Stephen

Behind the Screen : November 2024
 
To most Simulator users it is the flying dynamics and the reproduction of iconic aircraft that is their general focus. To relive, train or learn on how to fly a broad spectrum of aviation's greatest developments. From airliners past and present, General Aviation aircraft, Military, Helicopters and even the weird and wonderful contraptions that can fly through the air. But the environment that you fly in is important as well, and yes "I'm Talking about scenery again".
 
"Oh god I really wish this guy would move on from this", I can hear the groans from here, the foreheads banging on the desktops.
 
But it is important as X-Plane is in a critical stage of it's development, it is the biggest issue right now, and an important one to get right. There are other areas that need development in X-Plane, certainly Multi-player functionality and Multi-Threading are major priorities, but even Laminar Research are focusing very heavily on what they call "New Generation Scenery", and over the last few months, trickles of what NGS is now coming out.
 
And it is an interesting debate, and one that could make X-Plane a prime simulator. There is no doubt that the environment is the Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2020, and now 2024 is a main focus, you can't really call it a flying simulator, it just has planes and helicopters in it, but this is a gaming platform, full of experiences...  even now a career if you want one. That is fine, but the biggest attraction and one of which Microsoft promotes is this significant aspect of the environment...  and this is where it does get interesting.
 
If you want X-Plane to grow as a Simulator, then you have to embrace the fact that the environment around your aircraft is a major attraction to people who want to use a Simulator. But this aspect always has been X-Plane's biggest imperfection. Since the start of my Simulation involvement, the default scenery has been, well mostly....  crap.
 
I'm not talking about some of the excellent add-on scenery produced for the X-Plane Simulator, I'm talking about the basics here, and why X-Plane does not have a bigger audience, and some, if most will say, "Well we like it that way", fine, but that way will mean the decrease of investment, not only by user participation, but by the essential developers moving on to better conditions. I'm not going to go all depressed on you again, because actually X-Plane in development has had a very successful year, but the simulator has also lost a lot of talented talent that we couldn't afford to lose, worse it's not attracting talent either, whether you like it or not X-Plane has reached a milestone, that could flip it simply one way or the other. From one perspective it looks absolutely fine if you keep to the basics and use default Global Airports, and yes things at this point are far better than it was 12 months ago. But that crucial line is now more in important than ever, if X-Plane does not grow, and quite significantly over the next few years it will become only a marginal player in Simulation.
 
And we have to be realistic, in that the default Global scenery has always been a hindrance, limiting the expansion of the simulator. The change from X-Plane 9 to X-Plane 10 was a significant step forward, but except for the new excellent trees in X-Plane 12 there has been no progress for over a decade, were as every other component of the Simulator has had significant upgrades, all the way throughout X-Plane 11 and to XP12. Basically we still have the same two tier autogen and tile mapping, and although the mountainous frameworks are very good, at a ground level the basic low-res ground textures are basically the same as they have been for years. Add in the poor insertion of custom scenery, and those horrible wide green spaces between the default and custom elements on the mesh, and I still cringe every time I land at Tampa, Florida, with those wide green spaces were buildings should be, so I never ever really liked it for realism.
 
Worse is if you are flying over empty spaces, say the American Kansas west, plains or worse African Sahara, or in my case over Australia, the repetitive patterns (landclass) were all there to see, for hours on end, and those Saharan landscapes are horrible and actually won't fit into any custom scenery, yes there are always options, but this default aspect is not at all good.
 
I did a demonstration flight in a helicopter hardware simulator with a particularly large audience, it all looked totally brilliant until I landed on those washed out lo-res chunks of textures, I was actually embarrassed of the scene, this was supposed to be a professional simulator, here broadcasting to a crowd that were interested in buying pro hardware, but I could see the reality of X-Plane's weaknesses, and maybe at that moment it has been my overwhelming focus of being on a sort of crusade to fix the "Scenery Problem".
 
