel pump degradation, and even oil contamination can occur, requiring proactive maintenance to keep the aircraft in top condition. Flight Model & Performance AirFoilLabs has partnered with real-world pilots and flight instructors to fine-tune the flight model, and it clearly shows. The C172 retains the same forgiving characteristics that make it an ideal trainer. It feels smooth and predictable in flight, just as I would expect from this high-wing aircraft. Stalls and spins, in particular, feel remarkably close to my real-world flying experience. Take-off and Climb Take-off at 75 knots is smooth and predictable, with climb performance closely matching real-world figures. Crosswind ground handling feels natural, and soft-field take-off behaviour is well modelled. Cruise At 2300 RPM, the aircraft cruises comfortably at around 110 knots, with accurate fuel consumption and power settings. Its responsiveness to control inputs makes navigation and training manoeuvres a pleasure. Landing Landing characteristics are spot-on, with predictable flare dynamics. The forgiving landing gear makes it easier for newer pilots to achieve smooth touchdowns. Adverse conditions, such as crosswinds, are well modelled, offering the same challenges as real-world flying. Sounds The FMOD sound system delivers a rich and immersive audio environment. Engine noises, control surface movements, and environmental effects, such as rain and wind, are accurately reproduced. Sounds dynamically respond to throttle settings, weather conditions, and pilot actions, further enhancing the sense of realism. Additional Features Damage Simulation: The damage model is a standout feature. Overloading the wings, striking the ground, or neglecting maintenance can result in visible and functional consequences, so it's important to check the failures menu and monitor the aircraft’s condition regularly. Weather Effects: Rain and icing effects on the windshield enhance the flying experience, particularly with X-Plane 12’s updated weather engine. These effects are visually impressive and make flying in winter conditions more immersive and enjoyable. Failure Scenarios: A custom failure management system allows users to simulate realistic emergencies, ranging from electrical malfunctions to engine failures. Scenarios can be saved and replayed for practice, making it a valuable training tool. Integrated Headshake: AirFoilLabs has integrated both external and internal camera effects exceptionally well. Despite already having XPRealistic, I found myself really enjoying AirFoilLabs’ headshake effect, which responds dynamically to G-forces and adds to the overall immersion. Live 2D Electrical and Engine Panel: During flight, you can open a 2D electrical or engine panel, both of which display detailed system information. This is a fantastic tool for students looking to better understand the C172’s systems. As an Aerospace Systems Engineering student, I was thrilled to see this feature included, it genuinely excited me! User Interface (UI) This aircraft includes several unique UI features that enhance usability. One standout feature is the ability to open the Checklist, POH, Performance Charts, and Emergency Procedures using a checklist button located in the bottom-right corner. These UI buttons remain invisible until hovered over, keeping the screen uncluttered. The General page displays a POH cover image alongside a diagram showcasing the aircraft’s size. Next, the Limits pages outline all aircraft flight limits, making them a valuable reference for student pilots. You also have access to normal and emergency checklists, which can be set to manual or automatic mode within the aircraft settings. Additionally, there are five pages of performance data and charts. This is a well-structured and detailed feature, though PDF versions would be a welcome addition. On the bottom-left of the UI, there is a camera selection menu, allowing users to switch between various internal and external camera presets. Also on the left-hand side, there is a comprehensive options menu with the following choices: Aircraft states 2D electrical and engine panels Ground equipment Aircraft variant options Weight and balance Failures Aircraft settings menu Load/save situation The layout is intuitive and easy to navigate, making aircraft customisation simple. In addition, the aircraft features a custom cinematic start sequence when loading into a flight. This optional feature enhances immersion right from the start, complementing the aircraft’s highly detailed UI elements. Conclusion The AirFoilLabs Cessna 172 for X-Plane 12 is a masterclass in simulation fidelity. With exceptional systems depth, impressive visuals, and an authentic flight model, it stands out as one of the most comprehensive general aviation aircraft available for X-Plane, or any flight simulation for that matter. All told, it has thoroughly impressed me! Whether you’re a student pilot honing your skills or an X-Plane enthusiast looking for a highly detailed and enjoyable flying experience, the AirFoilLabs C172 delivers on all fronts. This aircraft is a must-have addition to any X-Plane 12 hangar. ________________________ The C172 NG Analog by Airfoillabs is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: C172 NG Analog Priced at $59.95 Features New X-Plane 12 Features: New detailed 3d Model Interior/Exterior built from scratch! Customizable, Highly Detailed Analog Gauges Reality XP - GTN 750 compatibility Brand new X-Plane 12 flight model Internal Camera Enhancements (G-Forces) - Immersive camera effects out of the box Complex External Camera Enhancements Toe Brakes Smoothing Option for a better experience 3D Model 3D Model based on real aircraft and rebuilt from the ground up Exquisite PBR Texturing Lycoming IO-360-L2A with all engine parts Engine Heater, GPU, Refueling details, Fuel Sampling, Oil Management Covers, Chocks, Tiedowns Interior with many animations, vibrations, zero-G floating objects, baggage, and more Damaged Aircraft Parts Many detailed passengers and pilots Rain, Icing, Broken Windshield Custom Particles Effects 48 Liveries Countless additional details, features, and animation HDR Lighting System FMOD Sound More than 320 sounds + detailed, layered engine samples with audible failures simulation Many real aircraft recording sessions All animations, movements, and situations produce sounds Weather effects outside and inside of the aircraft Flight Model Based on real aircraft flight recordings Performance tuned and correlated with performance tables Behavior details consulted with Pilots and Flight Instructors Additional custom behavior: Stall and Spin, Soft Field Takeoff, Crosswind Ground Operations Lift, Drag, Moment Forces Airfoils Data customized by internal plugin-based tweaker Detailed Damage Simulation as Bending of the wings, Overspeed Flutter, Flaps damage, etc. Wing Tail and Fuselage ground strike simulation. Flight Model is influenced by - Vortex Generators, Flap Gap Seals, Bush Wheels, Fairings, Broken Windshield, etc. Aircraft Systems Custom Fuel System Simulation, including fuel flow and individual components logic and failures Landing Gear plugin-based tuning of forces, including Side Moments, Skidding, and more Detailed Landing Gear Damage - Bending Struts, Tire Wear, Flat Tire, Brakes, etc. Flight Controls Damage simulation Electrical System Plugin Based Custom Electrical System designed according to real C172 Electrical Scheme Simulating All Circuit Breakers, Electrical Components Failures, Short Circuits Custom Busses, Fuses, Corrected Voltages, Amps, Batteries, behaviors, etc. Electrical Scheme 2D Panel with live states Engine Logic Custom Engine Components Simulation and Wear Per Cylinder Simulation of Temperatures, Wear, and Failures Custom Oil Temperature, Pressure Simulation Custom Per Cylinder EGT simulation 2 Magnetos and 8 Individual Spark Plugs Simulations Spark Plugs Fouling Simulation Additional Engine Components Wear and Failure Simulation (Air Intake, Fuel Pump, Exhaust, Fuel/Air Control Unit, Fuel Flow Transducer, Oil Filter, etc.) Failure Management System and Scenarios Saving Custom Plugin-Based Failure Management System 175 Individual Components Simulated Each Aircraft Component has a Wear property with custom Logic Components Wear and Failures influence each other Components State Saving Option Failed at Altitude ASL/AGL Option Possibility to Save Failure Sets as Individual Scenarios with thumbnail and description 30 Scenarios Provided C172 Knowledge Base All of the 175 failable components are explained in detail in a 2D window It provides valuable C172 information about how the aircraft works in real-life Engine Components are 3D clickable from the outside with Instant Descriptions, Explanations, and Illustrations. User Interface and 2D Panels New Gen User Interface with Floating Menu - Ergonomy and Ease of Use in Mind Instant Loading of Aircraft States: Cold&Dark, Before Start, Before Taxi, Before Takeoff Aircraft Options Menu Weight & Balance Detailed Options Complex Failure Management System General Settings include aircraft states, component conditions, sounds, intro, etc. Custom Load/Save Situations Dialog Camera and Quick View Interface Automated Checklists with Performance Calculators (Takeoff, Landing, Cruise) Stylish Intro Animation Aircraft Options Wheel Fairings, Stylish Disc Wheel Covers, Bush wheels Vortex Generators, Flap Gap Seals Cockpit AoA Indicator and Tablet with AviTab Implementation Headphones Logic and Noise Canceling Checklist and Performance Complex Automated Checklist System Camera Focus on Instruments Option Checklist Flow Options: Manual, Semi-Automatic, Automatic Checklist Hints Short Field Takeoff Calculator Short Field Landing Calculator Ground Operations Manual Towing Exterior Manual Check of Flight Controls Covers, Tiedowns, Chocks Manipulation Manual Fuel Sampling Manual Refueling and Fuel Quantity Check Manual Oil Refilling and Oil Quantity Check Engine Heater Operation Logic Walk Feature and QuickLook Camera with Collisions Walk Feature with Terrain and Aircraft Collisions Walk, Run, Crouch, and Gravity Simulation Climb on the aircraft to refuel, get in/out Customizable and Comfortable QuickLook System for Hat Switch Joysticks, compatible with other plugins Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac Intel, Mac Silicon, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.1.0 (December 13th, 2024) Review System Specifications Windows 11, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 3070Ti ________________________ Aircraft Review by DrishalMAC2 31st January 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Scenery Review: Stockholm Archipelago AIRTaxi by LagoFlightLabs By Colin Parker Introduction The Stockholm Archipelago is the largest archipelago in Sweden, and the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea (the largest being the Archipelago Sea across the Baltic in Finland). Inhabited by farmers and fisherman since the 1400s, it has become a popular tourist destination since the 1950s. It’s possible to visit the larger islands in the archipelago all year round, but during the winter months the routes depend on the ice conditions. LagoFlight-SA’s latest 'AIRTaxi' scenery pack includes five fictional airfields, each scattered across the largest islands of the Stockholm Archipelago: Möja, Namdö, Ornö, Runmarö, and Utö. This pack follows the footsteps of LagoFlight-AG’s Balearic Islands AIRTaxi scenery, imagining routes that could be operated by an air taxi company using small GA aircraft, if the airfields existed. Each airfield features a short, hard-surface runway, along with a range of terminal styles and air traffic control towers. Active ATC frequencies and services are integrated with X-Plane 12’s ATC model. One quirk to the scenery is that there’s a slight Victorian railway station feel to these airfields, in that they’re a bit over-engineered for the modest traffic the tourist trade might bring. But let’s be honest, realism isn’t the goal here, it’s enjoyment. This scenery gives you a chance to sharpen your flight planning, short-field flying, and weight-and-balance skills in some truly stunning locations, and in that, it certainly excels. Stockholm & Surrounding Area Installation & Documentation After purchasing, the scenery pack downloads as a small 191KB zip file (yes, you heard that right) and unzips to a mighty 1.6MB! To install the scenery, simply unzip the folders into your X-Plane 12 Custom Scenery folder, then launch X-Plane 12. The documentation is limited to a single page Readme .pdf, which provides basic installation instructions and guidance on locating the airfields in X-Plane. It’s short, but it gets the job done! Exploration & Graphical Quality The airports all feature high-quality textures and objects, along with native X-Plane 12 vegetation. I tested the scenery under various weather conditions, and it performs well with rain, snow, and wind. Each airfield includes a passenger terminal, cargo area, and refuelling points, offering plenty of opportunities to practice taxiing and other missions. All facades and objects come from the standard Laminar libraries for X-Plane 12, hence the download size. The developer suggests using Orthophotos or Auto Ortho for the best visual experience, so I installed tiles +59+017, +59+018, and +58+017 using Ortho4XP, and I can confirm that the scenery looks much better with Orthophotos in place. I also added X-World Europe by simHeaven and Global Trees as these really help bring out the best in the package. Möja Möja (ICAO: ATXM) is the northernmost airfield in the scenery pack, with an elevation of 0 feet. Located on Möja Island, just a short distance from the town of Möjastrom, it’s surrounded by lush forests and features a small brick terminal, an outdoor cargo area, and a control tower with internal detail. The hard-surface runway runs 01/19 and stretches six hundred and fifty meters. It’s not entirely flat, with a slight upward slope from the nineteen threshold, levelling off just past the aiming point markers. Fuel is available from a bowser, and there’s limited baggage handling. Although the airfield has surveillance RADAR, operations are strictly VFR, with no instrument landing capabilities. The runway is lit at night, making it suitable for night flying. There are three ramp starts, though they’re positioned too close to the terminal for an aircraft to taxi away easily. Pushback is not available, so you’ll either need to pull the aircraft back using the map or rely on a turbo prop with reverse thrust. Runmarö Runmarö (ICAO: ATXR) is the next airfield south, sitting at an elevation of eighty-eight feet. Located on Runmarö Island, the closest of the archipelago’s islands to mainland Sweden, it features a striking glass-and-concrete terminal, an integrated control tower, freight handling, and a workshop building. Fuel is available on-site. There are three ramp starts in front of the terminal, all positioned well enough for a small plane to turn before taxiing. Pushback isn’t available, though. The animated vehicles on the airfield occasionally follow odd paths, driving across the grass or even through fences. A few of the vehicles also seem a bit too large for the aircraft typically operating here, but then again, it wouldn’t be X-Plane if you didn’t have at least one oddity! Like Möja, the airfield boasts a well-lit hard-surface runway, oriented 01/19. At seven hundred meters, it’s fifty meters longer than Möja, and operations are strictly VFR, with no instrument landing capabilities. The runway is twenty-five meters wide. Namdö Namdö Island lies five nautical miles south of Möja. The airfield (ICAO: ATXN, elevation thirty-nine feet) features a large terminal, a small car park, and a separate control tower with an outdoor freight handling area. There are three ramp starts outside the terminal, but no pushback facilities are available. The taxiway operates on a one-way system. Fuel is provided via pumps rather than a bowser. The well-lit, hard-surface runway is five hundred meters long, thirty meters wide, and oriented 06/24. Operations are strictly VFR, with no instrument landing capabilities. Ornö Ornö is a larger island, located eleven nautical miles southeast of Namdö. The airfield (ICAO: ATXO, elevation forty-nine feet) features a single-storey brick terminal, a military control tower, and a larger fuel facility than the other airfields in the pack. Of all the airfields, this feels most in tune with its surroundings. As with the other airfields, there are three ramp starts, all of which are easy to taxi away from without issue. The well-lit, hard-surface runway is oriented 17/35, five hundred meters long, and twenty-five meters wide. It crosses a public highway near the seventeen threshold. Utö Utö (ICAO: ATXU, elevation twenty-six feet) sits at the southernmost edge of the archipelago, nine nautical miles southwest of Ornö. It’s the largest airfield in the scenery pack, with six ramp starts spread around the terminal. The hard-surface runway runs 14/32, measuring nine hundred and fifty meters long and thirty meters wide. The airfield features a multi-storey car park, a large concrete terminal, and a multi-tier control tower. Nothing like planning for the distant future! There’s also a helipad, though it’s not available as a start position. Surveillance RADAR is available at the airfield, but, like the others, operations are strictly VFR with no instrument landing capabilities. The runway is lit at night, making it suitable for night flying. Night Lighting X-Plane has always excelled when it comes to night lighting, and this scenery is further proof of this. With the right weather conditions, the lighting effects can be pretty impressive. Performance Being such a small scenery in terms of SSD/HD space, the package consumes minimal processing resources and has no noticeable impact on frame rate. If you can run default X-Plane 12, you can run this package with similar performance. Conclusion To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this scenery at first: fictional airfields serving a demand that doesn’t really exist, with somewhat oversized terminals and aircraft handling facilities. But there’s something to be said for a collection of airfields so close together, offering plenty of opportunities to practice and refine core flying skills. If you pair the scenery with the three ortho tiles mentioned in the documentation, along with X-World Europe by simHeaven and Global Trees, the experience really comes to life. That’s not to say it isn’t enjoyable on a standalone X-Plane install, it’s just that these extras make it far more worthwhile. There are a couple of small issues that LagoFlight-SA could address, such as the positioning of the ramp-starts at Möja and the odd routes taken by animated vehicles on some of the airfields. But aside from that, this scenery is a lot of fun to fly in. ___________________ Stockholm Archipelago AIRTaxi by LagoFlightLabs is available from the Org store here: Stockholm Archipelago AIRTaxi Priced at US$15.00 Features: Medium sized Terminals ATC Frequencies 4k Textures High attention to Detail 3D Native XPlane 12 Vegetation Very Performance light Parking lots with lots of Parked Cars Detailed Tarmac Textures with custom Patterns and Cracks Taxi Line Native X-Pane 12 Ground Truck Traffic Airport service High quality ground Vehicles Ground Markings Cargo area Fueling station ATC Towers Advanced Night Lightning Water and Snow effects Custom ICAO Codes Optimized for X-Plane 12 Requirements: X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 1.0.0 (December 10th, 2024) Reviewers System: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor 3.80 GHz Memory: 32.0 GB Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Aircraft Review by Colin Parker 25th January 2025 Copyright©2024: 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: PA-28R TURBO ARROW III / IV XP12 by Just Flight By DrishalMAC2 Introduction Just Flight, in partnership with Thranda Design, has brought the PA-28R Turbo Arrow III and Arrow IV to X-Plane 12, adding another impressive aircraft to their lineup of high-quality general aviation simulations. Known for their detailed recreations of aircraft such as the Arrow III and the C152, Just Flight’s Turbo Arrow III/IV raises the bar with its intricate modelling, advanced systems, and realism, all tailored to X-Plane 12’s capabilities. This review will explore the visual fidelity, flight dynamics, systems, and overall experience of the Turbo Arrow series in X-Plane 12. Based on real-world flight data and feedback from pilots familiar with the aircraft, this model captures the distinctive turbocharged engine characteristics and handling, making it an excellent choice for pilots seeking a detailed simulation of these touring and instrument-training aircraft. Note: For a more in-depth look at the features of the PA-28R series, including the original Arrow III, you can check out Stephen’s comprehensive review of the Just Flight/Thranda Designs PA-28R Arrow III for X-Plane 12 here. Many aspects, such as the high-quality modelling and systems, carry over into the Turbo Arrow III/IV, so this review focuses on what makes the turbocharged variants unique. Installation Installing the Turbo Arrow III/IV is straightforward. The download package is approximately 2.2 GB and unpacks to 3.1 GB after installation. Simply extract the files into the “Aircraft” folder within your X-Plane 12 directory. Once in the simulator, activate the aircraft using the provided serial key, and it’s ready to fly. Documentation Just Flight provides comprehensive documentation, including a detailed manual that outlines the aircraft’s specifications, panel guide, and procedures. The guide also covers the use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and advanced systems like engine management, custom electrical systems, and weight and balance. Additionally, an Operating Data Manual (ODM) is included, offering useful performance data such as take-off performance for various flap settings. Whether you’re an experienced sim pilot or a newcomer, the manual provides invaluable insight for operating the Turbo Arrow III/IV realistically. External Modelling and Textures The Turbo Arrow III/IV’s exterior is meticulously modelled using real-world aircraft plans and features high-resolution textures. While the external textures are of excellent quality, they are notably clean. Adding some general dirt and grime could enhance the immersion of a well-used aircraft. The attention to detail is evident in the rivets, panel lines, and subtle wear on the airframe. PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials add realistic reflections and surface details, further enhancing the model’s appearance under varying lighting conditions. Static elements, plus other aircraft options such as the opening and closing of doors are toggled from Just Flight’s Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) (more on that later). Each livery, from the UK’s G-BYKP to the USA’s N-6919R, is recreated with care, showcasing the aircraft’s global appeal. The package includes three liveries for the Arrow III and an additional three for the Arrow IV. A template livery is also provided for those who want to create their own designs. Cockpit and Interior Inside the cockpit, the Turbo Arrow continues to impress. Every instrument is fully modelled in 3D, with smooth animations and authentic wear that reflects real-world usage. Key cockpit features include: Detailed seat belts, screws, and upholstery. Adjustable panel lighting for night flights. VR compatibility, offering an immersive experience for VR pilots (untested by me due to lack of VR hardware). Customizable avionics configurations, including the ability to pop out instruments for ease of use. The cockpit textures are generally of high quality, though some areas, such as the footwell and roof, are of lower resolution. This appears to have been done for performance reasons, but it’s not a significant issue, as these are areas rarely noticed during normal operations. Prioritizing performance is critical, especially in X-Plane 12, and this balance is well maintained. Avionics The aircraft is IFR-capable, featuring a KMA 20 audio selector, KX 175B COM 2 / NAV 2 radio, KN 62 DME, and a KR 85 ADF unit. The GNS530 is fully integrated, supporting procedures out of the box and offering compatibility with Navigraph and Aerosoft databases. For those seeking an enhanced avionics experience, the aircraft also supports RealityXP’s GTN750. Custom Systems Engine Management: The turbocharged Continental TSIO-360 six-cylinder engine is modelled with realistic performance, including simulated spark plug fouling and vapor lock. These conditions are displayed on the EFB, providing insights and solutions for maintaining engine health. Fuel and Electrical Systems: The custom fuel system includes an automatic tank-switching option for cross-country flights, while the electrical system features functional circuit breakers integrated with X-Plane’s native failure system. Landing Gear: The retractable landing gear is equipped with detailed animations, accurate shock absorber movement, and an emergency extension system. These accurately simulated systems, implemented by Just Flight, add a new level of immersion to this aircraft. Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) The EFB is a standout feature, offering a range of tools and customization options: Aircraft Options: Enable or disable ground equipment, reflections, and advanced simulation features like engine wear and fouling. Weight & Balance: Adjust payload and fuel directly within the EFB, with changes reflected in real time. Instrument Options: Enable or disable GTN 750/650 integration (third-party), toggle popups for the GNS 530 and Century IV. Engine Config: Monitor engine parameters, refuel the aircraft, and recharge the battery. Livery Customization: Switch between static and dynamic liveries or create custom paint schemes on the fly. Configuration: Toggle options such as engine running, automatic fuel switching, and adjust the flight model feel via the DynaFeel system. Checklists: Interactive checklists cover all flight stages, including emergency operations. Flight Computer: Displays a wealth of in-flight information, including temperature, ground speed, endurance, range, nautical and statute miles per gallon (NMPG/SMPG), density and pressure altitude (DALT and Press ALT), true airspeed, fuel flow, fuel used, and headwind/crosswind components, particularly useful for cross-country navigation. Additional Shortcuts: Includes quick access to X-Plane 12 native menus, such as the logbook, ground handling window, and AviTab (if installed). Flight Dynamics and Performance The Turbo Arrow III/IV’s flight model is built using extensive real-world data and feedback from experienced pilots. While I haven’t flown this particular aircraft in real life, I do regularly fly a C152 for flight training and have some relevant experience in the handling and operation of general aviation aircraft. That said, the PA-28R is a more powerful aircraft, with a heavier build and a low-wing design compared to the high-wing design of the C152 I’m used to. These differences naturally affect the flight characteristics and stability of the Turbo Arrow, offering a distinct experience for pilots transitioning from lighter, high-wing trainers. Take-off and Climb Take-offs in the PA-28R Turbo Arrow III and IV are smooth, with a recommended rotation speed of approximately 70 knots. The aircraft climbs steadily at around 90 knots, providing a realistic and predictable experience. Cruise Once airborne, the aircraft handles beautifully, performing exactly as expected for this class of aircraft, thanks to the fine-tuning by Just Flight and the excellent flight model in X-Plane 12. Setting the manifold pressure to 28 InHG and the RPM to 2,300 using the throttle and propeller lever respectively establishes a typical cruise. The aircraft flies smoothly and performs particularly well when practising power-on and power-off stalls, behaving as expected for a low-wing GA aircraft. Landing and Ground Handling Landing the PA-28R is a breeze. It handles very well, simulating the additional ground effect of the low-wing design, and the effects of adding flaps feel realistic. Ground handling is also well executed, making it fairly easy to maintain control during landings or take-offs. The landing gear animations are excellent, with both fast and slow rotation sequences included, further enhancing immersion. Overall, the aircraft performs as expected across all phases of flight, from taxiing to approach and landing. The ability to switch between the Turbo Arrow III and IV variants in real time is a unique feature, allowing pilots to appreciate the subtle differences between the two models. Night Lighting The Turbo Arrow III/IV features adjustable cockpit lighting which works well. The rheostat-controlled instrument lighting allows pilots to fine-tune their setup for comfortable night flying. However, as mentioned in Stephen's earlier review of the Arrow, the rear cabin is quite dark. Sound Design Just Flight makes excellent use of X-Plane’s FMOD sound system to deliver an immersive audio experience. Engine sounds, switch clicks, and atmospheric effects are well-executed, with dynamic adjustments based on viewing angle and cockpit conditions. Opening a window or door changes the sound environment, adding an extra layer of realism. The clickable headphone jack is a thoughtful touch, muffling and quietening the sounds to simulate wearing a headset in the cockpit. Overall, the audio design is fantastic, with the start-up and shutdown of the turbocharged engine being particular highlights. Conclusion Having spent the last few weeks putting Just Flight’s PA-28R Turbo Arrow III/IV for X-Plane 12 through its paces, I have to say the experience left me extremely impressed. Standout features like the detailed modelling, advanced systems, and immersive flight dynamics all combine to create an add-on that captures this iconic aircraft almost perfectly. The only minor improvement I can think of would be sharper cockpit textures, but as it stands, the Turbo Arrow III/IV is a must-have for X-Plane 12 users. Whether you’re a student pilot like myself looking for a training platform, or an enthusiast seeking a realistic touring aircraft, this add-on delivers on all fronts. ________________________ The PA-28R TURBO ARROW III / IV XP12 by Just Flight - Thranda Design is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: PA-28R TURBO ARROW III / IV XP12 Priced at $42.99 Features MODEL Accurately modelled PA-28R-201T Turbo Arrow III and PA-28RT-201T Turbo Arrow IV, built using real-world aircraft plans Numerous animations including multi-animation passenger door that, when open, responds to G-forces and air resistance, baggage door, cockpit window and sun visors Ground equipment including chocks and tie-downs 8k interior and exterior textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism, completely reworked and upgraded for X-Plane 12 Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft features. EFB livery switcher for switching between the Turbo Arrow III and IV variants in real-time without needing to use the aircraft menu X-Plane 12 native rain effects COCKPIT A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modelled seat belts and screw heads - every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment Tablet EFB with a selection of apps full of useful tools and customisation options: Aircraft Options: Open/close the aircraft’s doors, enable/disable glass reflection, enable/disable ground equipment, and more! Weight & Balance: Adjust the aircraft’s weight and balance using the built-in configuration app and centre of gravity table. Instrument Options: Choose to have the cockpit avionics visible in the 3D cockpit or pop them out on 2D panels. Static Liveries: Change aircraft liveries without exiting to the main menu. Dynamic Liveries: Customise the aircraft’s paint scheme without leaving the aircraft. Features Modern and a Classic liveries whose colours can be fully customised in the aircraft, without the need for any complicated paint kits. Engine Configuration: View the condition of the engines and enable enhanced simulation options such as spark plug fouling and vapour lock. Thranda DynaFeel: Adjust the force required to move each of the control surfaces. Checklists: Interactable checklists for every stage of flight. AviTab support. And much more! Fully functional and comprehensive IFR-capable avionics fit including: KMA 20 audio selector unit Fully featured X-Plane-native GNS530 (supports procedures out of the box, and supports Navigraph and Aerosoft custom nav databases) KX 175B COM 2 / NAV 2 radio KN 62 DME unit which can display information from NAV 1 or NAV 2 Autocontrol IIIB autopilot unit with navigation, heading and roll hold (hidden autopilot altitude hold system included for convenience) KT 76A transponder unit KR 85 ADF unit Support for RealityXP GTN750 (sold separately, Windows only) Interactive logbook panel for logging your flight details (X-Plane native) Yoke-mounted flight timer/clock Independently operated left and right (standby) altimeter GoodWay compatible Ability to change barometric units from InHG to MB in altimeter adjustment Pop-up autopilot window Animated toe brakes Functional throttle quadrant tensioning system Radio knob animations routed through plug-in logic, for optimum movement fidelity and sound synchronisation AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS Custom-coded fuel system, including the option of automatic fuel tank switching for use on those long distance cross-country flights (this option is remembered for future flights) Custom-coded electrical system with functional circuit breakers. Circuit breaker logic is linked to X-Plane's internal failure logic, so if the plane is set to fail a certain electrical component after a certain number of hours, the circuit breaker for that element will pop out. Realistic landing gear system with intricate retraction animation, slow/fast tyre rotation animation (blurry when rotating fast), precise shock absorber animation with multiple linkages animated accurately, and wheel chocks and tie-downs Functioning alternate air and static source controls Fully implemented back-up landing gear system Dedicated interactive engine EFB page for displaying values such as fuel tank weights and imbalance, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, battery charge (with quick charge option), and information about spark plug fouling and vapour lock condition Simulated vapour lock condition, with EFB warnings and suggested actions Simulated spark plug fouling condition, with indication of percentage of fouling Lighting system includes separate lighting control for gauges (via rheostat) and realistic implementation of navigation light / radio light rheostat Functional electric trim control on yoke (requires electric trim button to be pushed) Functional ELT which is automatically triggered above 4.6 G Simulated fan and vent system with realistic blower sounds (linked to circuit breaker logic and electrical system for realism) Custom external light logic with custom strobe light pattern and custom light halos for added realism Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 2.1 GB Current version: 1.0 (October 31st, 2024) Discount info: Customers who own the PA-28R TURBO ARROW III / IV XP11 can get this new XP12 version for 10% off. Discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Review System Specifications Windows 11, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 3070Ti ________________________ Aircraft Review by DrishalMAC2 21st December 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Aircraft Review: Stinson 108 Package XP12 by Ted Cook By Colin Parker Introduction Ted Cook has released his latest model, the Stinson 108-3, for X-Plane 12. Building on the X-Plane 11 version, this new release introduces custom airfoils, an updated FMOD sound package, improved weight and balance configuration, and the exciting new water features of X-Plane 12. The add-on includes three distinct models: Basic VFR model: perfect for straightforward visual flying. IFR model: a VFR model with added blind flying instruments and a basic radio/nav package. Seaplane: for exploring X-Plane’s impressive water physics. The Stinson Aircraft Company, founded in 1920 by stunt pilot Eddie Stinson, was responsible for a small but successful range of general aviation aircraft. The company later became part of Consolidated (famous for the Catalina flying boat) before being sold to Piper. The Stinson 108 first took flight in 1946, and around 5,000 were built. It was a fabric-and-steel high-wing monoplane powered by a 6-cylinder Franklin engine. The aircraft came in two key configurations: Voyager: featuring 4 cloth-covered seats and a 350lb luggage capacity (rear seats removable). This is reflected in the Basic VFR model. Station Wagon: a more powerful version with vinyl-covered seats, wood trim, and a 600lb luggage capacity (rear seats removable). This trim is used in the IFR and Seaplane models. The 108-3 was the final production version and was even sold by Piper as the "Piper Stinson" after they acquired the company. This add-on recreates the charm and character of this iconic aircraft, bringing it to life in X-Plane 12. Installation and Documentation After purchasing the Stinson 108-3, you’ll receive a zip file for download. Once downloaded, simply extract the Stinson 108 folder into your X-Plane 12 "Aircraft" directory. The zip file is 274MB and unpacks to 362MB when fully extracted. Included in the package is a clear and concise Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for each variant. Found in the documentation folder, the handbook provides just the right amount of information for simulator enthusiasts to get the most out of all three aircraft models. It’s an excellent companion to the add-on and well worth a read. One small warning though, don't do what I did and start printing the POH for the second model before checking. They’re all identical! External Walk-Around The package includes three liveries: maroon, blue, and a plain white option for those who enjoy creating their own custom designs. Visually, the models may not have the same depth of texture or photo realism as some higher-end add-ons, but they still manage to look the part when parked up. As with other Stinsons, the 108-3 sits at a steeper angle compared to its Piper and Cessna counterparts. This reduces forward visibility while taxiing, making ground handling a bit of a challenge. The cockpit doors can be opened and closed from the inside using the door handles, while the luggage compartment door requires a function key. A nice additional touch is the animated windows, which can also be opened and closed. Interior Visually, the cockpit doesn’t quite match the depth of detail or photo realism we’ve come to expect in X-Plane 12 add-ons. However, it’s still a fully functional 3D cockpit that accurately represents the real aircraft. The Stinson 108-3 features two fuel tanks, one in each wing. On the control panel, you’ll find two switches: one determines which tank the fuel gauge reads, while the other selects which tank feeds the engine. Mix these up at your peril! The VFR version has a very basic instrument panel, there’s no turn-and-slip indicator or artificial horizon. These “modern” features are included in the IFR model and, at the time, were cutting-edge for instrument flying. Just like in the real aircraft, the turn-and-slip coordinator has its own electrical circuit and needs to be switched on before use. The IFR Radio and Navigation unit is a vintage 50 KHz system, which unfortunately isn’t compatible with the modern 8.33 KHz radio network used by X-Plane’s Air Traffic Control or VATSim. Ground Handling Wheeled Version – as mentioned earlier, the high nose angle on the ground makes taxiing a real challenge. Forward visibility is poor, so zigzagging is very much the name of the game. The Stinson 108-3 is equipped with a highly responsive steerable tailwheel, and differential braking allows for impressively tight turns. However, things can get tricky when it’s windy. Paying attention to wind direction and setting the control surfaces correctly is essential, otherwise, you might find yourself going around in circles, just like I did! Sea Plane Version – Laminar Research has done an excellent job modelling the swell on seas and lakes in X-Plane 12. When the sea state is heavy, the Stinson bobs about on the water in a highly realistic manner, perhaps even a bit too realistic! The aircraft isn’t designed for rough seas, and during my testing, consistently high waves led to a few unexpected crashes. To avoid being thrown onto the beach (or worse), it’s worth checking the wave height before starting a new flight. When it comes to taxiing, the sea rudders perform well, just don’t forget to retract them before take-off. Unlike modern seaplanes, the Stinson doesn’t have a retractable undercarriage, so water landings and take-offs are your only option. Flying the 108-3 Like most taildraggers, taking off in the Stinson 108-3 requires a bit of practice. The high nose angle makes the start of the run tricky. I found it helpful to use the compass to ensure I was heading in the right direction and kept an eye on the edge of the runway to stay straight until the airspeed came alive. That said, once the tail lifts, take-off is relatively straightforward, and the aircraft leaves the ground with ease. The Stinson settles nicely into a stable cruise. It’s equipped with elevator and rudder trim, which help maintain smooth flight. However, it lacks a direction indicator, so you’ll need to rely on the compass to hold your heading. To minimise the risk of stalling, Stinson added partial leading-edge slats to both wings, and these are faithfully included in the flight model. As a result, stalls are gentle and low-key. When approaching a stall, the aircraft gradually settles into a 500-fpm descent, and the ailerons remain responsive throughout. For those who really want to push the limits, you can induce a proper stall by diving and pulling up sharply, though you’d need to give yourself a proper fright to make it happen! In the real aircraft, there’s a mechanical safety feature that prevents full elevator travel unless the flaps are deployed. This isn’t modelled in X-Plane 12, but it’s a notable detail from the original design. Thanks to its inherent stability, leading-edge slats, and highly effective flaps, landing is a straightforward process, even with a gentle crosswind. I’ll admit, I have next to no experience flying from water in X-Plane. Despite that, the Stinson was forgiving enough for me to manage some respectable take-offs and landings. Night Lighting The cockpit is well-lit at night, with lighting that can be adjusted using a dimmer switch. However, the external lights seem overly bright to me. I’m currently running the 12.1.3 beta, and Laminar has been working on addressing the brightness of X-Plane 11-configured lights. It’s possible this issue will resolve itself once the full release of 12.1.3 is available. Sound The Stinson comes with an updated FMOD sound package that works well. The Franklin 6A4 150-B3 engine sounds authentic, with no looping to spoil the experience. You’ll also hear detailed effects like switches and levers, the movement of control surfaces, and the satisfying sounds of windows and doors opening and closing. Performance I didn’t notice any impact on frame rate with this add-on, performance remained smooth throughout, with no degradation experienced. Conclusion My first impression was that this add-on lacked the visual depth of some others on the market. However, it has definitely grown on me. While it might not have the slickest appearance, the fact that you get three aircraft in the pack makes it great value, and all of them fly just as the original Stinson Pilot Operating Handbook suggests they should. One of my favourite features is the effect of the slats during slow flight, it’s a joy to experience. The attention to detail in the cockpit controls and gauges is also a highlight. Adding the elevator travel inhibitor tied to the flaps would be the icing on the cake. If, like me, you enjoy low-and-slow flying, tackling grass strips, and embracing the charm of 1940s and 1950s grassroots aviation, then this add-on might be just what you’re looking for. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending the past couple of weeks exploring far-flung corners of the world with this delightful model. ___________________ The Stinson 108 Package XP12 by Ted Cook is available from the Org store here: Stinson 108 Package XP12 Priced at US$20.00 Features: Three aircraft included: IFR, VFR and Float. Completely overhauled for XP12 from the previous version. Custom airfoils. New and updated Fmod sounds. Floatplane completely overhauled to take advantage of new XP12 water features. Includes POH with checklist New XP12 load stations for each seat, cargo, and fuel Requirements: X-Plane 12 - not for XP11 Windows, Mac, or Linux 8GB +VRAM Video Card Current Version: XP12 3.0 (October 31st, 2024) Customers who own the Stinson 108 XP11 can get the new XP12 version for 25% off. A discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Reviewers System: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor 3.80 GHz Memory: 32.0 GB Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Aircraft Review by Colin Parker 6th December 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)  

Aircraft Review: Gulfstream G550 Business Jet by X-Hangar By Michael Hayward Introduction The Gulfstream G550, a business jet developed by Gulfstream Aerospace, first flew in 2002 and remained in production until 2021. During its two-decade run, over six hundred airframes were produced, catering to a wide range of clientele including corporate executives and government agencies. The G550 was eventually succeeded by the more advanced G600. X-Hangar is a well-known developer for X-Plane, offering a mix of props, experimental aircraft, and business jets since the days of X-Plane 10. Their focus has always been on easy-to-run aircraft that the vast majority of users can enjoy. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at their latest release, the recently released Gulfstream G550 for X-Plane 12, and see how it stacks up within the X-Plane hangar. Download & Install Installing the Gulfstream G550, like any X-Hangar model, is straightforward. Once purchased from the X-Plane.org store, you’ll receive a zip file containing models for both X-Plane 11 and 12. Here you simply select the version you have installed (in my case, X-Plane 12), and then drag and drop it into your aircraft folder. Upon loading X-Plane, you'll notice that two versions of the G550 are included: one that uses the X-Plane camera feature and another that does not. According to the manual, the camera-enabled version can impact performance, costing up to 10fps in certain scenarios. If you don’t intend to take photographs, the non-camera version is recommended. X-Hangar has always prioritized performance, and the G550 is no exception. The aircraft includes a user manual located in the 'docs' folder, which provides a basic guide to operating the G550. This covers updates and differences between the XP11 and XP12 versions, startup checklists, door locations, key features, plus tips for using the autopilot or flying at night. This is well worth taking the time to read through, as it highlights the finer details of the G550 and helps you get the most out of the aircraft. Exterior Model The Gulfstream G550’s modelling isn’t overly complex, but X-Hangar has done a great job at recreating the aircraft’s design without compromising on frame rates. The aircraft features a sleek, elongated nose that leads into a slim, narrow fuselage. Along the roof, there are various sensors and aerials, while an angle of attack sensor and pitot tube sit below the front windshield. The long and wide and wide wings are designed to enhance climb and cruise performance, and the tail arches over the top, forming the easily recognisable ‘T’ shape configuration. External textures are rendered in 4K resolution and cover the entire aircraft, including the registration codes. These textures are crisp and detailed, even when viewed up close. X-Hangar has employed vector graphics to stretch and shape these textures across the fuselage, maintaining clarity without increasing the file size or VRAM requirements. Bump mapping has also been used effectively to highlight panel gaps and riveting, particularly around the windshield frame. Unlike traditional rounded airline windows which usually shape towards the vertical plane, the G550 makes use of wide, oval-shaped windows, which stretch longitudinally along the fuselage. Seven expansive windows stretch along the side of the aircraft, offering a broad view inside and making looking out quite an experience, more on that later! Little details when stationery on the ground, such as the pitot and engine covers, the red carpet beneath the stairs, and the extending roof canopy, really help bring the aircraft to life. Such thoughtful touches are certainly appreciated! X-Hangar has also included twenty-one liveries, ranging from real-world registration codes to more ‘generic’ business colours. This variety allows users to choose a livery that suits their flying style or intended route and makes for a great selection. Cockpit and Interior The cockpit of the X-Hangar G550 is functional rather than fancy, but this doesn’t detract from the overall product. It features the full X-Plane default avionics suite, customised to replicate the systems found in the real aircraft. Using the default avionics has its advantages as they are familiar, frame rate friendly, easy to operate, and benefit from regular updates by both X-Hangar and Laminar Research. The main display panel has a brown textured base and houses three screens. These provide important flight information when airborne and offer door controls and loading options while on the ground. Beneath the main displays, you’ll find a backup virtual horizon and altimeter, along with two FMS screens, IRS switches, and engine controls. All in all, the cockpit is easy to navigate with all your displays clearly laid out in front of you. In contrast to the cockpit, the cabin has received a lot of attention, and it shows. The rear section includes a sofa, individual seats, and tables where business passengers can relax or chat. There’s also a kitchen area stocked with steaks, shrimp, fruit salad, and toast (quite the combination!), a toilet and sink, and a luggage store at the back, complete with suitcases. You can even spawn virtual passengers to occupy the cabin, which only adds to the sense of realism. The cabin walls feature wood trim, creating an atmosphere that strikes a balance between being homely and a corporate meeting room. The wide oval windows offer plenty of light and visibility to the outside world and provide stunning views when at cruise altitude, particularly when flying at 51,000 feet. Sound The Gulfstream G550 uses a combination of custom engine sounds and default X-Plane audio. Custom sounds include recordings of the Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, along with cockpit alerts and alarms captured from the real aircraft. The engine sounds are dynamically adjusted in volume and pitch according to your throttle setting, while alarms within the cockpit are both audible and clear. While the audio may not be the strongest feature of this add-on, it is far from disappointing. The combination of custom and default sounds provides enough variety to create an immersive experience, especially when paired with a good audio system. Flight Dynamics The Gulfstream G550 is indeed a nimble jet! Upon departure, the power of the engines is palpable as you make a steep initial climb. It ascends effortlessly to its cruising altitude, typically between 45,000 and 52,000 feet. Once level, it remains steady, with the only resistance coming from high-altitude jet streams. The G550 is eager to soar, making ascent a breeze On autopilot, the G550 is remarkably steady, providing you ample opportunity to mingle with business guests or enjoy the cabin and scenic high-altitude views. The aircraft is also agile during banks and turns, simplifying complex procedures often encountered in challenging departures and arrivals. I highly recommend trying out the valley approach and sharp turns at Aspen, Colorado. With some forward-thinking and careful chart planning, you can easily land this aircraft in no time. It’s a joy to fly the G550 hands-on, pushing it to the limits of what a jet aircraft can achieve! Night Lighting The night lighting on the G550 sticks to X-Hangars tried and tested formula, simple yet effective. The cockpit lights are bright enough to see everything clearly, and the cabin has a nice, soft glow. Given that X-Plane’s frame rates can dip during sunset and nighttime hours, the G550 proves to be an excellent choice for night flying. Performance During my tests, I experienced no frame rate issues with the G550, which is a testament to X-Hangar's ability to deliver models that perform well above the norm. Gerald’s models consistently achieve higher frame rates compared to many more demanding add-ons, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. Opinion and Closing Remarks The first thing to mention is that X-Hangar is a one-man show and a passion project of Gerald. He has developed this add-on from the ground up, alongside all his other projects, and the dedication clearly shows! I've thoroughly enjoyed flying the Gulfstream G550. Although it doesn't quite reach the level of detail and fidelity you might find in the cockpits of Aerobask or AKD Studio models, the price point reflects this, offering good value. The G550 is a blast to set up and fly from point A to point B. Its handling and performance are impressive, making it a nimble jet that can achieve super high altitudes and cover almost any global route. While the cockpit and audio features might lack somewhat, the modelling and flight dynamics certainly pull their weight, affirming its status as one of the world's most iconic business jets. If you're in the market for a business jet that's easy to operate, the X-Hangar Gulfstream G550 is definitely worth considering! ___________________ Gulfstream G550 Business Jet by X-Hangar is available from the Org store here: Gulfstream G550 Business Jet Priced at US$22.95 Features: Two separate models (with and without camera) The camera model may lower your FPS when powered on. Crew and Passengers modeled. They display with added weight. Many international liveries Easy to paint your liveries with layers included for stripes and weathering Instrument panel menu included in the PFD display Checklist.txt used in the sim (default x-plane) Static objects are clickable inside and outside the aircraft User manual in .pdf format Internal camera views with zero thru nine on the keypad Shades, monitors, and tables animate and stow 3d HUD (power off to stow) FMS x-plane default GPU included Remove flags and plugs with a click Requirements: X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 (both versions available) Windows, Mac, or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 350 MB Current version 12.1.1 (October 9th, 2024) Reviewers System: Windows 10 Professional AMD Ryzen 5 5900X Processor 32GB RAM Palit GeForce RTX™ 3080 GamingPro Aircraft Review by Michael Hayward  29th November 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)  

Scenery Review: VSKYLABS Airbases: Base-8 By Dennis Powell Introduction Alaska, the Last Frontier, the 49th state, a land of untamed wilderness, rugged mountains, wild rivers, glaciers, and the Northern Lights. Located on the Knik Glacier, roughly fifty miles northwest of Anchorage, Base-8 is VSKYLABS' in-house testing area for VTOL airplanes, bush planes, helicopters, autogyros, LSAs, and ATVs. VSKYLABS Base-8, located on the Knik Glacier near where it empties into the Knik River, is divided into seven distinct areas. Each offers different challenges, unique surfaces, and their own tower viewpoints. It’s a place where bush and helicopter pilots can let their imaginations run wild. There’s a massive 2400-metre runway for larger GA aircraft, a turf runway, broken concrete strips, a roadway section, and even a covered runway with a twist. There are plenty of helicopter landing spots, along with challenges designed for those who enjoy driving ATVs. Installation Process The installation process is straightforward. Simply download the 71 MB file and paste it into the custom scenery folder of your X-Plane 12 installation. For those less familiar with the process, the documentation provides a detailed explanation to guide you. Updates are managed through the SkunkCrafts AutoUpdater, which will automatically check for new updates as they become available. In its current form, the base doesn’t support AI aircraft. However, with the SkunkCrafts AutoUpdater, future updates will include AI support, making the process seamless. Documentation The package includes three PDF documents, separate from the file loaded into the custom scenery package, with an additional PDF located within the scenery folder itself. The three PDFs are: a “How to Install” guide, a VSKYLABS brochure, and a document marked “Important,” which explains the SkunkCrafts AutoUpdater process and provides links to the updater. The PDF within the scenery folder is a copyright file outlining the end-user agreements. This level of thoroughness isn’t something I usually see in addon scenery, so credit to VSKYLABS for their attention to detail. As for charts, there’s only one image showing the base’s location, but no navigation charts are included, as this is a fictional base. Exploration Walkthrough Approaching the base, you’re immediately greeted by the towering Chugach Mountains. The Chugach Mountains are part of a state park and a national forest, protecting this wilderness and making it a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers of all kinds. I flew in at 7,500 feet and still found mountain peaks rising high above me. Fortunately, the Knik River offers a mountain-free approach from the west. The Knik Glacier, cutting through the mountains, is beautifully rendered, with its cracks, crevasses, and ridges all well represented. The base sits directly on the glacier, though it looks a bit out of place, it’s the only spot on the ice with trees. Once at the base, you’ll find seven distinct areas, each with its own runway or landing zone, complete with individual tower viewpoints. The 2400-metre runway: This is the largest and widest runway, ideal for larger twin-engine aircraft. Vast parking ramps flank both sides. The 500-metre paved runway: While not as wide, this area includes several helicopter landing spots. The 350-metre unpaved runway: A bit more challenging, this strip features two massive radio telescopes that block a direct approach from the east, requiring some careful dodging to land safely. Next, we have the ramp yard, road section, and general playground: The ramp yard adds an exciting twist with its ski-jump-style ramp that launches you over a pile of wrecked cars. It also has several helicopter landing challenges, including metal shapes with very limited surface area. The general playground features a log pile and a dump truck with a levelled bed. The bed is a tight, confined space that’s easy to crash into. Lastly, there are the indoor runways: Marked Indoor A and Indoor B, these runways are wide enough to hover-taxi a Bell Jet Ranger. Indoor A even has a dogleg turn inside for an added challenge. Helicopter landing spots are scattered across the scenery, some of which are quite demanding. The dump truck beds are incredibly tight spaces, and the small metal pyramids require precise landing, as the helicopter will tilt if the skids aren’t perfectly centred. Other landing zones include log piles, large stone pads, and select shipping containers (though not all containers can be used for landings). There’s also a rooftop-style helipad, oddly not attached to any roof. None of the buildings are landable, and many objects that resemble helicopter landing pads are actually just cargo-handling equipment. If in doubt, you can always land your helicopter on the ground as the base is relatively flat and free of obstacles that would hinder a safe touchdown. The ground textures seem to utilise X-Plane 12’s newest features, showing mowing tracks and paths. The base itself is surrounded by trees on three sides, with two additional tree-covered areas in the centre. It’s an unusual sight on a glacier, but since the base is fictional, VSKYLABS could design it however they wanted. The base’s location offers some truly stunning surrounding scenery, with more to admire than just the glacier and mountains. The glacier carves a dramatic path through the rugged peaks before emptying into the Knik River, which winds its way through a wide valley. This valley not only provides breathtaking views but also serves as the best approach to the base. The river eventually leads to the nearest airports, the closest being Butte Airstrip, about ten miles from the glacier. Other nearby airports include Palmer Municipal, twelve miles to the west; Merrill Field, around forty-five miles southwest; and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, approximately fifty miles to the southeast. Also in Anchorage is the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, offering a unique perspective for seaplane simmers. Alaska wouldn’t be Alaska without a bit of snow, and when it sets in, the base feels even more remote and isolated. The surrounding wilderness becomes less inviting, making you appreciate the rugged conditions pilots face in real life. It’s also a great showcase for X-Plane 12’s weather engine, which does a fantastic job of creating a realistic and immersive environment when the snow starts to fall. Night Lighting Here’s where things get interesting. At night, it’s impossible to miss this base as it’s lit up like a Christmas display put together by that neighbour with far too much time on their hands. Anything taller than thirty feet seems to have an anti-collision light, and ramp lights are everywhere. The runways are well-lit, and even the indoor runways have centre lights. With no other lights for miles, the base is the only illuminated spot in the area. Surrounded by ice and water, the light reflects brilliantly, creating a glare that spreads across the landscape. At one point, a stretch of the river was so well lit that I thought there was something of interest in that direction. Since this is Alaska, I had to adjust the time of year to experience proper darkness. During summer, the sun barely sets, so total darkness is only achievable later in the year. Performance One of VSKYLABS’ stated goals for this scenery package was minimal impact on lower-end computers, and I can confirm it delivers. I didn’t experience any issues with frame rates at all. Any problems I encountered were down to my own aircraft handling skills, not the computer struggling to process data. VSKYLABS recommends a graphics card with at least 8 GB of video RAM, and my card, with 12 GB, handled everything flawlessly. Performance was smooth and seamless, running without a hitch on my setup. My landings, particularly with taildragger aircraft, were less seamless, but that’s another story. Conclusion All in all, I found this to be a fantastic little base for testing my skills with both helicopters and STOL planes. There are plenty of challenges to keep you busy, and I could easily spend hours here practicing landings, whether it’s trying to bring down a taildragger without ground looping or perfecting confined landings with a helicopter. The surrounding scenery adds to the appeal, making sightseeing trips well worth your time. Being situated inside a state park, the base offers some of the most breathtaking mountains I’ve ever seen. As mentioned earlier, the scenery package doesn’t support AI aircraft just yet, so for now, you’ll have the place to yourself. VSKYLABS has indicated that future updates will include AI support, and thanks to the SkunkCrafts AutoUpdater, those updates should be seamless. If you’re into helicopters, STOL planes, off-airport adventures, or even just exploring Alaska, this scenery is well worth the price. ________________________ VSKYLABS Airbases: Base-8 is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: VSKYLABS Airbases: Base-8 Priced at $16.00 Features A dedicated testing ground in the rugged Alaskan wilderness, purpose-built for VSKYLABS’ aircraft development needs. Note: If you own any VSKYLABS Aircraft, you will receive an Automatic 25% discount at checkout. VSKYLABS Airbases: Base-8 is an actual development tool developed by VSKYLABS for its own in-house testing and needs. It is specifically designed and optimized for X-Plane 12, with the purpose of hassle-free, zero third-party plugins/add-ons dependencies. It is a 'plug-and-play' scenery that is easy to install and low on PC resources. It is designed around X-Plane 12 default resources, combined with optimized VSKYLABS assets and additions. This configuration ensures high performance and maximum long-term compatibility alongside X-Plane 12’s ongoing evolution. VSKYLABS Base-8 makes use of the Skunkcrafts Autoupdater. This feature is a groundbreaking element in terms of product updates and future growth! VSKYLABS Base-8 is one of several in-house testing facilities, designed for the rigorous evaluation of the VSKYLABS STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, Bush-Planes, LSA, Gyroplanes, and general-purpose vehicles development. Base-8 includes 7 different testing perimeters (airfields). The airfields are varied in runway characteristics, providing ad-hoc testing conditions mainly focused on General-Aviation, Bush-planes, Gyroplanes and helicopter operations. From 2,400 meters paved runway to confined airstrips and playgrounds. Each perimeter is defined as a separate airport, having its own ramp-starts, tower view and runway/helipad selection. This configuration provides easy orientation and selection in X-Plane 12 menu. Base-8 is situated in the Knik Glacier in Alaska. Knik Glacier is a stunning, massive glacier located about 50 miles (~80 km) northeast of Anchorage, Alaska, in the Chugach Mountains. Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac, and Linux- 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Note: If you own any VSKYLABS Aircraft, you will receive an Automatic 25% discount at checkout. Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 22nd November 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Update Review: Cessna 152 by Just Flight - Thranda Design By DrishalMAC2 Introduction Just Flight, in collaboration with Thranda Design, has introduced the widely recognised Cessna 152 (C152) for X-Plane 12, marking another milestone in their impressive lineup of general aviation aircraft. Following the success of their Arrow III and Turbo Arrow III/IV, this C152 release promises a high level of detail and an immersive flight experience. Based on the real-life C152, G-BGAE, from Conington Airfield, this simulation promises a top-tier experience for both training and casual flights. In this review, I will examine how the Just Flight C152 performs in X-Plane 12, focusing on its visual fidelity, flight dynamics, systems, and overall experience. For those of you looking for a more in-depth review, I recommend checking out Stephen’s original review of the Just Flight C152 in X-Plane 11. For reference, I fly the C152 in the real world as a PPL student. As a student, I pay particular attention to the aircraft’s performance in various configurations and stages of flight. This experience is fresh in my mind from real-world flying, giving me a solid foundation for reviewing the C152 in X-Plane 12. Installation Installing the Just Flight C152 is a straightforward process. After purchasing, you download the compressed file from your store account, which is around 700MB zipped and expands to about 750MB once extracted. Extracting the files is simple using any standard ZIP utility. From there, you just place the aircraft folder into the “Aircraft” directory of your X-Plane 12 installation. For the X-Plane 12 version, you'll need to take an extra step. Go into the “JF_152” folder, then navigate to “XP12_ACF”. Rename the “JF_C152.txt” file to “JF_C152.acf” and move it into the main “JF_C152” folder, replacing the existing file when prompted. Make sure there's only one .acf file in the “JF_C152” folder, with none left in the “XP12_ACF” folder. The whole process only takes a few minutes, and the aircraft will be ready to fly once you've activated it using your serial key, which can be found in the “My account” section of the store page. Documentation Just Flight has provided comprehensive documentation, including a 58-page manual that covers vital information such as an introduction to the aircraft specifications, a systems guide, a panel guide, and instructions on how to fly the C152, along with normal and emergency procedures. Having reviewed this information, I found it to be very accurate, with the procedures closely matching what I’ve been taught during my PPL training. The C152 also comes with an Operating Data Manual (ODM), which provides various performance figures such as climb and stall performance. These numbers are quite accurate and align well with what I've experienced in the real aircraft. Additionally, a EULA and changelog are provided. External Texturing and Liveries The Just Flight C152 comes with a variety of high-quality liveries representing several countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia, reflecting the global appeal of this two-seater aircraft. The external textures are modelled in high definition, providing clarity down to the rivets. Just Flight’s attention to exterior detailing, from the aircraft's markings to the subtle wear and tear of an older airframe, helps immerse users in the simulation. The use of PBR materials further enhances the realism, with light interacting with the aircraft’s fuselage in a lifelike way, particularly under different lighting conditions. The aircraft appears beautifully polished yet rugged, as you'd expect from a well-used training aircraft. Personally, I think the exterior textures are more than sufficient for this model. 3D Model and Animations The C152 model is built using real-world aircraft plans and extensive photography of G-BGAE, ensuring that the virtual version stays as true to life as possible. Numerous animated elements, such as working doors, windows, air vents, and even a realistically moving ignition keychain, contribute to the level of detail that sets this aircraft apart from other add-ons. The animations are fluid and seamlessly integrated into both the cockpit and exterior models, enhancing the aircraft’s realism. On the ground, you’ll notice the inclusion of chocks, tie-downs, and other ground equipment, creating a realistic pre-flight setup. Cockpit and Internal Texturing Inside the cockpit, Just Flight has delivered a near-perfect replica of the C152’s interior. The 3D modelling is precise, down to the screws and seatbelts. Each instrument is fully modelled in 3D, and the wear and tear on the dashboard and controls is based on reference photos from the real aircraft. This adds a level of authenticity, creating a well-worn yet functional cockpit environment. The C152 features a fully VR-compatible cockpit, although I am unable to test this myself. All knobs, switches, and levers are responsive, and users in virtual reality will appreciate the carefully designed manipulators and snap points, making it easy to interact with the various controls. The cockpit lighting is adjustable, with dimmable instrument lighting providing flexibility for night flights. The internal texturing is acceptable. The panel, yokes, and upholstery all show signs of aging and use, which contributes to an immersive flying experience. Users also have the option to turn off window and instrument reflections for a clearer view, particularly in different lighting conditions. However, the age of the aircraft model does show in some areas, as certain textures are not as high-resolution as those found in newer aircraft releases. I believe sharper textures would help bring the aircraft up to more modern standards. Avionics and Systems The Just Flight C152 is equipped with a comprehensive set of avionics, perfect for both VFR and IFR flying. The standard setup includes a KX 175B COM 1/NAV 1 radio, RT-359A transponder, and ADF 300 unit, all of which are fully functional and easy to operate. The avionics are simple but effective, making the aircraft ideal for both flight training and casual flying. It’s worth noting that the aircraft does not come with an autopilot, which is standard for C152s. A custom weight and balance manager is also included, allowing users to adjust fuel, payload, and CG configurations, with changes accurately reflected in the aircraft's performance. One standout feature is the custom-coded electrical system, complete with functional circuit breakers. If an electrical component fails (which can be triggered by X-Plane's failure system), the corresponding circuit breaker will pop out. This level of system detail adds an extra layer of realism, allowing pilots to simulate full electrical failures and troubleshooting scenarios. Control Panel The C152 includes a control panel accessible from the left of the screen, allowing pilots to manage doors, GPS pop-ups, reflections, lighting, and more with ease. While the layout may feel a bit dated, it’s still functional and covers a wide range of options, from door controls and GPS pop-ups to sound volume adjustments and state setups like 'cold and dark' or 'ready for take-off.' Some settings, like the altimeter scale, even carry over between flights, which is a handy touch. Stephen’s original review delves into more detail on the control panel’s layout and features, but overall, it's a solid, versatile tool here that serves both casual and dedicated simmers well. Hopefully, Just Flight will update this panel to bring it up to X-Plane 12 standards. Flight Model & Performance The C152 flight model is spot-on, thanks to comprehensive research and feedback from real-world pilots. With its 110hp engine and fixed-pitch propeller, the aircraft handles exactly as you’d expect from a two-seater training plane. Takeoff and Climb Take-offs are smooth, with a recommended rotation speed of around 55 knots, and the aircraft climbs steadily at about 65 knots. However, I noticed that with the trim set at take-off, the aircraft tries to rotate by itself at around 40 knots, which is not accurate. This happens regardless of the CG settings in the menu, but setting the trim nose-down helps fix the issue. Aside from that, the aircraft handles just like the real thing, with climb performance being spot-on and drag across different flap configurations seeming quite accurate. I can fly this aircraft almost exactly as I do in real life, with very similar power settings, and it performs just right. Of course, there are slight variations due to weather and weight and balance. Cruise and Flight Characteristics In cruise, the C152 maintains about 90 knots at 2300 RPM, ideal for leisurely VFR flights or practicing navigational exercises. In flight, the aircraft feels highly responsive. The controls are tight, and the aircraft reacts predictably to inputs, making it an excellent trainer. The stall characteristics are also accurately modelled, with power-off stalls occurring at around 50 knots and a subtle wing drop typical of the C152. I found the stall behaviour to be incredibly realistic, closely mirroring how the real aircraft responds. Landing and Ground Handling Ground handling is equally well-executed. The tricycle landing gear is forgiving, allowing for smooth take-offs and landings. The animation of the landing gear, including slow or fast tire rotation, adds to the immersion, making it easy to judge your ground speed visually. Sounds Just Flight has made great use of X-Plane’s FMOD sound system, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. The engine sounds are multi-layered, with subtle shifts in pitch and tone as you throttle up or down. Atmospheric effects, like wind noise, dynamically change depending on whether the windows or doors are open, adding an extra level of realism to the in-cockpit experience. Sounds for switches, doors, and other cockpit interactions are crisp and well-placed within the stereo field. Not all sounds are present, though, such as the door opening and closing. That said, the essential sounds are all there. The engine sounds are decent but could benefit from improvement, particularly during start-up and shutdown. The flap sounds are well done, though in my opinion, they're a bit too loud. Night Lighting The night lighting in the C152 generally provides a well-rounded experience, with adjustable cockpit lighting that offers some flexibility for night flights. External lighting, including the landing and navigation lights, is bright and clear, casting realistic halos and reflections on the aircraft surfaces. However, while the dome light technically illuminates, it doesn't seem to impact the actual cockpit lighting as it did in the X-Plane 11 version, which might be a letdown for those looking for the same effect. Overall, the lighting setup creates an immersive experience for low-light flights, though it could benefit from minor adjustments. Rain Effects One feature I really enjoyed was the new rain effects in X-Plane 12. The droplets look incredibly realistic on the glass, adding an extra layer of immersion to the overall experience. Conclusion Just Flight's Cessna 152 for X-Plane 12 is an impressive addition to their lineup, capturing the essence of this popular training aircraft with remarkable accuracy. The seamless integration with X-Plane 12's latest visual and physical enhancements, combined with high-quality modelling, textures, and accurate flight dynamics, delivers an immersive experience for both training and casual flying. While there are minor areas that could benefit from improvement, such as some interior textures and sound details, the overall package is comprehensive, offering an authentic replication of the C152's characteristics. This makes it a valuable tool for both PPL students and enthusiasts seeking a realistic and engaging general aviation simulation. From my own experience, I can confidently say this aircraft is a must-have for student pilots training on the C152. ________________________ The Cessna 152 by Just Flight - Thranda Design is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: Cessna 152 Priced at $45.99 Features MODEL Accurately modeled C152, built using real-world aircraft plans and comprehensive photography of the real aircraft Numerous animations, including windows, doors, air vents, sun visors, map compartment and realistically animated ignition keychain that responds to G-forces Ground equipment including chocks and tie-downs Authentic labelling and placards based on those found in the real aircraft, including unique airworthiness documentation for each livery based on the country of origin HD textures are used to produce the highest possible texture clarity and immersion PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials with real-time environment reflections for superb quality and realism HDR lighting (real-time illumination of interior and exterior surfaces) Detailed normal mapping for down-to-the-rivet precision of aircraft features New: End-user configurability (via Manifest.json file) COCKPIT A truly 3D virtual cockpit right down to accurately modeled seat belts and screw heads - every instrument is constructed fully in 3D with smooth animations Cockpit textures feature wear and tear based on reference photos taken in the real aircraft to produce an authentic environment Full VR support (VR manipulators, camera snap points, tweaked for comfortable usage) Interactive checklists for every stage of flight Aircraft configuration system that will allow you to choose between 'cold & dark' or 'ready for take-off' (if aircraft is stationary on the ground) Fully functional and comprehensive IFR capable avionics fit including: KMA 20 audio selector unit KX 175B COM 1 / NAV 1 radio RT-359A transponder unit ADF 300 unit with ADF/REC/BFO modes Interactive logbook panel for logging your flight details (X-Plane native) Flight computer panel with useful information such as fuel burn, endurance, speed and wind speed/direction GoodWay compatible Ability to change barometric units from InHG to MB in altimeter adjustment Option to activate flashlight from within pop-up window, to aid in those pitch-black cold and dark starts at night Option to remove window and instrument reflection