Stephen

Aircraft Review : Airbus A321-231 by ToLiSS If you believe the demographics then the most largest percentage of online flying is in the so called two hour circle, that is a flight on average of two hours, the second demographic is the most flown aircraft online are the same as in the real world with single-aisle aircraft dominating the airways. So put the two demographics together and you will come up with the most attractive aircraft that you would want to fly online. In reality again like the real world it comes down to Boeing or Airbus, and then the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 Series. Flying the Boeing is really all about the golden age of airliner flying, the 737 harks back to the ice ages of aviation, but that is also why the aircraft is so popular. The French Airbus however is all about systems and electronics, it is noted as the "Electric Jet" and also the NintendoJet, ScareBus and Die-by-Wire. So if the aircraft is defined by it's systems then the choice is quite narrow, in reality there is only one "Study Grade" Airbus A320, and that is the FlightFactor version, and it is expensive, but also extremely good, an option is the Peters Aircraft Series, but it really only semi-grade. The only other system depth Airbus A320 was a collaboration between QPAC and Torsten Liesk that was really the first true A320 system aircraft and for the time in early X-Plane10 it was very good and introduced the X-Plane simulator to pure Airbus systems but more so in the area of Airbus dynamics or modes with the "Fly-By-Wire" and flight "laws". But when QPAC withdrew out of simulation, Torsten Liesk became ToLiSS, and oddly enough didn't release a A320, but the smaller Airbus A319-121 which is a popular but niche aircraft in A320 Series Family. ToLiSS's second release is again another arm of the A320 family, but this time over at the larger end of the series with the Airbus A321-200 The A321 is a stretch of the A320 concept. The A320 fuselage was lengthened by a 4.27 m (14 ft 0 in) with a plug ahead of the wing and a 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in) plug behind it, so that the A321 is 6.94 metres (22 ft 9 in) longer than the A320, the length increase required the overwing window exits of the A320 to be converted into door exits and they are repositioned in front of and behind the wings.To maintain performance, double-slotted flaps and minor trailing edge modifications were included, and the changes increased the wing area from 124 m2 (1,330 sq ft) to 128 m2 (1,380 sq ft). The centre fuselage and undercarriage are reinforced to accommodate the increase in maximum takeoff weight of 9,600 kg (21,200 lb), taking it to 83,000 kg (183,000 lb). 236 at 28 in (71 cm) pitch. Seating in one is 236 at 28 in (71 cm) pitch over the A320 one class seating of 195/190, the variant first flew 11th March 1993. Airbus A321-231 by ToLiSS Comparisons to the earlier A319 are bound to be at the forefront of looking at the A321, so let us very early on put that situation into the correct perspective. The New A321 is almost exactly the same in most ways as the A319, it is just longer and with the wing modifications. In fact almost everything here in the A321 is the same as the A319. That is in the modeling, quality, details, frills and pretty well everything else. There are nip's and tuck's, but the same updated touches here also will go to the A319 as well, so again they will both level up together in the long run. Modeling wise it isn't going to be the absolute best and detailed on the market, and in some areas that shows. But we don't buy these ToLiSS aircraft for those reasons anyway, overall though it is a very nice looking aircraft and actually looks really nice, however there is a basic if quality feel to the aircraft. Gear detail is however excellent and very Airbus distinctive. all the gear assembly and struts are here with the correct lighting and braking systems, the only thing you shouldn't do is look too close at the gear in the wing or wheel-bay attachment points, but otherwise it is impressive. You have a choice of two engine types like with the A319 on the A321. There is the... CFM56-5B3 - 33,000 lbf (150 kN) IAE V2533-A5 - 33,000 lbf (150 kN) Engine detail is good, but again not totally exceptional, the IAE is better in shape and with internal reverser detail, the CFM internally not so much. There is a huge gap on the tail attachment points, but otherwise the tail and rear is fine, just again don't go looking for any perfection and high detailing. Cabin Close your eyes and open them again, yes it is not the A319, but the A321.... the difference is in the massive length of the A321's cabin with no class separators... seats, even if are very nice are also from the A319. Cabin is actually very nice, but short on that absolute detail, ditto the galley's which are certainly well done, but many flat images abound.... .... only the required centre doors are new, and no they don't open. Forward galley is again very good, missing are the roof lighting effects to bring the galley to life, yes there is lighting, but it is automatically controlled. Cockpit The cockpit door does open to give you that usual "No you can't enter in here" view you get while boarding any Airbus. Welcome to all the shades of Airbus blue/grey. The textures are slightly a darker grey than in the A319 and not that more bluey gray. Cockpit feels more early 2000's than current... Like the A319 you will miss your toys, armrests are solid, the worktable is not animated, blinds don't work and the side windows don't open, but otherwise it is is all very nicely kitted out. Note the nicely done animated side-stick, it is set here at full pitch rearwards. There is a note that there are some new cockpit textures created by Tote de Mac that are now included on the A321 and later for the A319, the release of these far more higher (Hi-Def) Higher Definition textures are seen here on the release version of the aircraft... and they are also extremely good. The new textures are on the left above in the "Hi-Def" version, and while the "Std-Def" version still has the older textures (above right), and you can easily see the far more depth of the quality of the textures and shadow areas (arrowed) between the two versions. Closer inspection shows you the more beautifully textured panel with the Physically Based Rendering materials in giving you a more metal mottled look and the feel of the panel comes far more alive, the panel and surface reflections are far better as well... .... all the panels in Hi-Def are far more realistic and note the lovely and realism on the top of the glareshield. ToLiSS is known for his Airbus system's and to a point that is why you will purchase this aircraft or the A319. From power up you are now in "Study Grade" territory, but you will first have to wait 40 secs for the systems to sort themselves out, but very authentic it is. There is modeling of each ADIRU including alignment and the small pressure sensor differences between the units, even for the switching over of the sources for the PFDs (Primary Flight Displays). Note the working terrain radar on the NAV/MAP displays. These aircraft are complex, as you would expect them to be. But you do have several manuals and a tutorial and both are very comprehensive, but if you can download an official Airbus manual then I recommend that as well, and go through it while sitting in the cockpit, learn everything and above all practice. If you have used the ToLiSS A319 then obviously you will have a big time huge head start, but even the FlightFactor A320U is a good guide. Now one difference between the A319 and the A321 is that the Whiskey Compass is now animated and drops down into your view. A321 contact breaker layout is a cross-reference alphabet to numbers, A - HA is on the roof rear, and J - Z is on the rear right panel, sadly the breakers don't work. TISCS Menu The menu system or "ToLiSS Interactive Simulation Control System" is a bit long winded but it is shortened as TISCS but it is an important part of the system, so we need to go through the TISCS first. I do recommend in setting up a key input to bring it up, as you will access the TISCS a lot (I use "S" and the TISCS menu works for both the A319 and A321). When the A319 was released the TISCS was very incomplete, but it was filled out quite comprehensively and massively changed around over the next twelve months. The A321 TISCS is starting at the current A319 stage of TISCS development, so most of the areas are now covered, but there are still a couple of blank areas noted as "Reserved for Future Extension" There are seven TISCS tabs available covering: Situations A/C Config, Loading Perfo, Ground Services, Faults Scenerios, Addons, Sound/Actions, Joystick and General Settings Actions. The default is the "Ground Services" panel Situations A/C Config The Config page is used to set up the aircraft with two sections, "Load/Save Situations" and "Aircraft Configuration" The Load/Save Situations is an absolute gem of a tool, basically it is "Save" tool, but it saves EVERYTHING including the important FMS settings and your route, and better still gives you a backup "Auto-Saving" feature in case X-PLANE does a nasty CTD (Crash to Desktop) or a freeze on you, all the saves are held in the X-Plane Plugin's Folder and not in the A321 Aircraft folder... years better than any other save tool in X-Plane it is simply golden to set up or to have your aircraft ready at a certain state of "ready to Flight", if you just want to come back and just fly, then you can save the aircraft ready that way... just simply brilliant. The Auto-Saving function can be set at save intervals from 1min to 30min, but 5min is the best. The saved situations can be "Filtered" to find certain saved situations (image below right) The Aircraft Configuration section covers engine selection (Auto, IAE 2533 and CFM56), the Auto setting is used with the codes on the liveries (CFMS), (IAES) to automatically set the correct engine type to the livery. Other choices include having the older winglets or the newer up-swept Sharklets. SATCOM antenna, Number of ACTS (Additional Center Tanks) and basically creates a LR version), FPLN on Ground (Flightplan on Ground) and connection of the ailerons to the GND SPLR (Ground Spoiler). Note: all the set page settings have to be saved before use. Loading Perfo This tab covers the Aircraft Loading and CG-CW, we will come back to this important tab in detail later when set up the aircraft Ground Services This tab covers the external factors on the aircraft. Quick Services provides options for "Ground Power" and "High and Low pressure air" to start the engines and provide ventilation/air-conditioning while on the ground. There are no external physical units, But there is a built in Pushback feature... The pushback is quite basic in look and to use in auto or manual modes. However I always use the excellent BetterPushBack Truck as an alternative. The ToliSS A321 has been configured correctly for the BetterPushBack use, so it works extremely well here. Note in watching the pushback operation on the ECAM! Aircraft Doors have three selections with Auto (default) Close and Open. The auto will open the doors when the park brake is set and the engines are off. But they do have a tendency to be a bit uncontrollable in opening/closing at the wrong times or not opening when you need them to be open. So the manual "Close" is my preference to control them. There is no save selection either and so every time you open the aircraft you have to then (constantly and annoyingly) reset all the doors back to your preference state, as the default auto setting will always switch and have the front left and the two cargo doors open every time you load up the aircraft? Seven doors open on the A321 in the Front/Rear Left, Front/Rear Right and three Cargo (Forward, AFT and Bulk) and all cargo holds come with excellent internal hold detail. The centre pair doors don't open. The Animated Services panel is not operational at this time, so there are no chock's, flags or engine covers. Faults Scenerios The A321 has a great failure system, or fault Scenarios. These failures can be set up on the TISCS Panel. This feature is listed under the "Faults Scenerios" tab. You can have a total random setting that covers a wide range of 90 faults over twelve systems, or you can set your own failure with the options including: NOW, AT TIME(set time in Seconds from now), AT IAS (Speed), AT ALT (set altitude) or RANDOM, and you can set as many failures as you like. My selection here is ELEC (Electrical)/AC BUS ESS/AT ALTITUDE, and the fault worked as set. Addon The ADDON tab is currently blank, on the A318 you had the option to purchase an original soundpack created by Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) for the IAE engine version and that feature was added in here. ToLiSS notes that there will be no soundpack add on this time. BlueSkyStar (BSS) also released a soundpack for the ToLiSS Airbus A319, called "Baby Bus Symphony" for the CFM engine option, again there are currently no notes if the same (excellent) CFM soundpack would be available for the A321. Sound/Actions, Joystick The Sound Settings panel covers the aural areas of : Master Volume, Engine Volume, System Volume, Cockpit sounds, Environmental, Ground Contact, Aural Alerts and External Volume. Doppler sound effects and 3D Sound Fading which is an option to switch off the sounds from the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and Flaps in the cockpit. Joystick Configuration selections options cover the "Primary Joystick", control of NWS (NoseWheel Steering) on/off, Enable Second Joystick (For custom setups like home built panels or training as it supports the use of two sidesticks (pilot and co-pilot side), A dual input and priority logic are also available as on the real aircraft), Tiller Assignment. (Rudder) Pedal Brakes Assignment with brake strength, Smart Park Brake, Allow Brake on One Pedal, keys F1/F2 Toggle reversers (I use joystick trigger!) and Tiller centre setting, Actions include "ADIRU Quick Alignment, and "Jump to next WPT (Waypoint)". Auto-Pause has four settings: OFF, ON WARNINGS, ON WARN + CAUT (Caution) and ON WARN/CAUT/TOD (Top of Descent). Auto-Pause will automatically pause the simulation, if, e.g. a master caution or master warning goes off. Again you have to save the Settings for them to be effective. General Settings The General Settings tab has five sections in: Product Info, Visual Settings, Startup Behaviour, User Interface and Miscellaneous. Product Info (Information) covers the current build number and version (very Airbus) Visual Settings include Display (Instrument) reflections, Window Reflections and Screen background Glow. Windshield (Librain) effects and Particle Effects. "Refresh PDF every X Cycles" This is an option for the weak graphic card users, in that instead of the heavy use every cycle to refresh the system displays, you can set the cycles to be redrawn either every 2nd or 4th cycle. Startup Behaviour sets the aircraft to a certain startup situation (known as Cold or Hot), options include: OVHD XP Start. Cold Start Type in COLD+DARK, EXT POWER (connected) and really all on with APU+ADIRU ON. Default Baro in either HPA or InHG (note you can also have the choice to SYNC or adjust manually the separate PFD Baros). Finally you can set your own default "Transition Altitude". User Interface is options on how you interact with the aircraft. Options include: Use Mouse wheel, Sync Baro Settings, Pop-out windows for Pop-ups and you can save your set Pop-Up configuration (Cockpit builders) on Quit. Miscellaneous ILS auto align is a feature that if the custom scenery that rotates the runway; for these cases the ILS and the runway are not aligned anymore. The ToLiSs A321 plugin thereby contains a feature that detects if there is such custom scenery installed and then realigns the ILS in the internal database with the new runway heading. XPDR Compatiblility Mode, is the use of different transponder modes. Enable AviTab Tablet, The AviTab tablet is installed on the lower left of the Pilot and usable if you have the AviTab plugin set in your plugin folder. For those that have an Navigraph account the use of Navigraph maps and tools are also available in the A321. Again remember you have to save the Settings and Default values for them to be effective and in some instances a restart is required to activate a setting. Manipulators The ToLiSS aircraft have their own system of manipulators, mostly to do two jobs in one... replicating the Airbus Push/Pull switchgear, and in two... for VR - Virtual Reality interaction. There are six types of manipulators, first Push/Pull. Two dots are pull and one dot is push, but they are close together and can you easily get them mixed up, especially if the aircraft is bouncing around... ... two vertical arrow heads are to scroll or to turn the knobs, arrowheads horizontal are to adjust rear knob selections. Spyglass is used to pop-out panels and for the FMS pop-outs, and in pop-out mode with a no dot manipulator will move the pop-out panel around the screen. _______________________________ Setting up the Airbus A321 To cover every detail and systems on the ToLiSS A321 is well beyond the scope of this review. This is a "Study" grade aircraft and follows the operations of a real Airbus manual. So to cover those aspects then you will need to download and study a full Flight Crew Operating Manual or FCOM, or Performance documentation and there is a lot of official documentation out there (SmartCockpit is a good place to start), plus ToLiSS provides three manuals in a Aircraft manual, Simulation manual and a Tutorial flight. This section of the review will cover a few set up tips and a general overview of the A321and mostly covering the Flight Management and Guidance System (FMGS) to set up a route from EGKK - Gatwick to LMML - Malta. Both the MCDUs (Multi-Function Control and Display Unit) are available and independent, both can also be used in pop-up mode, I usually use the WebFMC Pro for programming routes and an update for the A321 is now available. As the MCDU is study graded, then these units are very deep in detail and yes even complex. But ToLiss does provide a few helpers that fills out the most difficult or mathematical areas of filling out a flight plan. The Loading Perfo tab is your aircraft Weight&Balance manager (Aircraft Loading). Here you can set out the aircraft's passenger and cargo loads (weight) but note the passenger weight which also includes their baggage weight as well, the cargo weight is just for extra cargo. Critical for the Airbus A321 is the ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight) which is 73,800kgs but you don't want to go anywhere near that figure, so under 70,000kgs is the best option, so usually it is best to go light on any extra cargo... From SimBrief then my ZFW with a 183 one class passenger load/ 2,871kgs cargo load = ZFW 68,947kgs. Block Fuel is noted as 11,300kgs, you can do a quick Refuel or Defuel to the set required fuel load. The weights in CG limits (Centre of Gravity) and Load CG/ZFW limits are shown in a graph. The TISCS can't compute your settings until you have inserted the route and if the TO PERFORMANCE settings (below left) are blank... ... once your route and runway selection is complete then you can then set the S/F Config and Flightplan (Active or Secondary). This action will give you your V1, VR and V2 speeds, but more importantly is your CG/THS and FLEX TEMP On the "PERF" TAKE OFF page you can input the performance data... the Vspeeds, Flex Temperature and CG/THS (Centre (of) Gravity) / Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer setting for the assigned and noted runway "EGKK26L". Now the important input is the CG/THS (arrowed below left), and if you get it wrong and the aircraft is simply unflyable as this sets the trim correctly at takeoff and if the runway is sloped you have to also adjust that slider from the airport charts manually. The CG position for takeoff is noted as 29.2/DN0.2 but how it is inputted in, is like this 1/DN0.2 or Flap position 1/DN as in UP or DN (Down) 0.2. Confusing, yes it can be and it always catches me out. FLEX TEMP is noted here as 44 and that is inputted in the "FLEX to TEMP" RK/4 One of the most important calculations is hidden on the INIT page B (Scroll right on the INIT page). This is the fuel prediction page and you are required to fill in the ZFWCG (Zero Fuel Weight Centre of Gravity) / ZFW. This number is found lower left, and is inputted as 28.1/68.9 (68,900kgs) RK1 Another input on INIT page B is the Block fuel load, again 11,300kgs is inputted as 11.3 RK2 (note sometimes the fuel prediction won't compute unless you have entered in your ALTN/CO or Alternate diversion Airport, mine is LICB - Comiso on INIT page A)... ... if your inputs are correct then the MCDU F-PLN (Flightplan) will show not only your route, but all the fuel calculations as well. (Note the INIT page B will disappear once you have left the runway, so once in the air you can't change the calculations). All profile phases are covered with: TAKE OFF, CLB, CRZ, DES and APPR The FMGS depth here is very deep, so to get the A321 to perform correctly at every phase of the flight you have to make sure every detail is covered, that is dot every i and cross every T. One thing though is very apparent when you compare the release versions of both the A319 TISCS menu with the current new A321 TISCS is the sheer amount of changes and new features that have been added, and a few that have been taken away. But make no doubt though, both TISCS A319 & A321 menus will soon match up the same, so using one will easily be transferable to the other. ACTS (Additional Center Tanks) A feature on the ToLiSS A321 is the ACT, or Additional Center Tanks. This option effectively creates a Semi LR (Long Range) version of the A321LR. Selection is on