Ben Supnik joined Laminar Research to do the very original scenery for X-Plane 6 with the introduction of DSF (Direct Scenery Format) in XP8, and which also introduced global terrain data. Then Supnik created what you could call the 2nd Gen Scenery for X-Plane 10, this version introduced two other clever elements in using both Autogen to place buildings to the modeling of global terrain data and the OpenStreetMap (OSM) data to provide immersive and realistic landscapes. Remember this was 2011, and at that time is was an extremely big step forward. But OSM had limitations, as you were restricted to it's coverage, so in areas like Africa, South America, and certainly in non-western zones like China, suddenly the lights went out and all the buildings disappeared. Yes Laminar added in more autogen, taller buildings and small industrial areas, but overall it stayed very limited for over a decade, with only a few icons added in extra. alpilotx did do a more Hi-Res version of the original XP10 texture tiles, but he left X-Plane in 2016, since then there has been nothing.
 
These two areas are currently expanded in X-Plane by replacing the default autogen by using 3d buildings like in SimHeaven's X-World series, again the limitation is that it relies on the same OSM data as the default scenery. Secondly is the addon to use photorealistic terrain using satellite imagery, known as "Ortho" and the Ortho4XP tool. Believers standby these two tools to replace what X-Plane does not provide, but they do take a huge amount of your processing power and storage, overall they are not a perfect solution to the worldwide scenery issues.
 
Now Supnik is faced with his biggest challenge yet, to recreate the scenery system for a modern Simulator, and that aspect is harder than what you think. It's the "World" and not just the small play area that is recreated in Games of say around 30nm. In that small game area, it is quite easy to recreate sensational scenery for the characters, but when you have the massive expansive world to recreate, then this huge scale has so many different aspects to recreate. Okay I may be over hard on X-Plane scenery for what it currently does, as to a point it does recreate the world quite well, but a decade on the game has now shifted (no pun intended).
 
Although lauded, Microsoft's approach to scenery has it's limitations as well. For landclass it is very good, shapeshifting the world in all it's elements, but it has one massive deficiency, it is when you get close to the ground. The major issue is ground distortion, plus any buildings, but mostly bridges that have space below that are sheared in physically into the ground. If you are flying at a 1,000ft it is not a very realistic scenario, and this is an important aspect of VFR flying, yes the correct buildings are there, but basically they are all generated shapes.
 
X-Plane's approach in this case for VFR is actually better, but not expanded out to cover major detailed areas. So how do you fix this. The Ortho believers think their approach is the best, but Ortho is not great either, as in many areas the buildings are only burnt in, leaving flat photographic images. But at the same 1,000ft point of view the Ortho works best, as it looks photographically realistic, the problem here though is when you get close to the ground, because the flat photo plate and the island looking 3d buildings, again doesn't look realistic.
 
Like myself Ben Supnik does not like Ortho, his argument like mine is the burn effects, trees, buildings will always have shadows, cars are burnt into the roads and so on, so with the daily time scale of moving light it doesn't work. His work is to try to find a compromise between the Ortho detail, but with not the absolute photo effects errors, so like with our current ground textures it is the best compromise in realism.
 
So what new scenery aspects are coming? well better ground textures means new "Terrain Rendering". Laminar wants to cram in more and more stuff on a tile, make it more dense with data. So overall it looks like what Laminar are working on is a completely new and different approach in creating better ground detail, as at the moment the current DSF is not scalable, but NGS or also known as "Direct Scene Snapshot" (DSS) is highly scalable, also highly streamable, plus has better and faster loading properties.
 
But DSS will at first only be an alternative to DSF, as if it replaced DSF, it would render most of the current Custom Scenery library obsolete. One other feature of DSS is that it will allow for Ortho images to be streamed directly into the Simulator if users still want to use that point of view, The interesting aspect of this "Tile Streaming", is the "streaming" is currently a reference in how the data gets into the sim engine. But will that "Streaming" be local (in the computer), or externally like Microsoft does?
 