effects Animated toe brakes Radio knob animations routed through plugin logic, for optimum movement fidelity and sound synchronization AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS Custom-coded electrical system with functional circuit breakers. Circuit breaker logic is linked to X-Plane's internal failure logic, so if the plane is set to fail a certain electrical component after a certain number of hours, the circuit breaker for that element will pop out. Realistic landing gear with slow/fast tyre rotation animation (blurry when rotating fast), and wheel chocks and tie-downs Functioning carburettor heat and primer controls Dedicated interactive engine pop-up window displaying values such as fuel tank weights and imbalance, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temperature, battery charge (with quick charge option), and information about spark plug fouling and vapour lock condition Simulated vapour lock condition, with warning pop-up and suggested actions Simulated spark plug fouling condition, with indication of percentage of fouling Lighting system includes separate lighting control for gauges (via rheostat) and realistic implementation of radio light rheostat Custom external light logic with custom strobe light pattern and custom light halos for added realism Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac, or Linux Video card: 4GB VRAM Minimum Download Size: 950Mb Current version: 1.9.2 (May 12th, 2023) Review System Specifications Windows 11, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 3070Ti ________________________ Update Review by DrishalMAC2 31st October 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Aircraft Review: Beechcraft Bonanza G36 by PAE By Jack Thompson Introduction Introduction & History Ah, the Beechcraft Bonanza, an aircraft that needs no introduction for anyone who’s spent time around general aviation. The Bonanza has been soaring through the skies since the late 1940s, and for good reason. It’s fast, sleek, and dependable, designed to offer pilots a bit of fun and a whole lot of performance. In fact, I first flew a Bonanza back in the early ‘eighties, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of plane that sticks with you. Over the years, the Bonanza has evolved through several models, but the G36 is one of the standouts. Introduced in 1968, this six-seater with its IO-550 engine packs a punch and delivers a pretty solid flying experience. And with the addition of the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit in 2005, the G36 has managed to stay right up to date, unlike my fashion sense! Whether you’re looking for a versatile utility aircraft or something that can take you from one end of the country to the other in style, the Bonanza has always managed to deliver. Documentation & First Impressions For those who take the time to read, the G36 comes with some handy documentation. You’ve got a profile chart from the American Bonanza Society and the performance section of the pilot’s handbook, which is a nice touch. There’s no full manual, but if you’ve flown a Bonanza before, you’ll likely know your way around. With all that out of the way, let’s see how PAE’s version of the G36 holds up in X-Plane 12. When you first fire up X-Plane, you’ve got four variants to choose from: normally aspirated and turbocharged versions, each with or without tip tanks. So, whether you’re planning short hops or longer cross-country flights, there’s a variant to suit your needs. For the liveries… well, there are just three to choose from (plus a paint kit), one US-registered and two European options. Not bad, but I have to say, there’s no Aussie livery! We might be standing upside down here in Oz, but don’t forget about us next time, eh? Exterior Model & Texturing When it comes to the exterior, the G36 Bonanza is immediately recognisable, and that’s a good start. The shape, the lines, it’s all pretty much there, and it gives off the right vibe from the moment you see it in X-Plane. The landing gear, in particular, stands out with some well-executed texturing, showing real attention to detail in places that matter. From what I’ve experienced while testing out the G36 over my home airport is that the overall proportions are solid, and while there’s room for a bit more polish in the finer details, it doesn’t take away from the fact that this plane looks like a Bonanza should. The empennage and wings all look the part, and sure, a few small tweaks here and there wouldn’t hurt, but nothing that detracts from the overall visual appeal. In flight or sitting on the ramp, the aircraft gives you that classic Bonanza presence. For those looking for a familiar and iconic GA aircraft, PAE's model does the job. With a bit of refinement in future updates, it could really stand out even more, but as it is, it’s more than capable of delivering a satisfying experience. Interior Model & Texturing Stepping inside the G36, I was greeted with a cockpit that felt familiar, and that’s exactly what you want from a model like this. The general layout is spot on and while there are some areas that could use a bit of extra detail, the overall design gets the essentials right. The seats look good and match the real-world photos pretty well, though they do have a slightly rigid appearance (if you have back issues, bring a cushion). There’s not much in the way of animations beyond the rear doors, but once you’re settled into the cockpit and focused on flying, the interior more than does the job. In all, it feels like home. The panel itself is nicely textured and really does give off that Bonanza vibe. Sure, there’s always room for improvement, like the yokes, which are a little shinier than I remember in the real thing, but it’s not something that’ll break the immersion. The rudder pedals although detailed, could be a tad bigger, but unless you’re staring directly at them, it’s a minor thing. In short, the interior captures the essence of the G36. It’s got the right feel, and with a bit of refinement, it could really shine. As it stands, it’s a solid starting point that’ll keep most pilots, me included, happy. Avionics & Systems One of the standout features of this G36 is the avionics. You’ve got a slightly souped-up version of the Laminar G1000, complete with a custom startup that adds a bit of extra immersion. For those familiar with the G1000, you’ll feel right at home, nothing too fancy, but it’s intuitive and gets you flying without fuss. Some of the circuit breakers are functional, which is a neat detail, though not all of them are. But honestly, the core systems you need for a solid flight experience are well-represented here, and they mirror the real aircraft’s layout quite closely. It’s not the deepest systems modelling you’ll find, but for what’s on offer, and for the price, it more than gets the job done. Flight Dynamics Now, here’s where this G36 really shows its true colours, the flight dynamics are an absolute treat. I took the Bonanza for a spin from Kempsey to Port Macquarie, and let me tell you, it handled like a dream. Whether you’re cruising over the red centre or flying along the coast, it’s got that snappy, responsive feel you’d expect from a Bonanza. From takeoff to landing, it just feels right. The power settings are spot on, give or take a smidge of manifold pressure here and there, but nothing that’ll make you sweat. Takeoff is straightforward, with the rudder offering just the right amount of authority without feeling like you’re wrestling a croc. The ailerons and rudder are linked beautifully, so keeping the G36 in check through steep turns or a chandelle is a breeze, 45, 50, or even 60 degrees, it holds steady like a true workhorse. Stalls are recreated well, with the customary buffeting and wing drop, giving a realistic feel during those moments. In cruise, the G36 remains steady and responsive, handling beautifully through steep turns or more complex manoeuvres. The power settings are accurate enough, and the plane feels like it’s in its element whether you're making small adjustments or just enjoying the ride. When it came to managing the power and speed for approach, I had no trouble. With half flaps and the gear down, it settled comfortably around 110 knots, just a touch higher than the real thing, but nothing that’ll pull you out of the experience. All up, the flight dynamics are the star of the show. Whether you’re doing a quick hop between bush strips or tackling something more challenging, the G36 feels natural. If you’ve flown a real Bonanza, you’ll feel right at home, and if you haven’t, this will give you a solid taste of what it’s like! Night Lighting The night lighting is solid overall. The panel is nicely illuminated, and you’ve got a few switches and knobs to tinker with, so you can set it up just the way you like it. The cabin lighting, though, is a bit on the dull side, especially when compared to some of the other GA aircraft I’ve flown. A touch more wattage wouldn’t hurt! The exterior lights are spot on though and really get the job done. Sound When it comes to sound, PAE's G36 does a pretty good job, especially where it counts. The engine sounds are absolutely top-notch. That throaty IO550 roar is music to the ears, walk around the plane and you’ll hear all the right notes. From the muffled hum behind the engine to the deep rumble up front, it’s clear the developer nailed this part. Inside the cockpit, the engine sounds are close enough to the real thing, especially at idle, and once you push the power up, it delivers that satisfying growl. The auxiliary fuel pump sounds a bit tinny, but it gets the job done. Open the pilot-side window, and you’ll even get some wind noise, though there’s a bit of a delay with that, which makes you wonder if the wind’s just catching up with you! The other sounds, switches, flap motors, and landing gear are functional and do the job, though they don’t quite have the unique Bonanza character just yet. The landing gear sound could use some tweaking, as it’s a bit loud in comparison to the rest, but once you’re in the air, it’s not something you’ll dwell on. All in all, the sound package is solid where it matters most. The exterior sounds, in particular, are fantastic and really add to the immersion. With a few updates to the interior sounds, this could easily become a standout feature. Final Thoughts At the end of the day, this G36 Bonanza brings plenty to the table for sim pilots. It’s fast, responsive, and has that lovely balance of performance that’ll keep you grinning whether you’re cruising over the outback or weaving through some tighter bush strips. There’s still a bit of room for polish in the modelling and sound department, but what’s here lays a solid foundation. The engine sounds really give this plane a lot of character, and the flight dynamics make it a joy to fly. If you’re after a piston single that’s not a Cirrus and carries that classic Beechcraft charm, this Bonanza ticks all the right boxes. And with a few updates down the line, there’s no doubt this aircraft can grow into something even more special. As it stands, PAE’s G36 is a versatile, fun aircraft, and it’s well worth adding to your X-Plane hangar. ________________________ Beechcraft Bonanza G36 by PAE is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Priced at $29.99 Features X-Plane G1000 enhanced to show Annunciators in the PFD and custom Start up sequence Working Circuit Breakers Animated Doors VR Compatible PBR Materials Custom Sounds Rain / Defroster on the Windshields Avitab Integration - Tablet to Enable and Disable The Plane has been tested and it matches the POH performance numbers for the LOP settings. Requirements X-Plane 12 Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Download Size: 606 MB Current version: 1.1 - June 10th, 2024 Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 7 5800X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 3080 – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Jack Thompson 30th September 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Scenery Review: KBOI - Boise Air Terminal XP12 by Verticalsim By Dennis Powell Introduction Idaho, long known as the Gem State, boasts scenery that truly lives up to its name. With rugged, majestic mountains, rivers with challenging rapids, and lakes that are a fisherman’s dream, the landscape is the real gem of the state. Boise, the capital, is in the southern part of Idaho, where agriculture plays a key role, and is served by the airport we’ll be exploring today. This joint-use civilian and military facility also serves the Idaho Air and Army National Guard. KBOI is Idaho's largest and busiest airport, serving just over 2 million passengers in 2022, more than all other airports in the state combined. Verticalsim includes not only Boise Air Terminal but also the detailed representation of the National Guard side of the field. The civilian side features the airport terminal and the headquarters of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), while Gowen Field is home to the 124th Fighter Wing, flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the Warthog. The airport features two runways: 10L/28R, which is 10,000 feet long, and 10R/28L, just shy of that at 9,763 feet. Runway 10R/28L is equipped with ILS/DME, while both have VASI systems to aid in landings. There’s also a helipad, H1, which measures 50 by 50 feet, perfect for rotor heads like me. Verticalsim has recreated many of the airport’s unique features with impressive detail on both the civilian and military sides, using a variety of custom buildings and objects. You can even spot the area where firefighting aircraft load up, with fire retardant spills replicated on the ramp. Installation Process The package is quite large at 1.8 GB, but once downloaded and extracted, it was a simple drag-and-drop into my custom scenery folder. Although the scenery requires the SAM 3 suite to animate the jetways, the airport will still load and function without it. No online activation was required for installation. Documentation Verticalsim provides an 8-page PDF that explains the installation process and outlines the key features of the airport. It also covers known issues with the scenery, along with contact and licensing information. This PDF is the only documentation included with the package; no charts or navigation aid information are provided. Exploration Walkthrough For this review, I’m using Ortho4XP and X-World America. These addons help show both the surrounding area and how the supplied ortho at the airport blends in. That said, the colouring of the supplied ortho is a bit different from the wider area, and it only extends to the airport perimeter. Keep in mind, the quality of the ortho can vary depending on the source used. When I mention the quality of the orthos here, I’ll be referring specifically to those included with the scenery package. At high altitude, the view of the airport closely resembles what you’d see on Google Earth. This is largely due to Verticalsim’s use of ortho photos for the ground cover. While I appreciate the accuracy these photos bring to textures and ground markings, they often come with a drawback, and this scenery is no exception. As you get closer to the ground, you’ll notice that the ortho photos haven’t been adjusted to remove time-sensitive elements like shadows, parked vehicles, or other temporary objects. Some of these vehicles, especially parked cars, are covered with 3D models, but others, particularly cars that were moving when the photo was taken, are not. This has been a common issue with Verticalsim sceneries, and it applies to Boise here too. Runway & Taxiways For the runways, taxiways, and ramps, it seems Verticalsim used ortho photos as a guide, placing polygons over the top to replicate surface textures. As with their previous airports, all the surfaces where aircraft move are given a transparent texture with a polygon overlay. This was common practice before X-Plane 12, when different textures were required for runways. One unique feature is on the ramp near the NIFC, where fire retardant spills are replicated both through the ortho photo and a custom polygon. By using ortho photos as a guide, the custom markings align well with those at the real