the "Situations A/C Config" TISCS page under "Number of ACTS", selections include: None, 1 and 2 extra tanks. These extra tanks are fitted in the aft cargo hold, so the cargo volume is of course reduced if you have the tanks installed. Each tank adds in an extra 2359kgs of fuel with a total of 30,030 L (7,930 US gal). These modifications also increases the maximum takeoff weight of the A321-200 to 93,000 kg (205,000 lb). Notes don't confuse the A321-200 with ACT with the later full LR version as that aircraft had three extra tanks, or the even newer XLR. _____________________________ Flying the ToLiSS A321 Clearance and you are ready for pushback. I love the intergated BetterPushBack details on the Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) system, it is displayed in the lower screen, but also noted later in the upper ECAM, engine startup procedures are excellent, great detail and system depth, you see and feel small actions like power generation switching and air-conditioning transfers. Sounds are excellent, in the A321 both of the higher extensive Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) IAE and CFM sound packs are now included in the package, so there is no extra cost now for the more extensive sounds... ... and yes they are excellent, I would not say a BlueSkyStar (BSS) package would be better, because you can't compete with those more highly detailed sound packs, but for any one on this level and at this cost factor then the TSS version is still very good, and BSS have announced an updated package for both the IAE and now a new sound pack for the CFM for the A319. Forward edge slats and flaps are well done, look and feel (movement sounds are great) correct... I don't have a tiller tool, but there still that usual QPAC A320 slight delay on turning the nosewheel, you get used to it... in time. One note though is that the nosewheel tends to turn even more of a radius than the earlier A319, this is a great help with the extra length of fuselage behind you and on turning into tight parking bays. You did set the TO CONFG right!.... of course you did, you are a pro after all. The small details are all in here and are very Airbus focused. Holding at EGKK's RWY 26L, Taxiway B... Power set to takeoff position and I get a warning, Yes I am holding the aircraft on the brakes to build up a little thrust, but the system is telling me that is a no, no. Rotate (Vr) is 160 kts+10, and v2 162kts and we are in a "Positive Climb". From the moment I first flew the ToLiSS A319 it set a new benchmark in flying heavy jets (If you could call the A319 heavy or even big) but manually it gave you an Airbus aircraft feel and feedback like no other. Yes you are flying FBW (Fly-By-Wire) and yes you are now flying under the three primary flight control laws of Normal Law, Alternate Law and Direct Law and there is a further subdivision into Alternate Law 1 (ATL1) and Alternate Law 2 (ATL2), but the transition of flying these ToLiSS aircraft (certainly in manual or Direct Law) with no protections is perfect. Climbing out of Gatwick (under Normal Law) I had the hairs on my neck rise on the perfection of it all, the A321 is a sublime experience to fly with the right tools (Joystick, rudder pedals and throttle). Everything works in perfect harmony, the systems, the controls and all the extensive data at your disposal. You seek perfection in flying heavy aircraft, the A321 is one of the best at giving you the full airbus experience, yes I love it, this is a great machine to be in control of. It also reflects back to the A319 in that it was certainly good for it's release period, but how far we have now come even since then, refinement in simulation is an ongoing process and one with no end, but now the level is getting high, very high with aircraft like this. Over the last few years I have become a little obsessive, Not just to perfect my flying, but to get as close to a perfect flight as I can do. But to really achieve that aspect the aircraft that you are flying has to perform as well as you do, when both worlds merge it is great experience. My obsession is with SimBrief and it's numbers, or to "Fly the Numbers" as perfectly as possible, if this again combines then it shows the aircraft is correct (or if the developer has got it wrong) and that you can achieve the flightplan SimBrief has provided for you. Several areas are important, your climb to the designated altitude, but more importantly is Fuel Flow or useage, "Hitting those Numbers" is telling you it is a perfect simulation (Although I do tend to climb slower and with less speed, but usually catch up later). Yes there are weather patterns (winds) to consider, but if the numbers in the aircraft coincide with the numbers of the SimBrief printouts, then one you are doing everything right, but also so is the aircraft. I am seriously impressed by everything. Climb performance, Cruise (CRZ) performance and the general feeling in flying the aircraft. You can follow and tick off the numbers enroute almost to automation, they are that good. My fuel burn is slightly behind but that because of a 15knt headwind, and overall the A321 is seriously impressive. I had an odd waypoint in my flightplan that could of caused a bit backtracking chaos, but a DIR (Direct) change to the correct (next) waypoint fixed the issue instantly... and that is a heavy point to make here, the tool is in there and it works as it should, and it made the flying seemless... impressed, absolutely. Enroute data is very good from Fuel Predictions to Climb performance. ECAM detail is just as good. Pressing the ALL will switch you from one selection of: ENG (Engine), BLEED, PRESS, ELEC, HYD (Hydraulics), FUEL, APU, COND, DOOR, WHEEL, F/CTL... to the other each time you press the button. SYS shows you the full "Status" of the aircraft, which is thankfully clear of any faults here. Hiding behind those buttons are the full system depth in Environmental, Electrical (all Busses), Hydraulics, Fuel Systems and pumping and all system on a A321 aircraft... again go though the manual and learn the systems and they will be noticeable and replicated here. Flightime to Malta is 3H 10MIN over a distance of 1224 nm, at m.78 and Altitude 35,000ft (FL350)... and yes at the point of descent I was still almost still perfect to the SimBrief numbers. At TOD 122nm out from LMML - Malta I descended at 1800fpm, Notice the flashing "IDLE" on the upper ECAM, this comes on when the A/THR reduces the thrust to zero, a small detail but a noticeable one. At VOR GZO (115.70GZO) it is the entrance to Malta approach, there are no actual STAR's here, but there is a (Navigraph) RNP RWY31 chart that lists an approach via TIVOR, SUDOX and SUKAL waypoints, all which I inputted easily into the MDCU to create my own STAR approach. Approach speed references are available under the PERF APPR Phase... ... a hard bank at TIVOR, is going into the circuit to land at LMML RWY 31. In the full landing phase the instrumentation you have available is impressive, a manual or auto approach are both available. But after a landing now the A321 a few times, I found the aircraft a tricky bird to get right in the speed and flap positions, if you are rough with the aircraft and don't work out the precise speed numbers you will get aggressive nose pitches of stall (nose high) and excessive speed (nose low), the first flap setting of 1+F is okay, but the 2 position is very sensitive and you can't find that sweet spot that keeps the nose level and stop an aggressive pitch nose high? If you can avoid Flap 2 setting in level flight then it will give a you a more liner flow (Flap 2 speed can however be used if you are descending at a high rate, say over 1,000fpm, but you have move away from F2 if you are leveling off) Flap positions 3 and FULL are fine, but again the speeds have to be perfect. But annoyingly the F2 position is the one you really use most of the time in the circuit landing phase. Make constant notes of the best speed positions will give you a more comfortable approach phase to follow. With the gear down, the A321 looks the real deal, the longer fuselage creates a different feel from the A320, and certainly from the short A319, so you have to adapt and watch that longer tail. FULL flap setting detail is also well done (as noted the change in flap position sounds are also good, even better from the cabin). For some reason the LMML RWY 31 ILS beam is set off to the right, always has been, I'm just used to it now. Over the threshold, and the speed looks slightly too fast at 150kts, will try that slightly slower next time. I don't use the AUTO/BRK as in most cases it slows you down with a shove, I prefer to run off the speed and brake manually to hold the centreline tighter. Like with the speed adjustments, the "Flare" stage is another one to practise to get really right, get it wrong and you will easily bury the nosegear into the runway, it took me a few landings to perfect, but a slight nose high pitch and the correct low landing speed will help you in the flare phase, there is no give here, you have to "be precise to get it right", the rushing reverse thrust sounds are great. Remember I said the tiller has a better turn angle, well sometimes you just need it with the tight turn off RWY 31 on to Taxiway F. Welcome to Ajruport Internazzjonali ta' Malta A321 style. This is the loooong version of the A320 Series aircraft, so you do have to be aware of which stands you can use, the choice is actually quite small at Luqa with just the centre parking stands that are are big enough to cater for the longer fuselage length. I was very impressed with the numbers in relation to the SimBrief printout, I use a little more fuel testing out the steep climb to altitude (FL350), but in the return leg LMML - EGKK and following the Simbrief profile to the number, I found I was within 1kg of the printout in fuel use (heavier head-on winds) was very impressive... so performance is spot on. Testing out the longer ACT range is also going to be interesting and simulations I am looking forward to. ________________________ A321 Lighting If you have the FlightFactor A320 Ultimate you are going to find the ToLiSS A321 cockpit a little lacking in areas, overall it is very good, but the extensive lighting details you have in the A320U are not available in here. First off is the display screen "Glow" can make the panel displays brighter in the dark, you can adjust this in the TISCS visual settings, but it does look great and even the A320U doesn't have that feature... all display screens can be adjusted individually for brightness, including the MCDU screens. Three way DOME position switch, gives you OFF, DIM and BRT (Bright) and it is very good There is a single pedestal light, adjustable from the First Officers side (arrowed)... .... OHP - Overhead Panel is very nice and adjustable, but the two adjustment knobs under the glareshield are not working? The right one adjusts the brightness of the FCU - Flight Control Unit and the left one adjusts the instrument panel downlights, which are on but are fixed illumination. The overhead map lights don't work and neither does the left and right window frame downlights? Cabin lighting is BRIGHT and not adjustable, It is supposed to go dimmer on landing, but I never saw that happen. Wing lights are very effective and reflect nicely off the wings and inner engine cowlings, Navigation, Strobe are very good as well... lighting includes two pop-down inner-wing landing lights and forward strut taxiway light in two modes in TO and TAXI, the TO setting can use for an extra forward light on landing, Twin RWY - Runway Turnoff lights are also available on the front strut. ... LOGO light turns on or off automatically when the slats and flaps are extended or if there is weight pressure on the landing gear. Liveries There are only two official liveries, a ToLiSS livery and a blank aircraft are provided with the ToLiSS A321. The official Airbus house liveries are the prototype registration F-WWIA aircraft and the later EADS house livery. The ToLiSS livery has the latest Airbus cockpit window detail which looks excellent. Like the ToLiSS A319 there will be a dedicated A321 download section on the X-Plane.Org. Christoph_T and Matt Hayward are the main official contributors (Thanks to Matt for these ANA and British Airways Liveries), but the factory is already going at a full production line, so in time most liveries will be available. There is a link here: Aircraft Skins - Liveries. _______________________________ Summary It is only two years ago that ToLiSS released there first aircraft for X-Plane in the Airbus A319-112. An extension but also a total redevelopment of the earlier QPAC A320, the A319 aircraft was a deep study grade systems machine that brought a completely new dimension to heavy aircraft automated and manual flying to the X-Plane Simulator. Although the core aircraft of the ToLiSS A319 was finished on release, a lot of extra features and updates over the next twelve months brought the aircraft up to its current high standard and went on to be an official Airbus product last year. This Airbus A321-231 is the second release from ToLiSS, in many ways as it is very similar in design and features as the ToLiSS A319, but it is the longer fuselage version of the Airbus A320 family. The A321 is released at the same level and standard as the current A319 and it is also an official Airbus product. The A321 competes with FlightFactor's A320 Ultimate, externally and in out right features the A321 is set below the FF320U, but not in the systems and avionics were as both aircraft in depth are almost equal, the FF A320U is also a grade above in price than the ToLiSS A321 so you are in a way get far better value for the A321 in the serious areas that really count, that is the sheer system depth and importantly in the feel and flying of the aircraft, which is also slightly superior to the FlighFactor aircraft. Modeling and design is very good, but not in the extensive extreme quality you can now expect in this category, but in every other area and certainly in the high quality systems and for flying feedback the aircraft is the best of it's category and class. Yes I miss the toys not in the A321, in the moving seat-rests, animated worktables, opening windows, blinds, missing static elements and the lighting in detail is good, but again it comes with no extensive functional detail. Cabin is just a longer version from the A319, again really good, but not in that current extreme detailing. ToLiSS Interactive Simulation Control System (menu) is also very good, it comes with lots of features including the best aircraft save system in X-Plane, aircraft setup tools are also excellent as are the sounds, the auto door system however still drives me totally batshit with a no save option. The two hour circle of the largest percentage of online flying is right in the core sights of this one of the best single-aisle aircraft in the world, it delivers and you get all the extensive deep study grade systems at a lower cost and below the FlightFactor Ultimate version. The more you fly the ToLiSS Airbus A321 then the more ingrained this aircraft becomes inside your soul, it is tricky at points in it's flight profile, but that is the attraction of the aircraft as well and to fly it competently with skill can give you real personal satisfaction return, on this level then it really delivers in a pure simulation experience. The smaller A319 was great within a network, but the A321 allows you to expand outside those networks with a far longer range at your disposal.... some aircraft releases within a year are an event, this ToLiSS Airbus A321 is such an event because it comes to the very core of our simulation needs, you even want to fly over that two boundary and if any aircraft is worth doing that in, then it is certainly the ToLiSS A321... totally absolutely recommended. ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! the Airbus A321-123 by ToLiSS is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Airbus A321 by ToLiSS Price is US$79.00 Features Include: Highlights Detailed FMGS with SIDs/STARs/Airways, performance prediction, temporary, alternate and secondary flight plans, fix info, etc. Choice of CFM or IAE engine, affecting aircraft performance and fuel burn Choice of sharklets or classic wing tip fences. (Affects aircraft drag.) Very accurate FBW implementation, including reversion to alternate and direct law Detailed systems including fault injection for currently about 90 failures. (Electric, hydraulic, flight controls, engine, etc.) Officially licensed by Airbus Commercial “Turbine Sound Studios” sounds for CFM and IAE engines included. Detailled FMGS: Support of SID/STAR, including all leg types (Arc, course or heading to intercept, Radius to Fix, Holdings, etc.) Temporary and alternate flight plans Secondary flight plan Full VNAV guidance with TOC, TOD, Deceleration point, speed limits, fuel prediction, etc. Altitude and speed constraints as the real aircraft deals with them Ability to change the selected STAR while already in the STAR Support for go-arounds and diversions Step altitudes Airway support Fix Info page Latitude/Longitude crossings 2 independent MCDUs and autopilots Drag, thrust and fuel consumption models adapt to selected engine type and wing tip device Choice between new FMGS with temporary flight plan even during preflight phase or old FMGS with direct editing of the active plan during preflight phase. Top-notch aircraft systems: ToLiss uses the QPAC Fly-by-wire and autopilot module with numerous improvements Flight control system with hinge moment modelling giving realistic float angles for surfaces that are lost due to system faults Custom TCAS with Traffic and Resolution Advisory based on real aircraft logic Brake temperature model based on the detailled physics of heat transfer between the individual brake components Hydraulics model in which the pressure is dependent on usage. This is most notable when dropping to RAT mode or with and engine wind milling Detailled model of each ADIRU including alignment, small pressure sensor differences between the units, switching of sources for PFDs Custom air conditioning model supporting high altitude operations at airports like Cusco in Peru or La Paz in Bolivia without spurious warnings Flight warning system with ECAM actions supporting numerous system failure scenarios, e.g. engine failures, generator failures, hydraulic failures Fault injection system allowing to trigger system faults either at a specific point in flight or randomly during a flight phase Eye- and ear-candy: Detailed 3D cockpit with high quality texturing 3d exterior model with CFM and IAE engine Choice between classic wingtip fences or modern sharklets (controlled via livery names) Each aircraft comes with licensed high definition sounds from Turbine Sound Studios, the market leader for aircraft sounds in the FSX/P3D world Rain effects thanks to the librain library provided to the x-plane community by Saso Kiselkov Custom particle effects for engine heat trail, landing gear smoke on touch-down etc. Standby compass that can be stowed, cockpit door that opens, fully modeled cabin, etc. Usability features: Situation loading and saving. It is possible to save the flight at any point in time and resume it another day. This can also be used, e.g., to save the position just before approach and practice just the approach many times Autosaving allows recovering where you left off, should the Xplane session end unexpectedly Jumping waypoint-to-waypoint through the cruise phase: Shorten your flight to focus on the more interesting parts as you like 4 different startup configuration from Cold and Dark to engines running and ready to go In-screen popup displays or use of x-plane windows for popups Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4GB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Release Version 1..0 (February 28th 2020) Installation Download of the Airbus A321 is 566.50mb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 736mb folder. On start up you will have an activation screen presented to enter your Serial Number (Key), and then press the "Activate" bar to authorise the aircraft. I recommend to restart the aircraft from your desktop to realign all your plugins and load the aircraft cleanly. There is extensive full instructions on how to set up the aircraft to your X-Plane settings (commands) and addons (Joysticks/Throttles) and other 3rd Party items in the ToLiSS A321 V1.0_SimulationManual. Documents There are Three Manuals Included with the package. All are extensive and well laid out with great details Simulation manual : Describes installation, and setup of the model as well as usage of the “Interactive Simulation Control System”. Tutorial flight, which provides a step-by-step description of a complete flight from cold & dark to aircraft shut-down after landing. This is the best manual to learn flying the aircraft. Aircraft manual, which is primarily intended as a reference after the tutorial has been completed. It provides a reference for standard operating procedures, as well as a more in- depth look into the different systems of the aircraft. Extra Airbus system information is highly recommended and SMARTCOCKPIT is a great place to start. ________________________________________ Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton 28th February 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 1Tb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 11.41 Addons: Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini : Headshake by SimCoders : Avitab (required) Plugins: Environment Engine v1.07 by xEnviro US$69.90 : - EGKK - London Gatwick Airport v2 by Pilot+Plus (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$21.00 - LMML- Malta International Airport by JustSim (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$22.30 - Scenery Review - LMML - Malta International by JustSim