Well a bit of both. X-Plane Mobile is actually already a streaming Simulator, so X-Plane desktop is probably going to go the same way with cloud streaming (Amazon's AWS), but with the cache to download the areas that you want to fly in off-line. Instead of downloading the current large DSF tiles with data, the streaming DSS files will be far smaller, but broken up into immediate high data quality visuals, but lower res (data) for far distance visuals.
 
The trick is that Laminar are trying to do is have the best of both worlds, the photo aspect of Orthos, but without the problems of the format (flat and burn ins), so the idea is with these smaller DSS tiles is that they will also be non-repeating, or have no Landclass category, meaning that a single image will be in the future just not repeated over and over to represent the area (my pet hate), but to represent the photo aspects without the photograph, so you will get the best of both worlds, great ground detailing, without the shadows and minute that affects Ortho images, plus the tiles will perfectly reflect the area they represent. Is this the mythical solution?
 
The biggest challenge however is filling the world in. X-Plane will still use the autogen model, but probably expanded. The biggest success over the decade was SFD's (ShortFinal Designs) excellent SFD Global, that took the current duel (USA/European) autogen modeling and added in more regions to it around the world, so yes you can currently see Middle-eastern housing in Dubai, and Japanese housing in Japan, and Australia housing in Australia. 
 
Justin Kissling (mister-x, SFD) was already working on an expanded v2 of SFD Global, but has since been recruited by Laminar Research, this certainly means that SFD Global v2 will now be the default in X-Plane, plus in a far more expanded form, but what of those towns and cities?
 
This is still the biggest challenge facing X-Plane as a realistic VFR Simulator. I always like the autogen spread, with central custom city objects as a great way of doing this in a realistic scenario. In payware efforts were cities have been reproduced; New York, Washington, Seattle, London, Paris, even the excellent Orbx Brisbane and Detroit are excellent examples, the idea works well, the trick is to expand it worldwide to cover most if not if all major population centers. The problem is with custom city scenery is that it is very time-consuming to recreate, building by unique building, and annoyingly these city packages don't repay well for the developer's time consuming task. This is an area that could be redefined, could the new tools of A.I. build our custom cities for us? takeaway the overwhelming task of creating custom scenery... ten years ago this aspect was not possible, but it now may be realistic.
 
Ben Supnik notes that the new NGS scenery will be released is stages, and not completely all at once, so access will be available sooner than later, then the development will stretch out over time like with the Vulkan/Metal roadmap, so this a long term project more than the next X-Plane version journey, but certainly the NGS is coming more sooner than later, hopefully in 2025.
 
If done right, the above NGS development has the potential to revolutionise X-Plane as a Prime Simulator, it's an interesting take in that it is using all the best elements, and is discarding the negative ones, it will also make the Simulator even more efficient, but also in delivering an excess of a more visual detailing and a realistic environment for us to fly in. If you understand the concept, you will find it very exciting on what it can achieve... it is a vision of the future of realism in Simulation.
 
As usual there will be no December "Behind the Screen" 2024 issue, but our full yearly round up of the year 2024 review is to be published on 13th December 2024, so watch out for that.
 
Stephen Dutton
4th December 2024
Copyright©2023 X-Plane Reviews
 

 

NEWS! - Scenery Released : KPAO - Palo Alto Intl Airport by FSDesigns
 

 
FSDesigns have released the Northern Californian airport of Palo Alto International Airport in collaboration with CieloSim.
 
Palo Alto Airport is a general aviation airport in the city of Palo Alto in Santa Clara County, California, United States, near the southern end of San Francisco Bay on the western shore. Facilities at this busy towered airport include a staffed terminal and multiple repair shops with, Advantage Aviation (Cessna & Beechcraft Authorized Service Center), WVAS Inc. dba Aero Works (Diamond Authorized Service Center), Rossi Aircraft, and Peninsula Avionics.
The airport is also home to a number of flying clubs (in order of establishment): Stanford Flying Club (est. 1930),[3] West Valley Flying Club (est. 1973), Sundance Flying Club (est. 2006), and Advantage Aviation Flying Club. The airport is located within one-half mile of U.S. Route 101.
 