airport. However, one small detail I noticed during taxi testing is that not all the taxi lines match up perfectly. It’s a minor detail and easy to overlook at an airport of this size. Another observation is that some of the runway edge lights are placed right in the middle of the taxiway leading off the runway. Ground Textures & Foliage Ortho photos cover the entire airport, not just the runways, taxiways, and ramps. The ground cover, along with trees, bushes, and other plant life, is also part of the ortho photos, with 3D trees placed in the appropriate spots. The ground cover looks accurate and blends well with the surrounding autogen just outside the airport, unless you notice the 2D trees beneath the 3D ones, which usually only becomes an issue for helicopter pilots flying very low. As for the 3D trees, they are custom objects that appear to move with the wind and change with the seasons. After checking the overview in WED, it seems the trees are placed as individual points, not as area forests. I have to give Verticalsim credit here: the trees on the airport don’t include the random palm trees often seen in X-Plane’s autogen foliage. Kudos for that. Signage & Navigation Aids As is the norm for an airport of this size, it has plenty of signage for both the runways and taxiways. The taxi and runway signs are clearly visible and accurately marked. Some are even enhanced with painted markings on the taxiways directing you to the runways and parking areas. The airport has a tower frequency, so AI planes would be able to use the airport if it weren’t for the use of transparent textures for the runways and taxiways. Boise features a VOR station on the eastern edge of the field, and while flying my Cessna 172, I was able to tune into the signal, which it tracked very accurately. The airport is also equipped with ILS, but I didn’t test that feature, as I was flying VFR for much of this review. Main Airport Buildings Starting with the terminal, it’s well-rendered with 3D detail and really does resemble the main terminal at KBOI. There’s no visible interior, even when flying “dangerously” through the building. Other notable structures on the civilian side include the National Interagency Fire Center, cargo terminals, hotels, restaurants, hangars for various tenants, and a large multilevel parking garage. All are rendered in 3D and look sharp and highly detailed. On the military side, the Air National Guard hangars really stand out. The entire National Guard base is represented, not just the hangars. Even the Army National Guard buildings are included, along with some of the old World War II temporary barracks that somehow became permanent fixtures on many U.S. bases. However, the use of orthos does bring a few drawbacks. A few of the buildings, particularly on the military side, are only partially 3D, with sections left as 2D ortho photos. In some cases, buildings are just 2D photo representations with no 3D models over them at all. This isn’t noticeable if you’re flying a fixed-wing aircraft and sticking to the runways and taxiways. But for rotor heads like me, it’s a glaring issue that sticks out like a sore thumb. Ground Clutter Ground clutter, both 3D and 2D, is abundant at Boise. On the civilian side, you’ll find plenty of vehicles, including baggage carriers, cars, trucks, and the usual assortment of cones, barriers, dumpsters, and waste cans. Over on the military side, the clutter takes on a more tactical feel, with tanks, A-10 Warthogs, and other military hardware scattered around. Despite all this, not a single person is visible anywhere in the scenery. It feels like everyone took a lunch break and left the airport at the same time, giving the place an eerie vibe, like the lights are on, but no one’s home. Having an airport of this size completely to yourself feels a bit unsettling. Surrounding Area Depending on your scenery source, both default and custom, the package blends quite well with the surrounding area, although there is a noticeable boundary where the airport ends. This isn’t unique to Verticalsim; all X-Plane custom airports have this issue, so it’s not a major concern. Even when using X-World America and an ortho tile of the area, there aren’t any custom features that are specific to Boise. For example, I couldn’t find the Capitol Building, even though Boise is the state capital. Anything unique to Boise can only be found within the airport itself. Night Lighting When I first started making airports, the temptation to make them stand out like neon signs was hard to resist. But after watching tutorial videos by Jan Vogel, I learned that airports are almost like black holes in their surrounding areas. Verticalsim nailed this part! The airport doesn’t stand out at night, except for a few features like the runway, approach, and taxi lights. They’re all visible, but not overdone. The same goes for the ramp lighting, it’s subtle and effective. Many buildings, along with the hotels and restaurants, have lit signs, which add a nice touch. One standout detail is the use of yellow lights for the parking lots, representing the sodium vapor lights that I remember Idaho using in the 1970s. The airport beacon sits atop the tower and can be seen for miles, but the tower itself lacks any noticeable night lighting. Overall, the night lighting is well done and successfully captures the feel of a midsized airport. Performance Impact In the past, a scenery package from Verticalsim would really put a strain on my computer. However, after upgrading my motherboard, processor, and RAM, I was able to achieve respectable frame rates with this scenery. On the military side of the field, I was getting frame rates in the high 30s, though they dropped to the high 20s on the civilian side. I’m not sure what caused the difference, as both sides contain a lot of detail to render. I’m running an NVidia RTX graphics card with 12 GB of video RAM and 32 GB of system RAM, so I’d consider my machine to be pretty robust. For anyone using an older machine with less RAM or a weaker graphics card, Boise might significantly impact your performance. To enjoy the scenery, I’d recommend at least 16 GB of RAM and a graphics card with 8 GB of VRAM. Conclusion Overall, I’d say this is a fantastic airport. It’s not too big, not too small, about the same size as my home airport, KBTV, and similar in that both are joint civil and military airports. There are so many extras, like military vehicles and aircraft, and the fact that the entire airport is represented makes it well worth the price of just under $15 USD. The use of ortho photos has its pros and cons, but overall, especially for fixed-wing pilots, it’s not a deal breaker. There are a few small tweaks that could make this airport truly shine, and luckily, it’s accessible in WED for anyone wanting to fix the minor issues or add some people. Even though it’s a bit outside my usual flying area, I might just add a cat and duck for personal use later. If you’re really into bush flying, this airport is a perfect gateway to Idaho’s backcountry, where you can regroup and enjoy a bit of civilization before heading out into the wild of Idaho. ________________________ KBOI - Boise Air Terminal XP12 by Verticalsim is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: KBOI - Boise Air Terminal XP12 Priced at $14.99 Features 2021 Airport layout PBR Ground Textures Sam Custom Highly detailed jetways Animated Vehicle traffic 4K HD Textures Highly Optimized Accurate 3D models of terminals, hangars Commercial Grade 0.5ft resolution Aerial Imagery HDR night Lighting Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1.8 GB Current version: 1.0 (September 9th, 2024) Review System Specifications AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – 32GB RAM - Nvidia RTX 2060 12GB – Windows 11 __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dennis Powell 27th September 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Scenery Review: PASI - Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport XP12 By Northern Sky Studio By Dominic Smith Introduction Everyone has a bucket list, right? After all, you only live once! One of the top items on mine is a visit to Alaska, specifically the Inside Passage, even if the name does raise a few smiles (I’m looking at you, Mrs Smith!). One of my favourite airports in this breathtaking region is Sitka. I first discovered the area back in the days of X-Plane 8, through the legendary Tom Curtis and his scenery packages Inside Passage and Final Frontier. A lot has changed since then, with even the default X-Plane terrain now offering a far more convincing environment. But whenever I see new scenery for this area, whether in the file library or the store, I can’t help but remember Tom’s fantastic work. So, when I spotted a new version of Sitka, this time by Northern Sky Studio, I knew I had to check it out. If you’re not familiar with Northern Sky Studio, you’re missing out as they create some of the best small airport sceneries for X-Plane. Their rendition of Sitka comes packed with high-resolution ground textures, custom runway textures, detailed building textures, PBR effects, custom 3D vegetation, updated lighting effects, and even an optional custom Ortho4XP tile for the surrounding area. If that’s not enough for you, well, I don’t know what is! Sitka Airport The real airport is named after Sitka's former mayor, Rocky Gutierrez (and no, he wasn’t a boxer!). It features a single paved runway, situated on a causeway that extends from Japonski Island. The runway, designated 11/29, has an asphalt surface and measures 7,200 by 150 feet (2,195 x 46 metres). The airport includes a single terminal with a jetway, offering year-round air service by Alaska Airlines, with seasonal flights provided by Delta Air Lines' regional affiliate, Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines. In addition to the terminal, the airport hosts hangars and offices for local air traffic control, the Civil Air Patrol, and various private enterprises. The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka is also attached to the airport for its helicopter operations, although their rotary-wing aircraft seldom use the runway for takeoffs and landings. The airport’s location comes with its share of safety hazards, including ocean waves washing over the runway during storms, high winds due to its exposed position, and large flocks of birds living nearby. These factors combine to make Sitka Airport one of the ten most thrilling landing experiences in the world. Installation As has become the norm with sceneries from Northern Sky Studio, installation is straightforward. Once purchased, download the 2.2GB file, unzip it, and place the newly created “PASI_Northern_Sky_Studio” folder into your Custom Scenery directory. The included documentation recommends downloading and installing not only the optional photographic ortho tile of the area but also X-World America by simHeaven and Global Trees from Orbx, all of which I did for this review. There’s no need for third-party launchers or online activation, making it an easy and hassle-free process, unlike some sceneries I’ve come across recently. First Impressions Having lived in Scotland for most of my life, there’s something very homely about Alaska. For me, it’s the remoteness, the idea that if you wanted to escape the world, it wouldn’t be too hard to do. Of course, Alaska’s landscape dwarfs that of Scotland in size, but the ruggedness and sheer beauty of the topography are strikingly similar, and that’s what makes Sitka such a great starting point for your adventure. The only thing you need to decide is which direction you want to take. Default X-Plane 12 does a reasonable job of recreating the airport, the town, the jetties, and the numerous small islands scattered around, but with Northern Sky Studio’s scenery installed, everything is elevated to a whole new level. And it’s a big level at that. Perhaps the most noticeable difference, particularly from above, is the edited coastline and water bodies. X-Plane’s default coastline and its rendering of small islands can be quite poor in places, to say the least, but here, everything is vastly improved. When you combine that with the photographic elements, both included and optional, the results are simply stunning. Closer to Home As you descend, Japonski Island and the custom mesh of the main runway come into view, really showcasing the slightly elevated terrain. While X-Plane’s default mesh captures this to some extent, the custom mesh here makes it far more pronounced. Thanks to the high-resolution photographic tile, both clarity and detail remain impressive, even when viewed relatively close to the ground. When you combine that with X-Plane 12’s incredible volumetric water, it’s as good as it gets, well, almost. Runway & Taxiway Textures As is typical with sceneries from Northern Sky Studio, the custom ground textures around the airport are excellent. The transition between these and the larger photographic elements is seamless, with none of the abrupt texture changes you might notice in other sceneries. Situated close to Sitka Sound, the runway shows signs of environmental weathering, such as cracks, along with rubber marks and oil stains left by aircraft. These details are even more pronounced on the airport apron, adding to the overall realism. Signage & Foliage Northern Sky Studio uses their own custom 3D signs, which are both crisp and easy to read. Personally, I find the use of default X-Plane signs in custom "payware" sceneries a bit off-putting, so I really appreciate it when developers go the extra mile and include details like these. Complementing the 3D signs are a few 2D elements, mostly found on the taxiways and apron. As for the foliage, Northern Sky Studio has included custom volumetric grass, carefully placed trees, and shrubbery, all of which enhance the scenery without overdoing it. I mention this because, given the location, it would be easy to go overboard with grass and trees, which could negatively impact framerates or VRAM usage. Fortunately, the developers have been quite disciplined in this regard, balancing realism with performance. Airport Perimeter For me, the difference between a standout scenery and a merely good one often comes down to the small details, and this is another area where Northern Sky Studio excels. It’s those little touches that make a scenery feel alive, and Sitka is no exception. Along the shore and around the airport perimeter, you’ll find small huts, aircraft floats, logs, windsocks, and other minor elements, all of which help bring the scene to life and elevate the overall experience. Airport Buildings In addition to the main terminal (which we’ll cover shortly), the scenery includes several key buildings such as the U.S. Coast Guard building, the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Aero Services, an Alaskan cargo building, Alaska Seaplanes, and a FedEx facility. Each of these buildings features excellent 3D modelling and texturing, with the latter enhanced by PBR effects, adding a layer of realism to the overall environment. Ground Clutter & Vehicles No scenery is complete without ground clutter, and you’ll be pleased to know that Sitka has plenty! Scattered around the airport are numerous small items, including cones, pallets, ladders (even stepladders), fire extinguishers, cargo containers, trailers, and much more. Alongside these static elements, there are also the usual animated airport vehicles we’ve come to expect, such as luggage carts, tugs, and tankers, adding life and activity to the scene. Terminal Building As with most airport sceneries, the terminal building is one of the main highlights, and it’s wonderfully recreated here. The 3D modelling is of an exceptionally high standard, as is the texture work. The painted wooden exterior features plenty of suitable weathering, giving it an authentic feel. The welcoming airport sign and the see-through windows, offering a glimpse of the modelled interior, add to the realism. Upon entering the terminal, you’re greeted by a distinctly Alaskan theme. Above you, various wildlife trophies (beautifully modelled), along with maps, posters, and local artwork, create a welcoming atmosphere. These are of good