Scenery Review : Drei Zinnen Natural Park by Frank Dainese and Fabio Bellini We are back into the mountains. After the excellent Mont Blanc 3D scenery only a few months ago, we shift our location now more eastwards to the Dolomite mountain ranges and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo - "Three Peaks of Lavaredo" or Drei Zinnen, set in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy. The Dolomites are not just one range but a set of ranges set out just behind Venice (Veneto) that also borders both the Italian and Austrian borders. To note that this scenery of Drei Zinnen is just one of five packages that will cover the extensive area of the Dolomites. This is also not the first scenery released of the Dolomite area either by Frank Dainese and Fabio Bellini, as their very first scenery was of a Dolomite package. That original version is now not available anymore, it was also very expensive and now not up to now the current standards that set out the reason to totally redo the Dolomite scenery with the latest tools and quality (the original version was also extremely heavy on your framerate). (Googlemaps) An overview of Drei Zinnen is first from the east looking westwards... .... and from the other side west looking eastwards and covers an area approx 1000 sq km. Unlike other sceneries in these packages the Dolomites are far harder to distinguish because the formations are more tighter and almost stalactite in forms, the peaks are not as pronounced either as many of the highest peaks are just the jutting upwards of their actual peaks from a higher mountain plateau elevation. Dobbiaco The main area of focus is Dobbiaco (Italian) or Toblach (German) which is in the South Tyrol in northern Italy. The Township sits in the long and wide Val Pusteria (Puster Valley), or the "green valley". There is only a grass strip at Dobbiaco - LIVD originally only a military airport, but the townships closeness to the areas main attraction of the "Three Peaks" does mean that from May to October the airport is also open for civilian traffic on weekends and holidays. The small military airfield has a 700m long and 50m wide grass runway and is managed by the Italian Air Force's Airport Detachment at Toblach. There is both a grass strip and a provided H pad, but if selecting LIVD, you are placed on the grass strip and not the H pad. There is one other grass runway at Val Casies (LICSS) which is one valley north, it is a basic strip, but it does have an alpine hangar at the east end. Braies lake Before we do the main clockwise circular route around Drei Zinnen, we will go west and to Braies lake "Lago di Braies". Our equipment is the excellent Bell 407 by Dreamfoil. All the townships and villages in the Puster Valley are represented, first up is Niederdorf... there is over 13,000 3D custom objects altogether placed in the scenery to fill out mostly all of the valleys. And at various points you do see the Dolomites in the background, soaring above you. Once past Niederdorf, you do a hard bank left into Untergasse, then a swing right at a branch valley that takes you down to Braies. If you swinging around these alpine valleys then you will have a great time in here... ... deep down the valley and finally to the left then Braies lake will appear. The Lake is closed in by the towering mountains around it, and it is quite spectacular... ... at Braies lake there is a church, large hotel and a very nice wooden jetty... the H pad is to the right of the jetty coming in from the lake approach. All the buildings and the lovely alpine style jetty are really well done, so the lake is well worth a visit. Sexten - Sesto Going east from Dobbiaco along the Puster Valley, you will see first Innichen, or San Candido... with Versciaco di Sotto in the distance, but you then take a south branch off the Puster Valley down the Sesto - Moso Valley towards Sexten - Sesto, which is a major ski resort. Opposite Sexten is the most northern formation of Gantkofel Cima Ganda (2697m), Rocca dei Baranci Haunold (2966m) and the Croda dei Baranci Birkenkofel (2922m)... .... and across a very picturesque valley called the Val Campo di Dentro is the Gselknoten Cima di Sesto (2870m) and the highest peak in this area the Drei-Schuster - Spitz (3152m). Padola Val Fiscalina a wide valley separates the main ranges to the south and this area is Cadore, so if you are flying southeast you have to climb over an elevation to get to Padola and then drop down into the alley of the Padola torrent..... The most significant mountain in this part of the range opposite Padola is the Croda dei Campo (2712m) with the Torrione Canal (2490m) set alongside... ... a complex group of three ranges that is that dominated to the right by the Punta Anna (2707m) set behind the Croda di Taco and Cima di Padola and forward is the Punta Lima (2612m). The middle group is the Selvaplana group, Campanile di Selvaplana (2741m), Sasso di Selvaplaa (2116m).... .... final far left group range is the tallest in the Monte Popera (3046m), Monte Giralba di Sopra (2994m), Monte Giralba di Sotto (2881m). The hub township of Padola that services these three ranges is also well represented in the scenery... There is H Pad (LIPDH) here at the southern part of the township, so you need to fly over and then return back to the pad. Auronzo Valley The Auronzo Valley with the characteristic lake and the Dolomiten crown is on the southern border of the scenery... ... the metal walkway bridge over the Lago di Santa Caterina is represented as is also the (Dam) diga di santa caterina. The H Pad (LIAUH) is positioned east of the bridge on the northern bank of the lake. Next is of a range that looks like the spine of a dinosour is the Colle dell'Agnello (2406m), (and not to be confused with the Col Agnel (Italian: Colle dell'Agnello) in the Cottian Alps), Punta dell'Agnello (2724), Cima d'Auronzo (2918m) and at the rear the famous tooth like Croda dei Toni (3095m). The Lago di Cengia is noted as well, set deep into the scenery with the Croda dei Toni towering above it... ... also deep into the spikes of formations is the largest spike of the Monte Paterno (2697m), it looks taller because it stands alone. Three Peaks of Lavaredo All these sensational ranges are not actually the highlight of the Drei Zinnen area, as they are called the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or "Three Peaks of Lavaredo". The Three Peaks are set out quite high up on a plateau (in fact the whole area of Drei Zinnen is set on a plateau), and flying in and up from the Auronzo Valley, you have to gain quite a lot of altitude to get up there.... it is all climb, climb and climb to 7500ft ASL Your aim is for the Auronzo refuge, and it is perched on your horizon (arrowed).... ... and get up to the Auronzo refuge and you are faced with the tightest H Pad (LIRAH) square in the scenery, it's very small and you can't make a mistake here in any form on it's concrete steep sides. I'm on the pad, but I also needed a walk around the room to get my nerves to calm down. The three distinctive battlement-like peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo are probably one of the best-known mountain groups in the Alps. The three peaks, from east to west, are: Cima Piccola / Kleine Zinne ("little peak") - 2,857m (9,373 ft) Cima Grande / Große Zinne ("big peak") - 2,999m (9,839 ft) Cima Ovest / Westliche Zinne ("western peak") - 2,973m (9,754 ft). The most iconic view of the Three Peaks is however from the east from the Locatelli Refuge, with the Monte Paterno skyscraper as part of the viewpoint. A huge amount of work has gone into recreating these iconic peaks, is as noted the DEM data that is used and it is then further corrected with 3D graphics programs. Subsequently the textures were then applied in 4K resolution which are obtained from high definition photos. The positioning on the modified mesh is very accurate and respecting the dimensions and the main morphological characteristics of the terrain. And as the Dolomites are mountains with unique characteristics as they come with their large vertical and smooth walls. Of which in X-Plane with the traditional scenarios obtained only from ortho-photos are usually are washed out and blurred. So a lot of work is required to bring out all the rugged detail to make these peaks so authentic. The entrance (where you pay to go in) the Tre Cime Natural Park is also modeled on the Dobbiaco side of the range. There is another H Pad (LIRLH) Lavaredo Refuge that is set just along to the northeast from the Auronzo Refuge that situated at the base of the Cima Piccola - Little Peak. Other peaks in the area are also covered, and they include the Monte Piana (2324m), Monte Piano (2306m), Monte Rudo (2804m) and the Cime Passaporto (2697m). Misurina lake One other area to explore is the Misurina lake. This place has the best view of the Tre Cime from a lower angle, but it is partly obscoured. The route to the lake is tight flight down the Misurina valley and the entrance is the valley directly south from Dobbiaco. If you love swinging your machine though the tight valleys then you will love this one, but be careful as the more deeper down the valleys you go, the more of a labyrinth of valleys appear, so you have to work out your route, in fact it is good to note here that the whole scenery is riddled with the multiple labyrinth valleys and it is very easy to take a wrong turn and get lost. Again the entrance to the lake is the wrong way to land at the H Pad (LIMRH), situated on the northern shoreline, so you have to do a 180º turn back. I like the signs posted throughout the scenery and the "Welcome to Misurina" is one of the best. The Misurina lake resort is well done as there is about ten hotels with accommodation for around 500 people, if you can afford the tariffs... the Tre Cime vista is very good as well. A full list of available ICAO H Pads and Airports are: LIVD - grass Airfields - 46.72734142 012.22574365 - DOBBIACO LICSS - grass Airfields - 46.7662504 012.1609550- VAL CASIES LIRLC - HELIPAD 46.6367800 12.3102202 – RIF.LOCATELLI LICSH - HELIPAD 46.8343924 12.2397021 - CASIES LIAUH - HELIPAD 46.5442741 12.4554260 - AURONZO LIPDH - HELIPAD 46.5999123 12.4805672 – PADOLA COMELICO LIMRH- HELIPAD 46.5840457 12.2550331- MISURINA LIRAH - HELIPAD 46.6119826 12.2958200 – RIF.AURONZO LIRLH - HELIPAD 46.6179036 12.3118405 – RIF.LAVAREDO LIBRH - HELIPAD 46.6992351 12.0869121 – LAGO BRAIES Lighting Overall lighting is not the main aspect of this scenery... there is lighting of course, but it is mainly just housing (window) lighting to create an alpine village feel... .... there are a few areas that are highlighted with lighting, Football (Soccer) Fields, Churches and the airstrip hangars. The main townships of Dobbiaco and Auronzo with their huge amount of objects do create great nightime vistas as does the larger hotels around the lakes, but the real spectacular lighting is the onset of dawn and dusk, with those magnificent peaks framed against the fading light. Summary Frank Dainese and Fabio Bellini create unique sceneries based on famous or iconic mountain ranges and their environs. Already we have had three sceneries in the Alps (Matterhorn, Eiger and Mont Blanc) and the Cerro Torre in Patagonia, South America. This is Drie Zinnen Natural Park scenery is actually a return to their first scenery, now revisited and refined and to be recreated in five packages with this first package including the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or "Three Peaks of Lavaredo". All the numerous mountains and glaciers are all very highly created mesh from DEM data 3D graphics programs, and the Hi-Res textures are all in 4K resolution. The focus Tre Cime mountains are simply excellent in their 3D reproductions. This package is extensive and even a bit complex until you explore and work out all the different ranges and iconic mountains and their adjoining Ski resort townships of which Dobbiaco, Padola and Auronzo are all represented as is the lake resorts of Misurina lake and Braies lake. These excellent representations of iconic mountain areas of the world are for exploration, sightseeing or just plain exploring... and you could throw in a bit of geography as well. All are highly detailed of the areas they represent, the mountain ranges are of course the stars and the focal point. Hugely popular and yes I love these amazing and hugely detailed sceneries that can change your perspective of an iconic area and allow them to come to life in your simulation world... Highly recommended, so one down and only four more Dolomites to go! ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! Drei Zinnen Natural Park by Frank Dainese and Fabio Bellini is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Dolomites 3D - Drei Zinnen Natural Park Price Is US$24.95 Features of the Drei Zinnen Natural Park Area coverage of 1000 Sq km Eastern part of the Dolomites Ultra High Resolution 3D Mountains 2 budding airports, one in Dobbiaco (icao: LIVD) and the second at the beginning of the Val Casies (icao: LICSS) Heliport, several landing points have been included in the most important points. 15 3D models of the Dolomites with 4K textures. All tourist locations have been reproduced with over 100 types of custom 3D buildings. All vegetation mapped and reproduced. Total coverage of the territory with polygons / textures that reproduce the real terrain WT3: Your joking of course! no, you are on your own here Requirements X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 4GB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 765Mb Release and Review version 1.0 (29th February 2020) Installation Download scenery file size is download 796.10mb and with the full installation installed in your custom scenery folder as there are nine install folders in order below (INI File included):  Dolomiti2_lib D1G_Exclusions D1F_AURONZO D1E_MISURINA D1D_PUSTERIA_Comelico D1B_AIRPORT_LIVD D1C_CableWay_Dolomitti1 D1A_DOLOMITI_3D_Part1 MESH_DOLOMITI1 Total scenery installation : 1.80gb The developers note you need to adjust the X-Plane "scenery_packs.INI" so the loading order is correct and the Mesh_DOLOMITI1 must be above the Global Airport folder. Documents One manual with notes ______________________________________________________________________   Review by Stephen Dutton 29th February 2020 Copyright©2020 : X-Plane Reviews  (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.31 Addons: Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro US$69.90 Scenery or Aircraft - Bell 407 XP11 by Dreamfoil (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$35.00