Note... If the airport has a customs office or is designated as a port of entry, it can accommodate international arrivals for private or charter flights, making it technically international or noted having as Customs and Border Protection Facilities, but in reality Palo Alto does not have International Airline services.
 
Key Features
    3D Vegetation     Accurate up-to-date ground textures     Realistic PBR textures     Weather maps for 12 features     Realistic hand-placed night lighting     High resolution orthoimagery     Highly optimized for FPS     Added dirt, grime, and details  

 
So just how do you fly "quietly"?
 
Palo Alto Airport has one approach to runway 31. The RNAV (GPS) approach to runway 31 has 460' MDA/1-mi visibility minimum for category A approaches. The VOR approach has been decommissioned.
 
Images are courtesy of FS Designs...
 
KPAO is priced at an extremely low price at US$8.99, and now available at the X-Plane.OrgStore.
_____________________________________
 

 
Yes! - KPAO - Palo Alto Intl Airport by FS Designs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
KPAO - Palo Alto Intl Airport
Price is US$8.99
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12   Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended
Download Size: 200MB Current version: 1.0 (Dec 2nd  2024) ___________________________
 
News by Stephen Dutton
3rd December 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

Behind the Screen : November 2024
 
To most Simulator users it is the flying dynamics and the reproduction of iconic aircraft that is their general focus. To relive, train or learn on how to fly a broad spectrum of aviation's greatest developments. From airliners past and present, General Aviation aircraft, Military, Helicopters and even the weird and wonderful contraptions that can fly through the air. But the environment that you fly in is important as well, and yes "I'm Talking about scenery again".
 
"Oh god I really wish this guy would move on from this", I can hear the groans from here, the foreheads banging on the desktops.
 
But it is important as X-Plane is in a critical stage of it's development, it is the biggest issue right now, and an important one to get right. There are other areas that need development in X-Plane, certainly Multi-player functionality and Multi-Threading are major priorities, but even Laminar Research are focusing very heavily on what they call "New Generation Scenery", and over the last few months, trickles of what NGS is now coming out.
 
And it is an interesting debate, and one that could make X-Plane a prime simulator. There is no doubt that the environment is the Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2020, and now 2024 is a main focus, you can't really call it a flying simulator, it just has planes and helicopters in it, but this is a gaming platform, full of experiences...  even now a career if you want one. That is fine, but the biggest attraction and one of which Microsoft promotes is this significant aspect of the environment...  and this is where it does get interesting.
 
If you want X-Plane to grow as a Simulator, then you have to embrace the fact that the environment around your aircraft is a major attraction to people who want to use a Simulator. But this aspect always has been X-Plane's biggest imperfection. Since the start of my Simulation involvement, the default scenery has been, well mostly....  crap.
 
I'm not talking about some of the excellent add-on scenery produced for the X-Plane Simulator, I'm talking about the basics here, and why X-Plane does not have a bigger audience, and some, if most will say, "Well we like it that way", fine, but that way will mean the decrease of investment, not only by user participation, but by the essential developers moving on to better conditions. I'm not going to go all depressed on you again, because actually X-Plane in development has had a very successful year, but the simulator has also lost a lot of talented talent that we couldn't afford to lose, worse it's not attracting talent either, whether you like it or not X-Plane has reached a milestone, that could flip it simply one way or the other. From one perspective it looks absolutely fine if you keep to the basics and use default Global Airports, and yes things at this point are far better than it was 12 months ago. But that crucial line is now more in important than ever, if X-Plane does not grow, and quite significantly over the next few years it will become only a marginal player in Simulation.
 