quality and remain sharp, even when viewed up close. Adding to the scene are numerous 3D models of passengers going about their business, along with airport staff, a signature feature of Northern Sky Studio. There’s also an inviting dining area, perfect for grabbing a bite before your flight. The waiting area, like the diner, features plenty of seating, along with a few ATMs and boarding pass machines. If you’re heading somewhere remote, now’s the time to take out some cash, it could come in handy if you need to bribe a bear! Sitka As you leave the airport, the town of Sitka comes into view once again. The custom autogen and photographic tile work seamlessly together, bringing this small town to life. Despite the limitations of X-Plane’s default scenery, I’ve always found the area around Sitka reasonably beautiful. But with this rendition by Northern Sky Studio, everything is taken to a whole new level. The varied custom autogen and high-quality photographic tile combine to create an environment that is extremely pleasing to the eye. The seaplane base, piers, and numerous jetties, which were already reasonably detailed in the default scenery, are even more impressive here. The custom autogen extends beyond the John O’Connell Bridge, which links the airport to Baranof Island, and into the town itself. Here, you’re greeted by a mix of residential and commercial buildings, offering a glimpse into the town’s character. Beyond this, the autogen ends, but the surrounding mountains and forests continue, maintaining the natural beauty of the area. Night Lighting The dynamic lighting at Sitka Airport is very well done, with just the right balance, not too bright and not too dim. Achieving that perfect middle ground is harder than you might think, but Northern Sky Studio has nailed it here. Both the runway and taxiways are well lit, as are most of the main airport buildings. The interior of the main terminal looks particularly inviting at night, though I do wish we could do something about the bear and moose heads, the fish, on the other hand, I can live with! Performance I was very pleased with how the scenery performed on my system. Frame rates, even at night, remained in the upper forties to lower fifties, with most sliders set to maximum (except for antialiasing). Of course, performance is always system dependent, so your experience may vary depending on your X-Plane setup. Conclusion Northern Sky Studio has once again delivered an exceptional scenery. Not only do you get an incredibly detailed rendition of Sitka Airport, but also a highly detailed representation of the town. Add the optional photographic ortho tiles, and it becomes a totally immersive experience. At just $15, the scenery offers incredible value for money, especially considering the level of detail on offer. Whether you're familiar with the area, as I was, or simply looking for a new place to explore in X-Plane, Sitka by Northern Sky Studio is a must-have addition to your virtual world. Just be prepared to bribe those bears! ________________________ Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport by Northern Sky Studio is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport Priced at $15.00 Features The most detailed replica of airport buildings and vehicles High-resolution ground textures / Custom runway textures High-resolution building textures Compatible with all X-Plane 12 features: Weather effects Native jetways PBR materials New lights 3D vegetation Ortho4XP tile (link in the manual): X-Plane 12 bathymetry X-Plane 12 DSF sound High resolution elevation Edited orthophotos Edited coastline and water bodies All materials created for full PBR Shading and occlusion effects on all airport buildings Custom orthophoto for the airport and surrounding areas World Traffic 3 compatible Compatible with Ortho4XP and default mesh Requirements X-Plane 12 (Not for XP11) Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 2.2 GB Current version: 1.0 (September 2nd, 2024) Review System Specifications Intel i5 12400 – 32GB RAM - Nvidia Asus RTX 4070 – Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dominic Smith 13th September 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Hi copacetic4, I appreciate your perspective, and I agree that X-Plane has excelled in areas like aircraft modelling, system depth, and flight dynamics. These are certainly core strengths that attract dedicated simmers. However, as Stephen mentioned, there’s evidence of stagnation or even a decline in the user base and third-party support, which raises concerns about the platform's future growth. While I can’t point to hard data either, anecdotal evidence from the departure of third-party developers and dwindling activity in the community suggests that these issues are indeed very real. You mentioned that some developers leaving the platform weren’t that invested, and while that may be true in some cases, I can tell you firsthand that fewer developers mean fewer add-ons, which weakens X-Plane's overall appeal, especially when MSFS is attracting so much attention with both high-quality aircraft and visuals (although the former is debatable). Whether or not these developers were key players is beside the point, the loss of third-party investment in any form is a signal that X-Plane needs to adapt to maintain competitiveness. Regarding the importance of true-to-life scenery, I understand it may not be at the top of your priority list, but I would argue that visuals are not just about aesthetics; they’re essential for attracting a wider audience and keeping the simulator competitive. As Stephen pointed out, X-Plane is currently a “minnow against a whale” when compared to MSFS, which has drawn in a massive user base thanks to its eye candy. Sites like the Org, as you know, rely on viewing numbers and traffic to stay afloat, which is a crucial point. If X-Plane remains a niche product, there’s a very real risk that communities like the Org might struggle to survive, simply because there won’t be enough interest to cover costs. Maintaining a “niche” might appeal to some, but the reality is that X-Plane needs to attract a broader audience to stay relevant in the long term, and true-to-life scenery plays a significant role in that. Laminar doesn’t need to outspend Microsoft MSFS, but it does need to stay competitive. Like it or not, eye-catching visuals attract people, and without that, X-Plane risks being left behind. As a slight side note, before jumping in and criticising Stephen's article with comments like, "It seems you spend time writing and sharing your monthly recaps knowing that some readers won’t agree with your analysis," it would be more respectful to first acknowledge and thank him for the time and effort he has put into the article. A bit of appreciation goes a long way! Cheers Dominic

Utility Review: xOrganizer v3 XP12 By DrishalMAC2 Introduction: xOrganizer is a fantastic tool for X-Plane 12 users, streamlining the often complex task of managing and organizing scenery, plugins, scripts, and preferences. This versatile tool is not just a time-saver but also a powerful resource for enhancing the overall X-Plane experience. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user with a large collection of add-ons, xOrganizer is indispensable. In this review, I will explore the various features and functions of xOrganizer and discuss how it can optimize your X-Plane setup. X-Plane 12 Integration: Since its release, xOrganizer has been continually developed to keep pace with the latest advancements in X-Plane, including the transition to X-Plane 12. This update has introduced significant improvements, ensuring that xOrganizer remains compatible with the latest scenery formats, plugins, and aircraft. The tool now offers enhanced support for the new X-Plane 12 features, enabling users to manage and organize their content more efficiently. Version 3.4.0 Update: The latest update to xOrganizer, version 3.4.0, released on August 10th, 2024, introduces several new features and improvements that further enhance its functionality and ease of use. A notable addition is the Scenery Coverage Function, which provides users with a comprehensive overview of their installed scenery. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring that your scenery tiles cover the intended areas without gaps or overlaps. Additionally, the update introduces the capability to always rescan tile coverage, ensuring that your scenery information is up-to-date and reflects any recent changes accurately. The update also introduces a Details and File Structure Window, giving users a clearer view of the contents and organization of their scenery and plugins. This feature is invaluable for those who need to keep track of complex file structures or troubleshoot issues. Coupled with the new Move Scenery Function, users can now easily reorganize their scenery files without risking disruption to their scenery_packs.ini order. Another handy addition is the ability to list the file structure of any folder within X-Plane, which simplifies the process of identifying and managing files within large directories. The Tooltips with Notes and Version Info feature is another welcome addition, providing quick access to important details about your scenery and plugins, helping you stay informed about the versions and specific notes related to each item. Furthermore, the update includes a Search Aircraft Livery function, making it easier to find specific liveries across your aircraft collection. This is particularly useful for users with extensive custom liveries and aircraft models. In addition to these new features, version 3.4.0 includes several improvements and small bug fixes that enhance the overall stability and performance of xOrganizer. These enhancements make an already powerful tool even more user-friendly and efficient. Installation: Installing xOrganizer is straightforward. After downloading it from the X-Plane store, simply extract the files and place them in your preferred location. The user-friendly interface ensures an easy start, and the comprehensive documentation provides all the necessary instructions, making it accessible for even beginners to quickly master. Scenery Management: One of the most challenging aspects of managing an X-Plane installation is maintaining the correct order of scenery packs in the “scenery_packs.ini” file. xOrganizer excels in this area by automatically sorting scenery based on several criteria, including continent, country, and region. This feature alone is a game-changer for users with extensive scenery collections, as it prevents conflicts and ensures that everything loads in the correct order. Additionally, xOrganizer offers a fantastic map view of your airports, orthophotos, and other scenery, providing a clear overview of what you have installed and where it's located. This map feature is particularly useful for identifying coverage gaps or areas where mesh might overlap, helping you fine-tune your setup for the best performance and visual quality. It has proven invaluable in my experience for seeing which Ortho4XP tiles I have already downloaded and whether they cover the airports I plan to fly to or from. Plugin and Script Management: Managing plugins and scripts in X-Plane can be tricky, especially when dealing with potential conflicts between them. xOrganizer simplifies this process by automatically sorting plugins by type and function and checking for missing or outdated plugin XPL files. This systematic organization significantly reduces the likelihood of conflicts and ensures that your X-Plane runs smoothly and error-free. X-Plane Preferences and Aircraft Management: xOrganizer extends its functionality beyond just scenery and plugins, offering sophisticated tools for managing X-Plane preferences and aircraft. The software allows you to create multiple user profiles, each tailored to different flying experiences, such as specific setups for VR versus traditional monitor use. This flexibility enables you to optimize X-Plane’s performance and reduce load times by disabling unnecessary content. This is particularly beneficial for users with lower-end systems or those with extensive add-on libraries. For instance, you could have two shortcuts on your desktop for X-Plane: one configured for VR and another for use with a regular monitor. Extra Functions: xOrganizer is packed with additional features that significantly enhance its utility: Scenery Checks: Automatically checks the contents of your scenery packages for missing or outdated libraries and identifies duplicate or conflicting airports. Plugin Checks: Ensures that all necessary plugin files are present, significantly reducing the risk of crashes. Backup System: Creates backups of critical files like the “scenery_packs.ini”, X-Plane preferences, and logs, which are crucial in case of issues. Profiles: Allows you to set up different profiles for scenery, plugins, preferences, and aircraft, enabling you to launch X-Plane with your selected profile tailored for specific types of flights. General Maintenance: xOrganizer can check for bad shortcuts, symlinks, and junctions, which are often overlooked but can lead to significant issues if not managed properly. Performance Optimization: One of the most appreciated aspects of xOrganizer is its ability to enhance X-Plane’s performance. By enabling users to disable content that isn't required for a particular session, xOrganizer can significantly reduce load times and improve frame rates. This feature is particularly valuable for users operating X-Plane on systems with limited resources or for those aiming to maximize performance during complex flights. Ease of Use: xOrganizer’s design is well-suited for both novice and seasoned X-Plane users. Beginners will appreciate the automated sorting and straightforward interface, while advanced users will value the detailed control and comprehensive information available for every aspect of their X-Plane setup. The tool’s ability to offer precise details about the contents of X-Plane files ensures that users can effectively manage and troubleshoot their setups. Conclusion: In summary, xOrganizer is an indispensable tool for anyone dedicated to their X-Plane 12 experience. Whether you’re managing scenery, plugins, scripts, or preferences, xOrganizer streamlines the process, ensuring that your simulator runs smoothly and efficiently. With its extensive feature set, including automated scenery sorting, plugin management, and performance optimization, xOrganizer is essential for both beginners and advanced users. If your aim is to enhance your X-Plane 12 experience and minimize time spent on repetitive tasks, xOrganizer is certainly worth the investment. ________________________ xOrganizer v3 XP12 is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: xOrganizer v3 XP12 Priced at US$15.00 Features xOrganizer helps you manage your: Scenery Plugins/scripts X-Plane preferences Aircraft xOrganizer does this by helping you with: Maintaining the right scenery order (scenery_packs.ini) Overviews, especially handy if you have collected a lot of stuff Preventing conflicts between scenery packages and between plugins/scripts Setting up X-Plane for a specific type of flight, but also for instance for VR versus monitor setup Increase X-Plane performance and load time by disabling content Managing scenery One of the more difficult tasks managing your X-Plane installation is keeping the right order for your scenery. xOrganizer uses several methods to automatically determine the type of scenery and help you create the right order. For beginners AND advanced users Although xOrganizer helps beginners a lot, xOrganizer is also a powerful tool for advanced users. Anything you can do manually can be done with xOrganizer, but much quicker and easier! Furthermore, xOrganizer offers a lot of detailed information on the contents of X-Plane files. Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows only (Windows 10 and above) Current version: 3.4.0 (August 10th 2024) Review System Specifications Windows 11, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 3070Ti ________________________ Utility Review by DrishalMAC2 30th August 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).