Quick Impression : LGSA - Chania Ioannis Daskalogiannis XP by Aerosoft The X-Plane simulator saw a huge focus on the Mediterranean and in specific many Greek airports for scenery in 2019. All the major scenery developers with JustSim, Aerosoft and mostly FlyTampa recreated a full network of routes that were interesting and created in the Greek Island and mainland some great destinations. It has been a little quieter this year, but here is another scenery from Aerosoft for the Island of Crete in Chania - Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport. I will note that in this Quick Impression is that I am using the misterx6 SFD Global autogen to create a Greek vista. Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Χανίων, "Δασκαλογιάννης" IATA: CHQ - ICAO: LGSA (Navigraph) (Navigraph) Geographically Chania is not far from LGIR - Heraklion created by FlyTampa last year, as LGSA is just more to the west along the northern coast of Crete. First impressions are that LGSA looks like a huge airport with double or even triple runways, but there is actually only one active runway 11/29 at 3,347m or 10,982ft. So that shows how quite large the two taxiways in S and N are. These strips are actually backup runways, because LGSA is also on the north and south sides a military base Maleme (Military) Airport and now run by the Hellenic Air Force, this is a facility that was constructed by the British Military, shortly before the Second World War. The cilvilan terminal area is of the whole complex just a quarter section in the northwest. The single use terminal was built in 1996, but the stand layouts and new parking arrangements are all new and are represented in this scenery layout. 1A - 12 and L1 - L3 and S1, S2 stands are now all pushback and not circular, doubling capacity. Terminal modeling is good and detailed, but it doesn't have that "wow" factor, it feels like a modeled terminal, if you know what I mean. New modern Fire Station is well represented, and the landside area is well filled out and it all comes with a lot of clutter detail. SAM - Scenery Animation Manager is also active (plugin required) in marshaller mode and is available on all stands. There are some very nice gradient detailing with the various levels of excavated areas, and the Terminal is built over a gradient level between the gradient upper (ramp) and lower (ground) levels. Note the extensive fauna and grass, with some nice wildflowers dotting all the field areas. Concrete channels are excellent, as is the extensive custom mesh to replicate the elevated taxiways and sloped main runway, so this is a very well done and very authentic airfield. Field textures are also excellent, with a wide variety of surfaces from fine asphalt to stony asphalt and the various concrete surfaces. Nice detail includes a military arrestor wire across the main runway. The military have use of most of the rest of the field... with one area adjacent northeast from the terminal civilian area. This northeast area is fine, but not over detailed as the military barracks, the photo textures however do create a few areas of flatness that is noticeable, especially from the eastern direction. South military section is mostly aircraft hangars and typical remote military parking stands.... There are two apron areas in A and C where there is a main hangar on each, Apron B is by the field control tower and some main administration buildings. Note the huge antenna on the top of the nearby Akropoli. Lighting Again because this is mostly a military facility there isn't a lot of lighting at LGSA. Note that taxiway N is lit up like the main 11/29 main runway. The terminal however looks like a soccer (football) stadium, a bit too bright! Apron lighting is all very good, but overall the lighting here is average. On approach to this northwest area of Crete and Chania is excellent at night, and arriving at dusk would give you a very nice arrival vista as the local environs come very much alive. Feature list is very good, with a lot of dynamic X-Plane11 features provided. High detailed ground textures and runway - taxiway lines including the new apron parking positions and lines modified in summer 2018 High detailed 3d objects & buildings including the new terminal building completed in 2018 Custom static aircrafts according to real world service HDR lighting including detailed 3d taxi and runway lighting Animated vehicles in the apron area Animated marshaller (SAM required) Custom mesh for unique elevation including sloped runway (Ortho4XP patch included) PBR ground textures HD vegetation and grass Custom Color & Season Adjustments (SAMv2 Plugin required): ORBX TrueEarth (Vegetation) ORBX TerraFlora (Vegetation) SAM Seasons (Vegetation + Orthophoto) Ortho4XP (Vegetation) SFD Global (Vegetation + Orthophoto) First Impressions Overall LGSA - Chania is another great addition to the Greek Island collection and this time from Aerosoft. The ground layouts and the custom mesh for runway and ground gradients is excellent, and so are the wide and varied texture surfaces. But a lot of LGSA - Chania is what you would call very workman like, okay if quite good, but not really exceptional in any way and certainly with the modeling, a nice to have and to use certainly, but it wouldn't standout significantly of the want to see the use of the scenery regularly, but an early dusk arrival at LGSA would make the route worthwhile. Three out of Five stars ☀️☀️☀️⭐⭐ Chania - Ioannis Daskalogiannis XP by Aerosoft is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore here: Chania - Ioannis Daskalogiannis XP Price is US$24.95 Requirements are: Windows, Mac or Linux 4Gb VRAM Video Card. 8Gb+ VRAM recommended Download Size: 1.6 GB Current and Review Version : 1.0 (Feb 20th 2020) ________________________________________ Quick Impression by Stephen Dutton 25th February 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this preview are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)

I would need to see your log txt? and is the Radeon 570x GPU 4K or 8K.

Redownload your Key from the store you bought the aircraft from.... unless you haven't upgraded to the Aviator version?

The "Product Manager" is built in (or the menu system) it is connected to the XJet plugin (see review), so the XJet plugin has to inserted in the plugin folder.

Scenery Upgrade : EBBR Brussels v2.0 by JustSim A scenery that I use frequently and for reviews then makes it certainly a valuable addition to my scenery portfolio, value is the word here in that if the scenery delivers for you on a highly realistic level then I will use it, and then if I am using the airport regularly then the actual purchase is also worthwhile because you have got your full value for money. So JustSim's excellent EBBR - Brussels that was released in the 3Q 2018 is that good, but the scenery also had a few gripes that just lost it's position in the overall 5 Star rating it really deserved, here is the original full release review: Scenery Review - EBBR Brussels Airport by JustSim EBBR Brussels v2.0 by JustSim Brussels Airport Aéroport de Bruxelles-National (French) Luchthaven Brussel-Nationaal (Dutch) IATA: BRU - ICAO: EBBR 01/19 2,987m (9,800ft) Asphalt 07R/25L 3,21 (10,535ft) Asphalt 07L/25R 3,638 (11,936ft) Asphalt Elevation AMSL184 ft / 56 m The first thing that took in your eye in was the far more over-saturated ground textures to the surrounding mesh. To a point they are still the same in v2 But they don't seem in this version to have the same overt impact they did before? Why... the reason I think is hidden in the Witt and Rode Cites area that is on the threshold to 07R and to a point could also be easily seen from the 07L approach. In v2 the autogen boundaries have been redrawn, so the full Witt and Rode Cites area is now filled in with objects and also in taking away the hideous empty spaces and replacing it with perfect autogen (images above left and right). And so it has the same effect of also covering over the over-saturated photo images as well in creating a more tighter autogen boundary around EBBR, and boy it does make a big difference, but you do still lament that a just a small adjustment to the ground texture saturation would have made it all so perfect, but this is anyway still a nice fix to two large outstanding issues from the v1.0 scenery. The missing Eurocontrol ATC building are now sort of there, the better autogen also creates some of the buildings, but I think the ATC control centre deserved some custom 3d worthy objects. But at least now the autogen fills in around the formally deserted NATO Headquarters area. Terminals The Terminals and Piers A and B have been redone. So why would you remodel already good and well modeled terminals... The answer is in the addition (thankfully) of the now multiple and active (Marginal) VDGS airbridges!, yay I was very disappointed that the original release EBBR had only static airbridges, now that missing element has been fixed in V2. The airbridges are also custom to BRU and come with the current "equinor" branding. Highly noticeable is the newer and shinier Pier A glass and detail... .... Pier B is also all new and is more detailed than the earlier version, also now are the A380 stands on Pier B in Gates 31 (231) and 33 (233) have now been included as well... ... the Category 5 321 stand with double boarding levels and a three airbridge facility is really well modeled and authentic here. The provided WorldTraffic3 ground routes have also been updated to reflect these taxiway changes, but you won't see a lot of A380 aircraft here as only Emirates has one flight a day to BRU in EK183, and mostly that route is on demand and uses Boeing 777's. At Apron 3 North at BRU there has been a lot of ground work been done. Those apron, stand changes and signage have been done here as well to reflect the work completed. So the v2 scenery is totally up to date with the current EBBR layout. Other airport taxiway navigation signs and ground markings have also been updated to the current 2020 layout. Lighting Another slight frustration was with the lighting in v1.0. It was so visibly good, but also lacking in many other areas. All my concerns have now been addressed in this v2 update. The biggest blackhole area was around the old circular Pier C, in that the missing lighting has now been fixed, and very nice is the lighting fill-in as well. Another gripe was that the Pier A looked magnificent in the daylight, but the night textures were very dull and bland and not at all worthy of the terminal... again that aspect has been well rectified as the terminal now looks excellent at night. The Pier A landside entrance has had a little lighting upgrade as well, it now has more consistent lighting. So has the entrance to Pier B as the landside panorama of 3d people and the terminal entrance looks very good in the night environment. Taxiway parking zones and other areas have also had lighting touchups, and the full overall EBBR airport lighting effect is now very good. Summary Very good on release, JustSim's EBBR - Brussel's v1.0 scenery, was just missing that extra finer refinement. This v2.0 upgrade release covers all those noticeable quirks and a lot more. All the fixes here are spot on to rectify the areas required to make EBBR perfect. The autogen has been refined to covered over the over-saturated photo-textures, and thankfully fix the flat empty Witt and Rode Cites area on the 07L/07R approaches. New Terminals (Piers 1&2) have been completely redone to now incorporate Marginal's VDGS autogates with its current "equinor" branding. A380 gates (31/33) and taxi markings have been added with the full double-boarding gate complex. Apron 3 North has also been updated with current stands and markings. The lighting has had a good upgrade as well, with the dark zone around Pier C has been fixed as has the dark Pier A concourse glass, both are now excellent, all lighting has been completely looked over and refined, so it is now perfect. Even if the ground photo textures over-saturation have been nullified to a point with the covering autogen, they are still very strong and in need of some less saturation to blend in more with the default surrounding textures, but otherwise the negatives are minimal. Already very good was the original release of JustSim's Brussel's EBBR, then this v2 upgrade totally fills in the blanks and more, then very worthy before, now v2 Brussels is certainly 5 Star scenery... great value, great scenery... so what more do you want! _____________________________________ Yes! EBBR Brussels Airport v2.0 by JustSim is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : EBBR Brussels Airport v2 Price is US$25.00 Customers who own the previous EBBR Brussels by JustSim can get the new v2 version for $6.50. Use the coupon code location in your original EBBR invoice Features: Detailed airport objects and vehicles Custom textured taxiways, runways and apron Custom surroundings Custom airport lights Compatible with X-Plane 11 features Animated ground vehicles (X-Plane 11 only) Shading and occlusion (texture baking) effects on terminal and other airport buildings High resolution ground textures / Custom runway textures High resolution building textures Animated autobridges, Marginal VGDS Excellent night effects Realistic reflections on glass World Traffic compatible X-Life traffic compatible Optimized for excellent performance WT3: WorldTraffic GroundRoutes are provided and overall the airport functions perfectly, but it has no airport operations file. Ground routes are to be installed in the ARR and DEP folders and the ParkingDef.txt goes into the ParkingDef folder. Requirements: X-Plane 11+ Windows, Mac, Linux 4 Gb VRAM Video Card Minimum, 8 Gb+ VRAM Video Card Recommended Current and Review version: 2.0 (February 17th 2020) Download Size: 1.3 GB _____________________________________________________________________ Scenery Upgrade Review by Stephen Dutton 18th February 2020 Copyright©2020 : X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)

Never done it, but I doubt it, it comes with full instructions and an installer, it is only installed in your plugin's folder so how hard can that be... but the aircraft has to be RXP compatible

Scenery Review : LFSB - EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg by JustSim EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg ( LFSB) is an international airport 3.5 km (2.2 mi) northwest of the city of Basel, Switzerland, 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Mulhouse in France, and 46 km (29 mi) south-southwest of Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany. This Franco-Swiss administered airport is geographically located within the French Alsace region, in the administrative commune of Saint-Louis near the border tripoint between France, Germany, and Switzerland, so being noted as the EuroAirport of three regions is a good definition of the position and significance of this Swiss/Franco airport. EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Aéroport de Bâle-Mulhouse Flughafen Basel-Mülhausen IATA: BSL, MLH, EAP - ICAO: LFSB, LSZM 15/33 : 3,900m - (12,795ft) Concrete 08/26 : 1,820m (5,971ft) Concrete Elevation AMSL : 885 ft / 270 m Many sceneries are incorporated into reviews because in the their own review they are so good you just don't want to lose them again into your expansive network of destinations. Two come to mind with Luxembourg Airport (ELLX) and Brussels Airport (EBBR) that both have had extensive exposure and are use consistently in X-PlaneReviews that would have not even been considered in my normal flight routings.... and oddly enough is that both of these sensational sceneries are by JustSim. So here is EuroAirport LFSB/LSZM or Mulhouse which is again by JustSim, and is already probably destined to become another of those sceneries that in most cases would never even think of, or never mind in actually using... in which case you will from now on will probably use the scenery all the time. Intergration into the X-Plane mesh is simply sublime, with the excellent layout set within the landscape perfectly. There are a few flat areas to the south that the autogen has not covered, but it is not really noticeable in context. The highlight is the main terminal building with it's Y shaped concourse that was built in 2002. Terminal Building You cannot be anything but totally blown away by the quality of the EuroAirport terminal building, it is simply sensational in detail and design. Developers take note, this in the sort craftmanship you have to aspire to in this high level of competitive scenery, everything here is perfect, reflective glass, oh yes, and in the perfect detailing, well yes as that is all in here as well. There is no internal detail, but in reality that isn't required here, but the external detailing is perfect where needed. The terminal gates are numbered 1-2, 20-46, 60-61 and 78-87 of which gates 22-32 are used for non-Schengen flights. Seven of the boarding gates (animated/active) but are not SAM, but the highly converted "Marginal" design featured Autogates, the other gates are used for walkon - or bus-boarding. .... glass is the one area that differentiates even the very best of quality scenery, but the glass application here is simply above and beyond, yes I am gushing, this is brilliant stuff and it all comes with shading and occlusion (texture baking) effects. Control Tower mid-Terminal is faithfully recreated with nice detailing. Tower View is correct, if a little low. Clutter is also very good. Airside there is a lot of well placed clutter with some branding, but mostly they are all placed default vehicles. Landside is the same but still very well done. The photo ground textures are a bit grainy, but not the usual washed out and they are still highly visible with a few burnt into the ground cars. There is also a lot of animated vehicles spread around the scenery, the vehicle traffic is spot on with a lot of movement, but not too much to overwhelm the roadways... .... unique here is that the landside areas are uniquely divided into both separate French and a Swiss parts (Swiss customs road is arrowed) . The headquarters of Swiss International Air Lines and Swiss Global Air Lines are on the grounds at EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg in the Swiss section of the airport; even though the airport is within France, the Swiss head office is only accessible from Switzerland by that same unique road connection. Older original Cargo facilities are very good with F1, F2, F3, F4 and F4A parking stands. Jet Aviation maintenance area (Maintenance Apron) is huge with some really nice static Boeing 747-400's... ... nowhere to park your private jet? well why not up on the roof, it is the perfect solution. To be noted are the excellent elevation changes within the scenery. AS there are clever gradients that are set out everywhere including (3d) below ground large channel areas. On the southern boundary is the new Swissaport Cargo facility and it is huge. There are only two cargo parking stands, but they are both category F stands in F21 and F22. Cargo operators include: ASL Airlines, DHL Aviation, FedEx Feeder, Korean Air Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo and UPS Airlines. Southwest is a large MRO maintenance area and industrial complex (Maintenance Apron South-West)... the main tenants here include AMAC Aerospace, Jet Aviation and Airservice Basel. The whole complex is really well done with individual designed buildings and a huge amount of detail, static aircraft that are neatly packed in and well represented, overall the Southwest area is first rate. Also represented in this area is the La Comète Sports Centre. There is a fair bit of infrastructure in the Northeast along the main Taxiway B. Highlight is the older original hangers that front the General Aviation and Private Jet apron and stands G3 - G20... The huge airport Fire Station is far north. The old traditional Swiss Buildings at the entrance to the EuroAirport have also been well reproduced as is the massive undercover carpark. Ground Textures The Runway textures are excellent as the main runway concrete construction is perfectly realised, worn and in parts well rubberised, and the taxiway asphalt is also spot on in general use wear and tear, verges are perfect as is the large coverage of the airfield with 3d grass. All surfaces are PBR (Physically Based Rendered) with reflections and wet (rain) effects and they are very, very good. Lighting I was expecting the lighting to average, but it is again only exceptional. Main Runway 15/33 has significant approach lighting on RWY 15, however the approach to RWY 33 is quite different... the actual runway only starts past Taxiway D, the rest is just the runway extension... ... the boundary is made clear by the side runway red lighting before the official white lights, and here that aspect is exceptionally done, and also note the short 08/26 does not have any lighting and neither does the adjoining Taxiway P. Think that the terminal looked great in the daylight, well you haven't seen it in the night time, well it is stupendous! Lower terminal and Y concourse LIT textures could be a bit overbright and not to everyone's taste, but I like them a lot... Landside in carpark lighting is also excellent, as are all remote aprons which are also well catered for... ... all building detail and lit signage is first rate and the attention to lighting detail here is perfect. Services: EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg is mostly a LLC (Low-Cost Carrier) centric airport, with a lot of seasonal sevices. EasyJet Switzerland is based here as is Ryanair, well off and on. BSL was also the old Crossair headquarters, but Eurowings are now also starting to have a significant impact on the airport as well. Summary You see a lot of scenery when you do a lot of significant reviews, and in most cases if not in all then with exception of a few cases there is always an area or that something that reduces the perfect scenery down from it's almost perfect perch at the top, to a far lower expectation... but this EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg airport scenery is certainly not one of those. This is an airport that covers two countries in France (It is built on French soil) and Switzerland, but also on the boundary of a third country in Germany, so it is a pure multinational and international airport. It is really a place to it's own in being a Euroland. I'm rating this JustSim scenery Five Stars and it deserves that rare accolade, it is almost the perfect scenery with excellent mest intergration, overwhelming terminal modeling, excellent clutter and landside detail, active vehicles, glass and textures (All PBR) and airbridges (all seven of them), then the icing on this already great cake is the excellent terminal, landside lighting and night signage... only very small kink is that in some areas you get no autogen to cover the phototextures, and some users may not like the terminal lower LIT overbright textures... and that is it, otherwise this EuroAirport is almost perfect in what you require in airport scenery. Yes I was blown away by this scenery and the high quality it delivers.... and you will love it as well. Five out of FIVE stars ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! LFSB - EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg by JustSim is Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : LFSB - EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Price is US$21.60 Features: Detailed airport objects and vehicles Custom textured taxiways, runways and apron Custom surroundings Custom autogen for whole island Custom airport lights Compatible with X-Plane 11 features Shading and occlusion (texture baking) effects on terminal and other airport buildings High resolution ground textures / Custom runway textures High resolution building textures Excellent night effects Realistic reflections on glass World Traffic compatible X-Life traffic compatible Optimized for excellent performance ______________________________________________________________________ Installation Scenery download zip package is 850.30mb, and it is installed in your X-Plane custom scenery folder in this order: LFBS_Justsim_v1.0 (1.79Gb) LFBS_Mesh_Justsim_v1.0 (20.8mb) Total scenery installation is 1.81gb Requirements : X-Plane 11+ Windows, Mac, Linux 4Gb VRAM Video Card Minimum, 8Gb+ VRAM Video Card Recommended Current and Review version: 1.0 (Feb 5th 2020) ______________________________________________________________________ Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton 12th February 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 1Tb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 11.41 Addons: Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini : Headshake by SimCoders Plugins: WorldTraffic3 US$29.95 : Environment Engine v1.07 by xEnviro US$69.90 : SFD Global by misterx6 US$30.00 Scenery or Aircraft - Boeing 738 by Laminar Research - Default with X-Plane11

Well Perry, the FlightFactor B777 is now very dated, it does fly fine as I use it all the time, but a highly updated XP11 aircraft is due later this year, just to note to have every Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed as the aircraft requires every one of them.... SD

Adobe photoshop and illustrator is not freeware, unless you stole it?

I flew the Archer lll and it flies perfectly (a bit touchy under brakes), but takeoff and landing was normal... So either your settings (wind) are wrong or you have the experimental flight switched on.. but the JF Archer is very nice!

Then why am I still looking at the Laminar facade built scenery, the payware version is far better than that? and if you have it obviously then you are not getting the full benefit of your purchase? Move the MMMX payware scenery to the top of .INI order (scenery pack order), or move the Global airport folder far down the order like mine below (cut and paste, then save) and get rid of it??

THAT is still the payware version of MMMX, but the Global Airport version???? Do you actually own the payware scenery??? if not then you have been wasting my time?

I don't have TrueEarth (SSD space considerations) but my gut says it would be pretty good as the boundaries are very tight.

Aircraft Review : VAN's RV-10 by Digital Replica The American based Van's Aircraft RV-10 is a four-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt aircraft that is sold in kit form by Van's Aircraft. It is the first four-seat airplane in the popular RV series. The RV-10 first flew on 29 May 2003, and the first kit parts were delivered to a customer in September 2003. As of October 2019, 933 RV-10s have been completed and flown so this is an immensely popular aircraft in this category. The total price of the standard-build kit is around US$46,090, which did not include an engine or any avionics. A "quick-build" option is also available at $59,530 of a fully equipped aircraft. Digital Replica released their Twin Cessna 310L last year for X-Plane11, so here is their second release in this Van's RV-10 kit aircraft, and what a surprise the aircraft is.... as of first glance it looked all of a bit ordinary. The tail shape gives you the first impression of a Mooney, in fact the RV-10 looks like a modern day Mooney if the company had survived (still debatable) and had gone into a more lighter aircraft category. Dig deep and the RV-10 has a lot of great detail as the modeling and panel detail is first rate, the pre-drilled rivet holes construction method is really well done and very authentic to the eye.... .... fuselage and wing shapes are exceptional and really well modeled, with extreme convex and concave shapes are all almost perfect, highlights are under engine air inlet (landing light) and perfect engine inlets, NACA ducts are also well done on the fuselage. Glass is extremely good as well with great shaping and reflections, only note is that the glass is a bit too newish in feel with no wear, tear or marks, or altogether a bit too thin and clear. Both doors swing open upwards, but the rear locker baggage door doesn't open? Internal cabin is really well trimmed, not up to the extreme Aerobask standards, but not far off that degree... Vinyl and cloth inserts on the seating is all really well done, the rear seats look a little square, but remember this is a home built aircraft, seatbelts are all 3d four point harnesses. Roof metal panel shaping and detailing is simply outstanding and highly realistic. Note the highly detailed headphones work if you touch them in lowering the internal noise. Fully working joystick includes CWS (Control wheel steering), AP DISC (Autopilot disconnect), GA (go Around), Trim and PPT (push to talk) buttons (via keyboard inputs)... under panel and the rudder pedals are well designed and fully functional. Instrument Panels The section heading says Panels plural, not Panel. So we need to look at the extensive Menu to see why. The menu selection is four choices lower bottom left of your screen for: Aircraft Configuration, Load Chart, Checklist and Updater. Aircraft Configuration You have a smorgasbord of options for the setup of the aircraft. First are two options for the panel are in "Analog" or "Garmin 1000" Analog gives you all dials in King KFC150 Autopilot Flight Control System with two KX155 NAV/COM and the engine management are all analog gauges. Garmin 1000 is the standard Laminar Research G1000 avionics panel with built in engine management readouts Next is the choice of :King KFC150 Autopilot Flight Control System with two KX155 NAV/COM and a EDM engine monitor system, or.... ... a King KFC150 Autopilot Flight Control System with the two GNS430 & GNS530 GPS and EDM engine control.... or G5 PFD and G5 HSI with GFC600 Autopilot, GNS430 & GNS530 and EDM engine control... ... or swap the EDM monitor system for the analog gauges? or in any combination. Also the choice of Push/Pull - Throttle/Prop/Mixture to Quadrant levers. Note the Garmin GMA 340 radio below with a matching transponder... you have to admit it is all very impressive for choice. Other panel highlights are the EDS IP system (lower left) which consists of an intelligent peripheral setup on which each of the four oxygen outlet stations has a micro-controller that constantly monitors respiratory aspects of each occupants with N - Night and D-Day modes The EDM - Digital Engine Management is a unit that monitors the engine conditions. Buttons are used to select the Lean Find mode which is used to find the exhaust gas temperature lean of peak, cycle between parameters and adjusting the brightness (more below). All contact (fuse) breakers work and shows system depth. The EDM pops-out for ease of use as does the G5 PFD and G5 HSI instruments for the cockpit builders... .... the two GNS430 & GNS530 GPS units and PFD and NAV/MAP G1000 displays also pop-out as Laminar default panels. You can also choose to have either one of two styles of panel facias.There is the Carbon or the White options, I really liked the "white" option more than the darker Carbon feel, but both are good. You have to swap the textures over for each selection in the "Objects" folder, so you can't just swap as you feel like it, so it is either one style or the other. Menu options Other menu options give you the choices of propellers with: 3 Blade Composite, 3 Blade Aluminum and 2 Blade Aluminum. Two engine choices are also available with either a Lycoming IO-540 Fuel Injected 260hp (194 kW) or the Lycoming O-540 Caburettor 235hp (175 kW) powerplants, the Lycoming engines are modeled under the cowling, but I couldn't find a way to remove the cowling. Librain Rain Effects can also be used or switched off, and they are very good internally... on the exterior however the effects can move around the fuselage, but you can ignore that aspect. Checklist There is a three page checklist, that is quite basic, but fine. I however found it hard to adjust if the window is positioned slightly off screen, but get control of the window and the checklist window can be scaled quite small for handy non-obstructed use. Load Chart The "Load Chart" is a Weight&Balance menu that allows you to place four occupants (Pilot + 3 Passengers) in different body weights that are changed randomly of Green around (60 kgs), Dark Green (70 Kgs), Brown (80 Kgs) and Red (90 Kgs), Fuel (left/Right) Max 30 Gal per tank and Baggage Max 60 Kgs.... Settings can be in Distance CM/In, Weight Kg/Lb and Fuel in Lt/GAL... Full Limits, Gross Weight, Payload and Fuel Weight are shown plus the aircraft's CofG (Centre of Gravity) position and all out of limits are shown in red. Oxygen quantity FME (Flexible Modelling Environment) is also adjusted on the Load Chart. Updater There is a built in "Updater" which is very good. It will tell you is you have a good internet connection, then you hit the red (Required) options to update, after you have completed all the updates then just re-load the aircraft. There are no static elements or aircraft covers. Flying the RV-10 Start up and the Lycoming IO-540 (Injection) sounds really good, so sounds are great from the off. Taxiing is another matter again. The RV-10 in reality has a castor loose front wheel, so you have to taxi the RV-10 like a taildragger, but with the castor at the front and not the back, in other words it is very hard to turn? You can set the left and right wheel brakes (if you have a set of toe rudders) to snap turn the aircraft in the direction you want to go, but for the rest of us it can be a bit tricky until you sort it all out via throttle inputs and big rudder swings... you get there but it needs a fair bit of practice... .... I managed to work it out and finally arrive at the runway, but the option to lock the front wheel to the rudder would be nice if maybe not authentic, but easier for those who don't have rudder pedals, note the hard over rudder to keep the aircraft going straight ahead. Because you are going in a straight line down the runway and then taking off and once with the air flowing now over the flying surfaces the aircraft is then finally giving you your directional control... so RV-10 is quite nice to power down the runway and take to the air, but you instantly feel that sensitivity of this aircraft's very light weight to power ratio, stick and rudder movements have to be fine and controlled and almost glider like in response, you'll love it of course because it feels like a real kit-made living and breathing aircraft in the lightweight class. But the Van's is so very sensitive to any trim adjustments (hard to do) and to any of your hand/feet inputs, yes it is a lovely manual aircraft to fly, but be very lithe in the air. Banking is to be taken sensibly as even any sharp stick movements can get you into serious trouble... Not just under manual control do you feel the prompt banking angle changes as for even when under Autopilot changes of direction, you still get that same sudden horizontal shift... .... but that is all in that amateur feel, and you just simply love it, because it all feels all so realistic.... in other words the RV-10 is brilliant. The 260hp version gives you a Max speed of 208 mph at sea level (332 km/h, 179 kt) and a cruise speed of 201 mph (323 km/h, 175 kt), in other words for a small aircraft of this size it is very fast, but that does depend on the weight factor of passenger and baggage as the aircraft does feel the effects any heavy weight put upon it, and that is recorded heavily in the cruise speeds, vertical speeds and the overall range which is usually around 1,000 miles at Cruise power set at 55% at 8,000 ft (1,600 km). Climb rate is 1,450 ft/min (7.4 m/s), and the Ceiling (Oxygen remember) is an excellent 20,000ft. Authentic Garmin GFC 600 is a high-performance, attitude-based, Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and it is very good, and is well coupled with the G5 PFD and G5 HSI displays. They are both small and quite dense with detail (certainly the G5 PFD) but it is really well done. Press the centre of the tuning knob and you get access to the PDF Menu, turn the knob to scroll the items. (note while in this mode you can't adjust the heading or other flight controls via the G5) ... there is a Setting (Configuration) Menu that is accessed in a similar way. Turn off the G5 unit and again press the knob to bring up the menu (best to do on the ground before flight) then again scroll via turning the knob. Attitude, Airspeed Configuration and Units are all accessed via the menu. Full details of the menus are listed in the manual. GFC 600 Autopilot is very good and highly detailed, but be aware that turning off the AP, as it also turns of the FD (Flight Director) and YD (Yaw Damp), and the use of an X-Plane key input to disconnect (can be custom set) as the servos don't switch off that way? The KFC 150 Autopilot does not pop-out, but it is a very effective unit in this configuration of a two-axis autopilot and flight director system partnered with a KI256 Flight Command Indicator and a KI525A Pictorial Navigation Indicator. EDM - Digital Engine Management has loads of functionality, and access to Fuel Flow data you can switch (Step) to. Used (GAL), REM (Remain), MPG (Miles Per Gal), ENDUR (Endurance HH:MM) are all switchable, and rotate in the viewer or the EGT outputs of the engine (See EGT/FF below) There is a Fine Lean mode that is used for finding the EGT peaks and when to the lean the engine for maximum efficiency and range. Notes are "the information area will start to show the EGT temperature of the highest EGT cylinder. Then start to lean the mixture about 10°/second without pausing. At this point a white box will start to flash on the hottest cylinder. When the flashing box cylinder peaks, you will see LEANEST for two seconds and the column of that cylinder will start to flash" Final right button is the EGT/FF: which will set the unit into the Automatic scan mode to ALL (showing all parameters), FUEL (showing fuel related parameters) and TEMP (showing engine temperature related parameters). Lighting Cockpit and panel lighting is excellent, Backlit instrument dials are quite bright, so you don't need the full adjustment. Better are the two each side lighting pods (arrowed) that are fully animated for adjustment... the modern colour light is excellent, the only small downside is that the lighting intensity is the same for both lights, adjust one and you adjust the other, then separate adjustments here would have been absolutely perfect. You can easily get the right feel for night flying, and the change to a lit analog dial panel is just as brilliant. Overhead cabin lighting is also excellent (love the glowing switches) with one forward cabin and one light on the rear cabin External lighting is very good, and not over bright. The Taxi/Landing light is very small, but the Navigation, Beacon and Strobes are all very good. The RV-10 is of course very nervous in wind, or weight (more weight helps, but dims performance), adjust to those factors and this is a real pilot's aircraft. Flap adjustment is continuous and not stepped between UP - 1/4 - 1/2 - 3/4 - Full, but in reality the settings are guide more than a setting. If you get the speed down into the 80 knt range there is no flap lift, and they are very effective (drag and lift) under throttle control. Approach speeds are around 80 knts (Full Flap) and your inputs have to be small as the wings have a tendency to wobble in certain conditions and wind direction, so a bit of focus is always required... but you feel the thrill of the control of the aircraft under you as you are flying like a pro and loving every minute of it. Final approach speed is around 72 knts with a nice flair around 68 knts... .... it is very important you get the softest touchdown you can achieve because the strut gear is fixed and quite hard with not much give, so a far too steep a drop and the landing can be jarring. Stall speed is set at 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kt). The RV-10 is just a sweet aircraft all round. Liveries The liveries and Panel options (Carbon/White) are downloaded separately from the aircraft here: Digital Replica RV10 Liveries v1.13 Currently there are one white and five liveries, the Green N102DR is default with the aircraft. A few have no registration numbers and feel slightly incomplete? but the "First Flight is well done in it's shiny metal and composite panel construction. ____________________________ Summary I love to be genuinely surprised and certainly this Van's RV-10 is a huge surprise in the sheer range of configurations and personal choice you have with the aircraft, it is like pulling a rabbit out of a hat and then finding another one in there and then another, the choices are also really clever and extremely wide for all tastes, and all are also bound together into one aircraft that is a home built configuration build dream. System avionics cover really any tastes from the G1000 glass panel (Laminar) to Garmin GFC 600/G5, to the KFC 150 Autopilot with a KI256/KI525A instruments and either GNS 430/450 or KX155. More includes the choices of standard engine analog readout dials to a modern EDM - Digital Engine Management system, working Oxygen system, different injected or carburettor engine types, three types of propellers and even push/pull or quadrant controls... phew! The choices are huge, and then add that into a great kit-build light aircraft flight feel and it is a very interesting and great aircraft to fly, great lighting effects, rain effects and great all round modeling. Systems are very good with working fuses/circuit breakers, system menus (semi in areas, but still well done), great sounds and wind effects. I will note a few gripes, but we have to keep them in context to the what you do get here. The cockpit glass is a bit too clear and not overall realistic, a bit of thickness or wear&tear would make it feel more perfect (some users note the heavy reflections, but they didn't intrude too much to me). Separating the side pod lighting adjustment would make the effect perfect and the option to connect the front steering to the tail (for those without rudder pedals) would be a nice to have... the internal pilot is a bit bland, but the missing other 3d passengers would be a nice addition as you load the aircraft with weight and finally currently there is no VR (Virtual Reality) and this is an aircraft just wanting or even demading VR interaction ... all just niggles, but if updated would make the design absolutely 100% perfect. Value is excellent as well... US$40, no, US$35... no again but priced actually under US$30 at US$28.95 makes the RV-10 the bargain of 2020 or to date even of the decade. Surprised by this Van's RV-10, I was and yes it is a very interesting aircraft to use and to fly... it almost wants me to go and order a kit from Van's and start building the real aircraft itself. So overall brilliant and the RV-10 comes highly recommended. ____________________________ The VAN's RV-10 by Digital Replica is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Van's RV-10 Priced at US$28.95 Features Different Cockpit configuration from steam gauges to glass cockpit: G5 PFD and HSI with GFC600 Digital Autopilot with GNS430 and GNS430 ESP (Electronic Stability and Protection System) LVL (Return to level) Mode Auto trim Different speed and altitude units options CWS (Control wheel steering) mode GA (Go Around) mode. AP disconnect button Flight Director Yaw Damper Pitch and Roll hold mode Heading Mode NAV Mode with Radio-navigation or GPS inputs Approach Mode Back Course Mode Indicated Airspeed Reference Mode Altitude Hold Mode Working Battery behavior for the G5 HSI and PFD KC150 Autopilot with KI256 Flight Command unit, KI525A HSI and KX155 COM/NAV Radios Flight Director Auto trim Altitude Hold mode Attitude pith and roll hold mode Heading mode NAV Mode Approach mode Back Course mode Digital engine management unit EDM or analog gauges Engine monitor display Range/Endurance/Burned Fuel/Miles per Gallon/Etc. Lean Find Mode Throttle quadrant or push-pull engine command options EDS Digital Controlled oxygen System Four distribution stations Night/Normal mode Delayed mode Class-A/Fast Mask mode Different display and setting configurations Working Circuit Breakers panel Angle of attack indicator with voice warning Different engine and propeller configurations: Lycoming IO540 Fuel Injected 260HP engine Lycoming O540 235HP Carbureted Engine 3 Blade Composite Propeller 3 Blade Aluminum Propeller 2 Blade Aluminum Propeller Each of the option with their own performance and fuel consumption characteristics Outstanding 3D model High 4K PBR textures Librain rain effect by skiselkov 5 liveries and one white canvas livery for custom creations 3D cockpit light for the interior and the exterior Custom instruments and surface vibrations Particles Effects Three dimensional Sound Fmod sound engine All Custom Sounds Sound level and frequencies are modified by headset removal or doors configurations. Custom Menus and Popups Aircraft Configuration Load Chart with CG envelope, fuel and passengers configurations Checklist GFC600 Autopilot Popup EDM Popup Updater Popup Built-in Updater Requirements X-Plane 11 (Fully updated) Windows or Mac ( Linux will be available soon) 4Gb VRAM Minimum - 8Gb VRAM Recommended Download Size: 215Mb Current and Review version: 1.15 (February 5th 2020) Installation and documents: Download for the Van's RV-10 is 215.10mb and the unzipped file deposited in the aircraft "General Aviation" X-Plane folder at 543mb. No liveries and panel options are in the packaged download, but can be downloaded here: Digital Replica RV10 Liveries v1.13 Documentation: There is one comprehensive manual provided. With full system details and both IO and O Lycoming engine performance charts. Digital Replica RV10 Manual.pdf _______________________________ Review by Stephen Dutton 7th February 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 1Tbgb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.41 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro v1.13 US$69.90 Scenery or Aircraft - KHAF - Half Moon Bay by Rising Dawn Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.00

Your "Global" airports are above your Payware MMMX in the load order INI, these are the built in X-Plane freeware airports. In other words It is you not the review that is wrong here.

Aircraft Re-Release : DHC-3T Turbo Otter by VFlightAir If you think you are reading the same release review of the vFlyteAir DHC-3T Turbo Otter from a few months back then to a point you are. The reason is that the politics has made MilViz quit our simulation world to go back to the greener pastures of FlightSimulator, that is of course to our loss. But this DHC-3T was originally a collaboration anyway between MilViz as the aircraft's original FlightSim developer and a conversion to X-Plane that was done by vFlyteAir. Now vFlyteAir have brought out the total rights of the aircraft and it is now rebranded completely under the vFlyteAir banner for X-Plane11. In reality most of this aircraft was developed by vFlyteAir for X-Plane anyway, and so it is essentially a vFlyteAir production, so most of the original review stands but X-PlaneReviews have updated the details of the original review and of any changes and details that covers this vFlyteAir re-release and rebranding. First impressions are very impressive, this is a very nice bush style aircraft with a lot of power, so you have a foot in both camps with a rugged well developed aircraft and a modern turbine powerplant in the 750 HP PT6A-34 turbine and it is based on the typical Viking or Vazar conversion. Yes I was very impressed by the detailing externally, it is excellent work, the landing gear and strut work is first class, glass and chrome is also very good, so there is a lot to absorb and like here in the extensive details... Cabin however feels a bit dated, but you could say olde world authentic, more designed for FlightSim than X-Plane with those flat internal textures (note the flat seatbelts) and a few fuselage gaps, but overall it is a very accommodating cabin. all seats have animated passengers that vary from average to actually very, very nice, some again have light gaps (mostly in the eyes which is a bit unnerving). Baggage in the rear is provided as well. The cockpit is more of the same, but very well done... certainly there has been more attention paid to the details in the cockpit as noted by the 3d seatbelts that are not in the cabin and overall it is a higher graded and totally authentic cockpit. Details abound and all is beautifully reproduced as is the iconic DHC central throttle, propeller and mixture lever panel with it's metal facia plate, again perfect. Lower detail is again excellent with high detailing, trim wheels, oxygen bottle and (working) yoke lock are all highlights... ... lower panel switchgear is also very good, but the switches feel a bit overchromed, nice touch is the rubber band over the emergency power lever to stop it's movement in shaking loose. All the emergency power lever, power lever beta gate, safety guard on condition lever are active and usable. Classic swinging single bar DHC Yoke is highly authentic, and in this vFlyteAir re-released version the yoke can now be positioned on the left or the right... Panel layout is basic, with the standard flying instruments only for the left seat pilot, and the engine readout instruments mid-panel... ... and all the instruments are slightly on the small side that requires a low field of view, but otherwise it is all very well done. Electrical is lower left panel with nothing situated in front of the right seat passenger. One area I will note is that the DHC-3T is a taildragger, so in taxiing you have a limited view forward, so you tend to taxi visually panel low and to the side, with same view to the right, you get used to the unusual position quickly and it is actually fun to taxi this way. Menu, Features and Options Left lower screen is an authentic DHC logo pop-up menu tab, The vFlyteAir menu here is now completely new and has now also has more features built in as well. Top panel covers: Ground Elements, Covers, Ski's or Canoe, AviTab Tablet and Internal Glass (Glass Reflections). Left Panel covers GPS Option so can have the choice of three avionics options (four and five if you use the RealityXP GNS GTN750 and GTN650)... Two configurations and three choices covers Dual GPS (GNS 530/430) and this layout is installed flat against the panel... second is the Single GNS 530 and finally No GPS. Both the Single and No GPS stacks are set on a ‘kick-out’ panel for ease of use. Avionics Stacks (top to bottom) Dual GPS: KMA 30 Audio Audio, GNS 530, KT74 Transponder, KAP 140 Autopilot, KN 62A DME - KR87 ADF and GNS 430 Single GPS: Apollo (Garmin) SL15 Audio, GNS 530, KT74 Transponder, KY196A Com2/Nav2 Radio, KAP 140 Autopilot and KR87 ADF Radio No GPS: KMA 30 Audio, KX165A Com1/Nav1 Radio, KX165A Com2/Nav2 Radio, KT74 Transponder, KN62A DME, KAP 140 Autopilot and KR87 ADF Radio Options include Ski's (Floats are another aircraft selection) and the Avitab. The Avitab is small (thankfully) but has limited viewing angles, however it can be adjusted, but not by much. AviTab Plugin install is required. Load Manager: There is a load manager with a ten passenger selection and cargo (baggage) weight, or you can disable everything. But but unlike the older Weight&Balance Menu there is now a detailed loaded weight listed and CofG (Centre of Gravity) limits and current CofG position, also go above 100lbs in cargo weight and the rear five seats are replaced by a large crate and then small loaded cargo crates (over 180lbs) can be loaded to a maximum of 500lb of a full cargo load... excellent Ground Equipment is basic chocks, pitot covers and a very nice red window cover... .... all the five doors open but only directly or manually, but they are well done. Five liveries can be set from the menu. All are of high quality, Harbour Air is default, but added into the Re-Release version is an extra Harbour Air in the old style HA livery design (bottom) And the Fuel Quantity in forward (62 Gal) and centre tank (103 Gal) can be set, the aircraft has quite an interesting fuel system including fuel transfer that is well explained in the manual. Librain: The Turbo Otter comes with the Librain water effects, where they are really, really good here, in the air the water streams down and up the windows... .... cabin windows are water active as well, then add in the float water spray and it goes simply all sensational! Variants Besides the Wheel Ski variants there are two versions for water operations. One is the Amphibious version and the other is the pure Float version, the Canoe can be added or not shown via the menu. Both variants are excellent, and very realistic in the design of the floats, on water performance is really good and refined as well (Laminar Research has done a lot of updates relating to water born performance), but vFlyteAir has refined again above that. Notes include that wave height setting is crucial to get the right feel and a lot of flap helps balance. Lowering or raising the gear can be either just a standard X-Plane key setting or cockpit pumping action! To lower or raise the twin float rudders is done via a lever down by the right of the pilot's seat. Lighting The DHC - 3T's lighting is pretty basic... instrument lighting is adjustable and is very authentic in the glow of the dials. Two overhead lights provide cockpit (panel) lighting, but they are one fixed, and two not separate, so one on then all on... Cabin is dark as I couldn't find any lighting switches. External lighting is fine, but again basic... leading edge landing lights, Nav, high mounted beacon and strobes are all well done, but those two cockpit lights look like more external lights as they are quite bright? Sounds: There is a FMOD beta range set of sound effects created by specialist SimAcoustics that include propeller wash effects, squealing brakes, stall buffeting, full audible cockpit controls (switches, levers, etc.) sounds and custom weather sound effects and all are 3D sound positioned, that PT6 engine sounds pretty good as well with an authentic high turbine whine, so overall the sounds are excellent. Flight Model: This aircraft was developed by vFlyteAir Simulations an X-Plane general aviation specialist and it shows in every aspect of the flight model, the actual original flight dynamics are actually by Alan 'Rush' Shafto of AeroSim Gaming, but Walker Guthrie's hands are all over this aircraft. In the Re-Released version notably all the flight dynamics are again adjusted and re-refined with Take-offs at a fully loaded weight are now much closer to the POH published figures. Control response is excellent and remember this is a STOL aircraft, so slow or short take-off and landings are very easy and achievable. Flap position are different in the settings with - Cruise (zero) - Climb - Take Off and Landing and how all as easy as that can that be. A single flight and I had full confidence in the aircraft to do pretty any manoeuvre, balance or positioning I wanted to with the trimming very easy with the fine adjustment on the pitch wheel (rudder adjustment is on the roof), so there are no hidden quirks here except the powerful pull left of that heavy turbine and the awareness of the same forward engine weight on landing... hit the brakes early and the DHC-3T will tip nose first and break it's propeller, but otherwise this a really nicely balanced and lovely machine to fly and the words "like putty in my hands (and feet)" is very relatable to the flying experience, so even beginners or early flyers would find the aircraft a nice way to learn to fly in simulation, ditto the bushy pilot's who will really love the feel and touch of this modern version of the Otter. Prop reverse is available, but I rarely use it because of the low landing speeds. Negatives, well niggles more like it. Window reflections are very strong and over realistic, so you have to turn them off, but in time I have gotten used to them, cockpit curtain doesn't fold away but just disappears (weird), low fuel light is on all time, and even if the tanks are half full, cockpit and cabin lighting needs more creativity, it's okay but we have seen far better. Comments Overwhelmingly good. This a great and versatile aircraft that can be flown with both land and water operations. I loved the ease of which you could set up and fly the aircraft, in flight the aircraft is very, very good, so nicely balanced and a lovely machine to fly, and so it is also easy for the novice flyer. Obviously the aircraft originally came from the MilViz FSX/P3D stable but now the DHC-3T is since acquiring the full modeling rights the aircraft it is now a complete vFlyteAir aircraft. Sounds and flight model here is highly rated. Feature wise the Turbo Otter is very good as well, with passengers and cargo adjustable by weight and the redesigned menu is again excellent with more features that includes now a good Weights and Balance feature which is very welcome. The various choice of variants are also well done, and the water and water effects are sensational... manual (one) is excellent in providing aircraft information, details and performance charts. Avionic package choices are another highlight with RealityXP GNS availablity as well. I flew the DHC-3T for the Mont Blanc Group review, and the aircraft was sensational in this role, instantly loved this aircraft and under the new vFlyteAir banner nothing has changed but the update and better menu makes it all that totally better again. In the reorgiation of this aircraft from MilViz to vFlyteAir the price has been lowered to a sensational US$34.95 (milviz was $40), and earlier Milviz purchasers can upgrade this version for $7 which is an automatic discount at the X-Plane.OrgStore. So yes, totally brilliant all round and I love this excellent DHC-3T Turbo Otter and highly recommend the aircraft ______________________________________________________________________ Yes! DHC-3T Turbo Otter by vFlyteAir is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : DHC-3T Turbo Otter Price is US$34.95 Features PT6-34: 'By the Book' performance Engine model = Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 Engine Power = 750 SHP Flat Rated up to 4000 ft. ISA conditions Propeller = 3 bladed, constant speed. Propeller model = Hartzell HC-B3TN-3DY /T10282+4 Buttery-smooth engine starts Highly authentic beta range sound effects Propeller-wash sound effects Squealing brakes Stall buffeting Audible cockpit controls (switches, levers, etc.) 3D sound positioning Realistic distance attenuation Custom weather sound effects Rain & Ice effects Included is an implementation of Saso Kiselkov's rain & ice effects librain plugin. Special Features KAP 140 autopilot now provides accurate two-axis control - greatly improved in this release! Professionally created & tuned, high-fidelity flight model including accurate characteristics specific to the DHC-3T. This release features improved performance and landing characteristics. Body Configurations - Standard Wheels, Floats, Amphibious Floats, each with individually tuned flight models. Skis can also be added to the wheels version as a visual option. Multiple loadout configurations, with passengers and cargo. Selectable cargo includes an externally mounted canoe! Weight and Balance and Center of Gravity is calculated constantly as fuel is consumed and loads are adjusted. Unique flap operation which simulates the usage of the manually operated hydraulic pump and selector on the DHC-3T. (Flaps can also be operated as normal using keyboard or joystick assignments) Realistic locked / powered / free-castoring tailwheel simulation Portable oxygen system installed in the cockpit provides crew oxygen at high altitudes using X-Plane's new oxygen systems simulation Custom menu system by vFlyteAir Simulations Richly detailed cabin with beautiful high resolution textures and smoothly animated gauges. Realistic and fully adjustable cabin and instrument lighting. Ability to completely hide yoke and column for ease of access to important switches and controls. Yoke can be "thrown over" to the copilot side. Four liveries based on or inspired by real world aircraft included. Detailed & educational flight manual Yoke Lock feature Accurately modeled pump-operated flaps Pump-operated landing gear (amphib version) Power Lever with Beta Gate and Reverse selections Condition Lever with idle cutoff safety guard Accurately modeled Fuel Transfer Switch Animated crew and passengers ______________________________________________________________________ Requirements : Windows, Mac 4GB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review version : 1.0 PS: Customers who own the DHC-3 by Milviz can buy this new version for only $7 and get future updates. The discounted price will automatically show once logged in (if not contact the store at [email protected]) ______________________________________________________________________ Aircraft Re-Release Review by Stephen Dutton 6th February 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews Review System Specifications: Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 1Tb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 11.41 Addons: Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini : Headshake by SimCoders : Avitab (required) Plugins: Environment Engine v1.13 by xEnviro US$69.90 : - KHAF - Half Moon Bay by Rising Dawn Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.00

There is something wrong with your load order? you have X-Plane Global airport scenery in the background image? that is not the payware scenery you are trying to fix???? unless you trying to marriage them together, which won't work either???

Behind the Screen : January 2012 Happy New Decade and here we all go again. I have already noted several times the significance of this first year of the 20 twenties of simulation. MS2020 will arrive soon and X-Plane will be back in it's usual place as the clever underdog rather than the front-runner of simulation of which we have had a taste of these last few years, and were we will be at the end of the year will be the story of the year. The rule is just don't get too overconfident. Over the Christmas/New Year period though I have sat back and thought of why X-Plane is suddenly in this place. It must be said first though that the progress and changes over the last few v10/11 versions of X-Plane have been astounding, and you can't take that aspect away from what X-Plane has delivered as simulator and in the sheer mass it has grown, but suddenly it finds itself in crisis. Add to the fact that someone else (plus the huge financial investment) can start with a clean sheet and design a simulator from scratch instead of building upon building the last version to keep the punters happy, the first aspect that MS2020 users will face is that not how much of their olde world will actually be in the new simulator, so it won't be FSX+, and it will also even kill off Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D® which will have a harder battle to survive than X-Plane will and probably won't. A new modern simulator will be different, because it has to be, so the big decades of old titans of the original Flight Simulator and X-Plane platforms will now look at just in being old fashioned.... but back to the point. Currently X-Plane has three major areas of issues that have to be addressed to compete with the clean sheet design. The First is simply cash. X-Plane struggles to a point because the platform users will simply not invest into their own simulator, the dismal numbers put out by Laminar Research support this accusation, and so yes it is actually your own fault for the situation X-Plane is in. The numbers don't lie, X-Plane users are a mean scrooge lot with their cash, but they want the absolute best as well and you can't have it both ways, worse is that without that investment it is no wonder the developers are packing up and heading back to FS2020 La La Land because that is where the cash or survival money will be... X-Plane's major current failure is to generate a profit for the investment in the time and effort required and put in to the simulator, if free was a profit maker, then X-Plane would be the richest simulator by miles, I have said it before and will say it again, you are killing slowly your own golden egg. In reality the product range currently being created for the simulator professionally is dismal (what, what, what... you say) but the truth is that we have too few professional developers trying to survive, as the SSG B748i review noted it is that currently X-Plane has in reality no decent long haul aircraft at all (the new SSG B748i is now an exception) and Aerosoft won't touch our aircraft market with a barge pole, but the rest of our heavy long haul aircraft is of course dismal in their current offerings, in short and meduim range of aircraft is quite good, but not comprehensive. In GA the choice is actually very good, with Carenado, Just Flight and vFlyteAir all at the top of their game, but two of those are FSX developers are converting to X-Plane. Helicopters are nothing zero except for a few light heli's from vSkyLabs and a single Huey UH-1 in over three years, is an appalling situation for a so called high quality simulator, and you can see where we are going with all this. First I am not saying that all the offering from Ex-FSX developers was good either, because a lot of it was crap, and that our developers are not delivering truly brilliant products because they are. Third is the X-Plane simulator itself. Again I will note the extensive development over the years, but in reality in lots of ways the simulator although highly innovative, is failing badly in many crucial areas. The annoying thing about this is that they are the basic's, and the general feeling is that we are spending too much time chasing the wow factors and in that the main (the boring) but important areas of the simulator are not getting any attention, and yes Laminar are as guilty of this as much as developers. Flying the SSG Boeing 748i across the world from Singapore to Frankfurt, gives you a lot of time (nine hours) to observe and think of what is right and mostly what is wrong with X-Plane currently. Stutters, well we have a fix coming for them and soon hopefully with Vulkan/Metal, but that fix has also been a long time coming and the API has been in development for far too long. But the biggest issue (eyesore) is simply the Global textures. When X-Plane10 came out the landscape compared to X-Plane9 was a major change, and it looked at the time absolutely realistic. But forward to 2020 or eight years into the now and they look worse than X-Plane9 did back then, I'm not going to mention the water, high earth textures, restricting lighting areas or poor quality mountain ranges, yes there are 3rd party products, but the reality is that fly over any country and it currently looks simply awful and I flew over a lot of the planet on that route simulation, and this appailing aspect will soon have to compete with the mega FS2020 and it's bing world 3d texture maps. An average weather engine and of course the ATC.... always the ATC are also non-gracia. So in the past ten years the progress needed in these vital areas have been almost negligible. So the pressure in 2020 is now really on Laminar Research to finally address the simulator's real basic issues, even pull in the required resources to do so, and this is not certainly because of FS2020, although it is a major wake up call. But because these issues have not been addressed or have been left languishing for far too long anyway, yes it will cost money, yes it needs resources, but one person doing the art is simply (no matter how good his work is) too slow at this level, same with coders, yes the current crop of Laminar keyboard warriors are excellent, but they can't do everything currently that is required for the simulator. So to a point the current situation is down to not putting in resources in the good times and may be Laminar focusing more on the current than pet projects and buying up half of the Tesla dealership. Is this a rant, no not really but an assessment of the current situation X-Plane is really in, if we can be honest with ourselves then things will change as success can also bring in inertia, and change can be left behind. Change does also rely on technology as well, areas move forward only when the technology allows it to, but we currently now have had fast and powerful computers, graphic cards and cheap storage for about four years, so it is the simulator that is stuck behind the times and not the technology, but this also brings us into another important question, and that is the wide spread requirement to cover all users is also a question in that is it also in holding the simulator's forward progress back. It is a fair question. The minimum graphic card now required for simulation is 4K+, but X-Plane wants to keep the 2K and even the 1K users happy as well, this aspect means that those heavier dense global graphic textures are not going to come too soon, because maybe a third of users can't simply process them, and can the most of the above deflecting decisions be also related directly to graphic and computer power and so not to offend a certain portion of the Laminar simulation market. Vulcan/Metal is chasing efficiency, and that is a good thing, but not at the expense of just for the lower powered users who can't or mostly simply won't upgrade to a more powerful system. Yes I feel for them as I have been there with a 600mb graphic card (it blew up), but can the simulator continue to support a proportion of users trapped in systems that are simply out of date for any of the simulator's modern current requirements... I think that, in that question is the biggest one of all to answer if X-Plane as a platform is to move forward this year, it has to now let go of it's past and move forward in many aspects... 2020 and the coming decade is going to be very interesting, but more importantly it has to be about change, and finally addressing the difficult areas that are simply currently taboo, and that is even in many areas for the very survival of the simulator platform itself. On that happy note, we will see you all next month. Stephen Dutton 1st February 2020 Copyright©2020 X-Plane Reviews

Oh dear, just look... the fix is at the bottom of the review as noted

You are coming up against the limitations of the simulator and not the aircraft, Laminar locks in the throttle and the only power/lift adjustment is via the collective, there is effectively no throttle on X-Plane helicopters, unless to shut them down or start them up, there was a reason but I can't remember. SD

Not from me no, as I don't have access to the KATK? scenery from imaginesim, so I doubt I can do that.

Aircraft Review : Boeing 747-8 Inter v2 Anniversary Edition by Supercritical Simulations Group There was a discussion early in 2019 that listed all the aircraft that you could fly long haul in X-Plane11. When you added it all up the list was not great, in fact for a leading simulator you could even call it deplorable and that was with just cause. It is not that X-Plane doesn't have long haul heavy aircraft as we do, but the fact is that there are very a few available as the FlightFactor's Boeing 777 series is now very out of date, Peter's Airbus A380 is even older and not what you would call study grade, The FlightFactor A350 is not in the game either with a non-realistic FMC (but that is promised with a fix soon), and you can't count the Magknight B789 Dreamliner in this grade either (but it is getting better with each update)... so just what is left, well the old Boeing 747's and Laminar's default B747-800 and the Supercritical Simulations Group Boeing 748i International. Even when the SSG B748 project was announced and released six years ago I had my doubts, The last installment of the Boeing 747 legacy has not had a good reception into service and has not created many sales, as four engined aircraft are just too inefficient against the current highly evolved large twins. But although the numbers are against such aircraft as the A380 and the B748, we still need their huge carrying capacity. So why did SSG go for the B748 and not the Boeing 747-400 which would have been simulator wise a much more profitable project, we will never know that answer except for the premonition six years ago at the B748 may have been the replacement success the airlines needed, but mostly it was just there and created to try and counter the A380 sales market. Problem was the SSG B748 version took a long time to sort out, but the last "Legacy" v1.9.2 version finally got there as it was a quite nice simulation. However there was also the announcement of the coming a totally new v2 of the Boeing 747-800 series from SSG. The release of the v2 was around early November 2019, but the release was a disaster, one look at the aircraft and it felt very under developed and didn't deliver or was even close to the step upgrade that everyone expected... I liked the systems and the detail, but a lot of the aircraft felt very underdeveloped. The reactions were swift, or was it just the usual case of not refining before releasing or just releasing an aircraft too soon, maybe, but released in early January 2020 is this updated version two v2.1.1, but what I would call the real release version of the SSG B748 aircraft. So there is a lot now riding on this release and there was only really one way to find out the true depth of the aircraft and that is to fly it in it's designated environment and on a long, long haul or Flight no. LH779 from WSSS - Singapore to EDDF - Frankfurt. We are currently at FL340 (34,000ft) at .m84 and just off the coast of India at BUBKO waypoint, with a tik-tok number of 4294 nm to go to FRA. SSG promised with the v2 a completely new design, but on the first look last year it didn't exactly stand out and blew you away. But that has now been rectified in this update, my guess it was the Physically Based Rendering materials were not quite adjusted right and didn't give off the quality sheen SSG were looking for, but that new fuselage and it's extreme detailing now looks sensational and highly detailed. The huge General Electric GEnx--2B67B engines rated at 66,500 lbf (296 kN) are also new and look excellent. You only have to look at the earlier GEnx version to notice the vast differences. Wings are beautifully proportioned, modern and again all new, wing flex is also redone and is highly realistic. So the high quality detailing is everywhere and this SSG is now certainly the best B747 modeled version we have ever had externally in X-Plane. So the design has moved a considerable way forward. This is brilliant of course but it all comes with a heavy cost in your frameweight. The original B748 version was quite if very heavy on your processors, this v2 version is damn right bloody heavy on your framerate, so you will have to make compromises. I am running here a very basic version of X-Plane, this version has very few plugins, and absolutely no additional extras or changes, the only addition to the basic X-Plane download is my usual Custom Scenery Folder and Global Scenery folder, so the framerate is off the wall. Biggest hit is to the graphics, I had the "Texture Quality" set to "Maximum" but the overload when the SSG B748 when loaded was to high at 9246 mb and over my 8K card limit, so I had to accept the "High" setting for the flight to reduce my TQ down to 5944 mb, which is still high in this setup condition, then add in any heavy scenery and you can see the problem. So there is a cost here for all that higher quality and detail. SSG promised also an internal 3d cabin, and that is what you get, but only on the upper deck and not the main deck, and that didn't make the punters happy at all... The upper class hump is nicely done, and it isn't actually a big area and very Concorde like in size (yes I have flown up there), detail is good without being outstanding and feels modeled and no textures, but I do like the curve and the details of the inter-deck stairs, all the lower deck areas are only contained around the doors. Most of the venom of the first v2 release was targeted at the cockpit. I myself thought it also wasn't particularly different from the original, although it has been completely redesigned from scratch... IT IS better, and actually really well done, but in certain lighting conditions the panel and the cockpit can still feel dull, but in the right lighting conditions you can see the textures and semi-gloss of the panels... and very nice they are too... ... so the textures and shine are correct (just a touch more shine would help though) as the detail is quite brilliant, so what is wrong? The clue might be in the Yokes... they feel bland and dull, and mainly because of the detail is in the same colours as the yokes themselves, springs are brown, switches are brown, plates are brown, so it all forms into one big browness. More colour, detail, slight wear here and even a false clipped on nav-chart/flap speeds would break up the modeling blandness... ... anti-reflective instrument displays may be real, but some shine and depth on the glass would breakup that all the same semi-matt feel in the cockpit (aka FlightFacor B757/B767)... so overall it is really good, but these finer details let the visual realism down, but don't get me wrong, this updated v2.1.1 version has already been better refined and it certainly is far, far better than the Nov release, but it still needs that extra ummph to get this cockpit feel finally across the line like we detailed with the yokes. But you are not short of detail, this is a fully operational Boeing 747 as every switch and every button works, it is impressive, and confusing on how much you have to know to operate this aircraft at the same time... Let us go back now to two hours ago at Singapore Changi T2 Gate E8 Part of the promise with the new cabin was also opening external doors, yes the earlier v1 B748i had opening doors but with only one or flip open everything, which wasn't very authentic. Here now you have full door control via a Menu page on the long-winded named Integrated Standby Flight Display (ISFD), and very good it is. Any open doors are also shown on the centre lower Multifunction Display (MFD)... The door internal detail is very good, the cargo door mechanism as a focus is excellent in detail. My only surprise is of the still not available GPU (Ground Power Unit) which a big missing item for me that can also be selected via the GND SERV menu. There is a pushback feature as well, but I use BetterPushBack. Other ISFD Tablet menu items include Fueling and Payload... The Fueling page is excellent and I really like the quick and efficient selection of 100, 10, 1 input system which is very quick and easy.. there is an "SET PREDICTION" option that will set the fuel to the passenger load and weight, but I use SimBrief for a more accurate route fuel number. SSG note the fuel loads in the tanks at a quicker fast speed, but it feels too quick at this flow rate and doesn't feel realistic, maybe a more lengthy realistic loading time for the realists, but also a quick refuel option for the impatient. Payload information is a very similar set up and again excellent for weight input and final load and aircraft weight, 25%,50%,75% and 80% loadings are one button push easy, again inputs on both are quick and efficient. Sound can be adjusted by a sound board, with complete options of High/Low Isolation and Quiet engines, reset to default is also available... Sounds themselves are of a very high grade from Turbine Sound Studios (TSS). Options include Show/Hides of Yokes and Rain Effects (Librain) and there is a Kg/Lbs selection, and time to align for the gyros in Real or Fast selections. A checklist reset is also available on the tablet. So it is a very good if simple (to the good) Menu, but the interface design is a bit average to the high quality of the aircraft, the left interface panel looks all a bit rushed and Windows 95 in that aspect. FMC is very good by FJCC (Javier Cortés) and has a huge depth of detail. First on this v2 is that both the Pilot and First Officers CDU's are now both independent of each other, and both have pop-out's on windows F8 (Pilot) and Alt F8 (FO). You can input directly by pressing the KEYS selection, but note it does freeze the background for movement. I also found the pop-ups would also input the wrong key selection, with sometimes some very disastrous results like when inputting the FLIGHT No. it instead went into the DEST slot (and ruined the flightplan) and the COST INDEX went into the FL/LEVEL slot, so for these odd keys I used the facia direct version which is fine. Overall the FMC depth as noted here is very good, with great detail. You do get a few helpers on the PERF INIT page but otherwise it is all input, and the manual "FCOM" guide is very good as a teacher, but note to load the passengers and cargo and fill the tanks before setting up the FMC PERF pages. There are however still a few Cortés quirks to work around though if you have to edit a route. The FMC can mix itself up and not add in or takeway waypoints with perfection, and this issue only resets itself when you do the completed edit, so that can make it frustrating. If you are used to Javier Cortés FMC's you know how to route edit around the issues, but it would be hard for a novice on these study grade FMC's. There was another issue with the long route FMC flight plans returning an FULL error. As this is a very long haul I went over the 20 assigned pages and hit the issue, It was supposed to have been addressed in an earlier update, but it still blocked me and that is not good for an aircraft on primary long haul flying. My only choice was to reedit the flight plan to takeout multiple AIRWAY waypoints and make them DIRECT to get under the 20 page limit. Added features to the FMC now also include Route 2 functionality and the Diversion function. TERR function on the PFD (Primary Flight Display) is excellent and both PFD's are independently adjustable... ... over the six years of development the systems have had a lot of attention, the depth is is very deep and the warning system is a highlight of what is going on in detail. Fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK/ENG logic is excellent, but remember the B747 is still a part manual aircraft, so in flight pump buttons and overrides have to be used. Air conditioning systems and logic is also highly evolved as is the electrical systems and on this v2 the IRS alignment process is now also available to use. The excellent FCOM manual covers all aspects of the systems and your interaction with them, and it is quite a lengthy read, but worthwhile to understand the full extent of system detail you have in the aircraft. Departure from SIN was excellent, Pushback was via BetterPushBack and note the APU exhaust effects from the tail. Engine startup is semi-automatic, with no separate bleeds shutoff like the older series B747's, Taxi feel is great, but watch your huge size. Once clear of WSSS 20R, it was a full loop around (AROSO 2A) to connect to SID REDUK route departure. One note was that the B748i at this 397,400 kg Gross weight and a route distance of 5707 nm it took a lot of skill to get the aircraft to it's first set FL340 (34,000ft) level, the aircraft needs careful timing of the Vertical Speed (V/S) and forward speed to climb up and abet slowly and it took a fair amount of time to do so, this is not a B738 is this modern Jumbo, but the feel and thought required took me back to the old days of fly cargo around the world in the old 747-200 Cargo series, and that aircraft was a serious challenge at max weight and a half to get the aircraft just off the runway, so that Boeing 747 heavy, heavy feel is perfect here. Once past India and into Pakistan the terminator line is getting more and more closer, we are at .m87 and FL380 (38,000ft) after burning off the takeoff weight of fuel, so we are now very fast and high... and night flying is here. Being comfortable at night is a big deal in long haul flying, because you spend a lot of time going from over many one time zones to the other. The lighting is very good but not perfect in the cockpit, I remember it being better on the v1. It all works but the details are not right. The STORM/DOME doesn't feel right and the two MAP lights on each side adjust, but the actual lights above you don't shine... and the rear cockpit light doesn't work either, so it all feels like a not finished WIP. Important though is that I did find that perfect lighting solution (above right) that keeps the cockpit lighting low and a panel to match, for landing the instrument/cockpit lighting setting here was perfect. The Upper class cabin's lighting is however not great... ... it looks like what it probably is, non-textured modeling and it doesn't look good at all, this is not a place to spend hours flying over half the world, externally it is worse again? The double-decker lighting is far too bright, and the main deck lighting of which I suppose is to match the brighter upper deck, but it all feel's like it is ten simulation years out of date... crossing the heavens at night the B748 looks more like a cruise ship than an aircraft? Tail logo lighting however is very good. Flying is impressive in the drivers seat and here are few notes. When the fuel tanks get low they pump up more fuel up from the reserve tanks, if switched off the system asks for the OVERD switches to be turned on, and when pumping you get these fuel flow direction arrows pumping away, seriously impressive... I always was also impressed by the bank adjustment from the switch to the route guide on the MAP/NAV display, adjust your bank and the line computes the new trajectory to match, it is all very good... .... MAP/NAV information can be data overload, but it is impressive here and certainly as good as any FlightFactor system, POS shows the nearest VOR, and DATA shows waypoint info. On approach to Frankfurt the V/S altitude target is a must have tool and here it is very good, Messages like this FMC VFL APPROACH mode are also very authentic... ... OVRD pump warnings are not what you want on finals, but they are noting the low fuel in the reserve tanks. External aircraft lighting is very good, the red strobes flash nicely off the engines and so do the strobes on the outer pods, wing lighting is also very good as is all the main landing lights... Finals and we coming in for a perfect controlled landing at Frankfurt FRA 07C, but on the ground I am not too sure about the forward central FG taxi light as it is very weak, but the side runway turn off lights are fine. THIS B748i is a VERY BIG aircraft to taxi around busy airports,and it is a tight fit to get all that the heft into the A23 Gate, so you have to judge and steer well to manoeuvre the aircraft correctly and then align it into position, and now back under apron lighting this Boeing really shines. Liveries There are currently six liveries in very high quality detail: SSG House, Air China, Air Force One, Boeing House, Korean Air and Lufthansa _________________________________ Summary In a review you can only show images and not every detail of a complete flight, but what really is the biggest consideration from simulation. It is to deliver that perfect gate to gate flight, and that is what you aim for, work for and determinedly keep wanting in every aspect of flying in a simulator, flying long haul is the hardest of all, but it is also the most rewarding... as more can go wrong or something can also easily ruin a great flight. But to achieve that ultimate simulated goal is not easy, as your computer has to be powerful enough (certainly in this case), and the simulator has to behave itself and the biggest factor of all is that the aircraft you are flying also works well, no bugs, no crashes, no bad programing and when you think how horribly complex this Boeing 748i is then and in that everything works perfectly then what is presented to you is some sort of god given miracle. The original v1 of SSG's B748i has had six years of development, the Legacy version showed all that refinement and the possibility of what the v2 could deliver. On release it stumbled, but I knew at the time how good the systems were in this aircraft, but this updated version now certainly fulfills out that earlier promise. The SSG v2 B748i is not perfect as I have pointed out in this review, mostly the missing main deck, the lighting and a lot of texture detail, but in every other respect this is a very proficient aircraft, the B748i flew nine hours perfectly from Gate to Gate and delivered an astounding simulation, Study grade, yes absolutely in that class as the systems have a huge depth. It also challenged my skills to deliver the aircraft to altitude but it also followed the SimBrief numbers perfectly, and right down to the perfect performance numbers (okay I used an extra 1kg of fuel for the long taxi and that heavy climb) but the numbers don't lie, the SSG Boeing 747-8 Inter now certainly delivers and currently it is the best long haul aircraft in the X-Plane simulator, that is now tested and proved within this review and with the B748 Freighter version coming very soon then that will be my long haul simulations wrapped up for a fair while ______________________________________  Yes! the Boeing 747-8 Inter v2 Anniversary Edition By Supercritical Simulations Group is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here : Boeing 747- Inter Anniversary Edition Price is US$65.00  Features: Officially licensed by the Boeing Corporation. The entire external 3D model for v2 has been redone, including the following: All new fuselage closely modeled on the real one with added details Each door can be opened individually and is more detailed dded animations and details (almost all parts that can open/move on the aircraft are modeled). New external details such as a satellite antenna and tail camera New cut passenger windows instead of textures New vertical and horizontal stabilizers with added details New nacelles and engines with more details and new animations Reworked and more detailed landing gear/gear doors with additional animation Improved and more detailed leading and trailing edge flaps and added flap mechanisms Upper deck interior with seats/galleys and stairs to lower deck New wing flex and nacelle animations The textures for the entire aircraft have been redone to match the new model, along with decals for certain detailed areas, right down to most of the external placards, working closely with our technical advisors to ensure all the main details are present and that we have gotten them right. COCKPIT The entire cockpit 3D model has been largely redone and completely retextured. New overhead panel and buttons/switches New forward panel and buttons/switches New pedestal and buttons/switches/handles New miscellaneous panel and buttons/switches Side panels and window frames completely redone New cockpit seats Various added details SYSTEMS/FMC Almost all switches function properly and independently IRS alignment process implemented More realistic fuel system with different pumps and tanks along with FUEL TANK / ENG logic Realistic AUTOSTART and RUNNING indicators on secondary engine displays Improved and more realistic air conditioning system and logic Better track representation on ND Clock and chronometer on ND working like on the real aircraft More realistic baro pressure logic (STD, preselected, transition altitude) Captain and First Officer FMCs are now independent FMC FIX page added FMC Route 2 function added FMC Diversion function added Librain rain effects (currently not working on Macs) Skuncraft Updater Now with Skunkcraft updater. No need to download anything for updates, the plane will automatically be updated Requirements: X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4GB MB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM Recommended Current and Review Version : 2.1.1 - (January 22nd 2020) Owners of the 747 v1 will see a discounted price once logged in into their account. No Coupon required. NOTE: Framerate requires a decent graphic card, minimum of 8gb is RECOMMENDED, so I would also recommend a power machine as standard.  Installation : Download is 1.13gb which is unzipped and is inserted in your Heavy Aircraft folder as: 1.40gb  Key authorisation is required.  Note: Curently the WebFMC Pro is not working with the new dual FMC units, a fix is beening done and will be published soon.  Documentation : includes  SSG 747-8 V2.1_Change Log.txt SSGCUSTOMLIST.TXT SSG License Agreement.txt librain license.txt SSG 747-8 V2.1 Quick Start Guide.pdf SSG 747-8 V2.1 FCOM.pdf  ______________________________________________________________________  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton  30th January 2020 Copyright©2020: X-Plane Reviews   (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)   Review System Specifications:  Computer System: Windows - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD Software: - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.20 Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose Soundlink Mini  Plugins: Environment Engine by xEnviro v1.07 US$69.90 : Traffic GLobal Plugin - US$52.99 : BetterPushBack - Free Scenery or Aircraft - EDDF - Airport Frankfurt XP11 by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$32.99 - WSSS - Singapore Changi 2.12 by TOD (X-Plane.Org) - Free   

Quick Impression : KTLH - Tallahassee International Airport by Rim&Co A bit of history first. Rim&Co came screaming on to the X-Plane scene a few years ago with AYE - Ayres Rock - Connellan Airport that was a very good scenery debut, with an excellent rendition of Ayres Rock (Uluru) and the nearby Olgas (Kata Tjuṯa) and the actual scenery of YAYE was also very well executed. But the scenery suffered with an overload of objects (in outback Australia?) that was a foreboding of what was to come next, but overall for AYE it was an excellent scenery. Rim&Co's next scenery releases was SAWH - Ushuaia Malvinas Airport, but that release was followed by a quick "cease and desist" notice to a developer as they had stolen pro objects and doctored them to their own use, in the aftermath the two earlier sceneries were then also quickly pulled from sale from stores. So Rim&Co are back and with two sceneries in succession in first KPIT - Pittsburgh International Airport and now this secondary release of KTLH - Tallahassee International Airport (I will get around to reviewing Pittsburgh). So the question remains, have Rim&Co done enough here at Tallahassee to win back our support and more importantly our trust. Tallahassee International Airport IATA: TLH - ICAO: KTLH - FAA LID: TLH 09/27 - 8,000ft (2,438m) - Asphalt 18/36 - 7,000ft (2,134m) - Asphalt Elevation AMSL - 81 ft / 25 m Tallahassee is dead central X-Plane.Org territory, it is the central base for all your X-Plane needs, so in your needs if you want to go there virtually then a good scenery on arrival would make the ride worthwhile. On first viewing the scenery looks actually top grade, it is well intergrated into the surrounding mesh with lovely field Orthophoto textures, but the nasty joins are thankfully covered by the trees and the tree line is still of a slightly different colour, but overall it is nothing to see or worry about. TLH layout covers 2,485 acres (1,006 ha) and is L shaped or corner shaped which ever way you want to look at it, with the shorter 18/36 runway positioned north and the 09/27 runway eastwest. Although the airport is noted as an International airport, it really isn't but only a regional facility. The International moniker is because the the city is Florida's state capital, however, international passengers are allowed to exit the airport via Tallahassee International due to the facility's "service port" for the use of U.S. Customs. Runway 09 (27) is being lengthened and the construction is well highlighted in the scenery... note the seven wind turbines on the right Terminal The current terminal was opened on December 3, 1989, but the buildings looks far older and tired, an upgrade at TLH is currently in progress. Overall the terminal is not very large in size, but has eight active airbidges. The airbridges are all SAM powered and the open/remote stands have (SAM) VDGS or marsallers. Terminal design is very Rim&Co in a design so you feel more than what you see, but the detail is very, very good and this is very well designed and produced scenery. Landside is excellent with well cluttered carparks, trees and fauna and very good signage, only kink is the entrance airport logos are reversed. Apron clutter is excellent, but not local branded, and a few of the vans are animated to give movement to the airport and one van takes a trip all around the taxiways... and it travels around very, very slowly, so watch out for it? Rim&Co have always done in the past some questionable object placement and they don't disappoint here? Two vans block the taxi route to stands A7 and A4, but one is animated, a Gulfstream jet is also positioned at gate B2, but it doesn't look right standing in that set non-stand position. Ground Textures The runway and ground textures are excellent here at TLH. Runway detail and textures are nicely varied and the concrete detail on the taxiways are also very good as well with really nice transitions to old and newer asphalt which is done really well... .... grass is all 3d and bountiful, and all textures are PBR (Pyhsically Based Rendering) active (reflections, wet) in the right weather conditions Tallahassee City are wanting to expand the cargo facilities at TLH, and they are quite good for a regional airport already. The Cargo ramp is well done and quite large with four parking stands. FedEx cargo building is nicely done. There is significant amount of General Aviation, Private jet parking and services available at KTLH, and they are segregated into three areas in South, Central and North. South Apron could be noted as the original partition section of Tallahassee Airport... ... The Million Air FBO terminal, Aviation Centre and the William B. Martin Hangars are all based here (the William B. Martin is not to be confused with the Ivan Munroe Terminal that is the official Tallahassee terminal name). Central Apron is dominated by one large hangar for "Flightline Group Inc" North Apron covers the more local GA area, with open and covered parking, and wide open and numerous apron parking areas. There is a huge amount of clutter and detail set out in here, and it certainly does a great job of filling out the scenery... but the question starts to rise up on how much of all these objects and buildings are actually authentic, and even then also relate to the actual Tallahassee Airport scenery? "Austin's Bar & Grill" doesn't exist (I checked), "OzGas" Fuel is based in Australian and New Zealand... there are NYFD fire trucks, NYP Police cars and enough 76 petroleum stations (four) and one entrance sign (below left) is used three times (twice with the signs reversed)?, oh and another BP service station as well... did I mention the hundreds of Range Rover sports, there are less of these high rollers in Los Angeles than at Tallahassee Airport?... it all starts to feel a bit questionable on the authenticity question? Across RWY 09/27 is the Control Tower, well done but the tower view is "sorta" set but the viewpoint is still set too high in the air? Lighting Lighting is in the "not bad" zone. Again outwardly TLH looks very good at night.. ... but a few airbridge gates in B1 and B4 are in complete darkness? The terminal is an odd selection of lit and areas of darkness... .... a lot of the terminal like the entrance and landside is dark with no lit windows, and the external lighting which is the only lighting covering over the dark sided buildings, which is a cheap and time way of cutting development, the areas that have been completed show great window lighting, so it all comes down to what could have been, more that what it actually is. South, Central and North apron lighting is not bad but there are some dark areas, and even some of the apron lighting facing is away from the actual apron areas? Overall in context of the whole scenery the lighting is not bad, but could have been far better. Feature list is very good, with a lot of dynamic X-Plane11 features provided. Buildings: Realistic rendition and 3D-recreation of most airport buildings, vehicles, clutter and other infrastructure, served with nice textures for day and night Ground: Detailed ground textures with dynamic PBR properties, 4K asphalt/ concrete textures Lighting: Accurate and vivid lighting for night-flying operations Vegetation: Thousands of hand-placed 3D-trees Accurate Airport Layout Gangways: SAM usage including jetways and safe-docks for most gates Traffic: Ground traffic files included WT3 and TG: There are no ground routes available for WorldTraffic3 but a generation did create the required routes, but with absolutely no traffic action. Traffic Global was far better in creating a realistic traffic feel at KTLH but even that was very infrequent (most arrival flights are after 11pm?), and the better TG traffic is what is shown here in this review. First Impressions On a first viewing then Tallahassee KTLH looks brilliant, and a great place to use as an excellent regional airport (KATL - Atlanta is only 260 mi north), the airport comes with a nice layout, intergration and excellent ground details. Modeling is very good but not exceptional and you get PBR effects and SAM active airbridges and stands. So from that viewpoint the scenery is highly worth of it's four stars. It is in the closer details and the question of authenticity is where you going to have to take some liberty, over clutter, non-related clutter, buildings and other items are all questionable if they are to be a replication of an original Tallahassee International Airport and the lighting is also a bit underdone, but accept these odd Rim&Co quirks and overall the scenery is very good. Four out of Five stars ☀️☀️☀️☀️⭐ KTLH - Tallahassee International Airport by Rim&Co is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore here: KTLH - Tallahassee International Airport Price is US$15.99 Requirements are: Windows, Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8GB+ VRAM recommended Download Size: 1.1 GB Current and Impression version : 1.0 (January 25th 2020) ________________________________________ Quick Impression by Stephen Dutton 27th January 2020 Copyright©2012: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this preview are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)