And we have to be realistic, in that the default Global scenery has always been a hindrance, limiting the expansion of the simulator. The change from X-Plane 9 to X-Plane 10 was a significant step forward, but except for the new excellent trees in X-Plane 12 there has been no progress for over a decade, were as every other component of the Simulator has had significant upgrades, all the way throughout X-Plane 11 and to XP12. Basically we still have the same two tier autogen and tile mapping, and although the mountainous frameworks are very good, at a ground level the basic low-res ground textures are basically the same as they have been for years. Add in the poor insertion of custom scenery, and those horrible wide green spaces between the default and custom elements on the mesh, and I still cringe every time I land at Tampa, Florida, with those wide green spaces were buildings should be, so I never ever really liked it for realism.
 
Worse is if you are flying over empty spaces, say the American Kansas west, plains or worse African Sahara, or in my case over Australia, the repetitive patterns (landclass) were all there to see, for hours on end, and those Saharan landscapes are horrible and actually won't fit into any custom scenery, yes there are always options, but this default aspect is not at all good.
 
I did a demonstration flight in a helicopter hardware simulator with a particularly large audience, it all looked totally brilliant until I landed on those washed out lo-res chunks of textures, I was actually embarrassed of the scene, this was supposed to be a professional simulator, here broadcasting to a crowd that were interested in buying pro hardware, but I could see the reality of X-Plane's weaknesses, and maybe at that moment it has been my overwhelming focus of being on a sort of crusade to fix the "Scenery Problem".
 
Ben Supnik joined Laminar Research to do the very original scenery for X-Plane 6 with the introduction of DSF (Direct Scenery Format) in XP8, and which also introduced global terrain data. Then Supnik created what you could call the 2nd Gen Scenery for X-Plane 10, this version introduced two other clever elements in using both Autogen to place buildings to the modeling of global terrain data and the OpenStreetMap (OSM) data to provide immersive and realistic landscapes. Remember this was 2011, and at that time is was an extremely big step forward. But OSM had limitations, as you were restricted to it's coverage, so in areas like Africa, South America, and certainly in non-western zones like China, suddenly the lights went out and all the buildings disappeared. Yes Laminar added in more autogen, taller buildings and small industrial areas, but overall it stayed very limited for over a decade, with only a few icons added in extra. alpilotx did do a more Hi-Res version of the original XP10 texture tiles, but he left X-Plane in 2016, since then there has been nothing.
 
These two areas are currently expanded in X-Plane by replacing the default autogen by using 3d buildings like in SimHeaven's X-World series, again the limitation is that it relies on the same OSM data as the default scenery. Secondly is the addon to use photorealistic terrain using satellite imagery, known as "Ortho" and the Ortho4XP tool. Believers standby these two tools to replace what X-Plane does not provide, but they do take a huge amount of your processing power and storage, overall they are not a perfect solution to the worldwide scenery issues.
 
Now Supnik is faced with his biggest challenge yet, to recreate the scenery system for a modern Simulator, and that aspect is harder than what you think. It's the "World" and not just the small play area that is recreated in Games of say around 30nm. In that small game area, it is quite easy to recreate sensational scenery for the characters, but when you have the massive expansive world to recreate, then this huge scale has so many different aspects to recreate. Okay I may be over hard on X-Plane scenery for what it currently does, as to a point it does recreate the world quite well, but a decade on the game has now shifted (no pun intended).
 
Although lauded, Microsoft's approach to scenery has it's limitations as well. For landclass it is very good, shapeshifting the world in all it's elements, but it has one massive deficiency, it is when you get close to the ground. The major issue is ground distortion, plus any buildings, but mostly bridges that have space below that are sheared in physically into the ground. If you are flying at a 1,000ft it is not a very realistic scenario, and this is an important aspect of VFR flying, yes the correct buildings are there, but basically they are all generated shapes.
 
X-Plane's approach in this case for VFR is actually better, but not expanded out to cover major detailed areas. So how do you fix this. The Ortho believers think their approach is the best, but Ortho is not great either, as in many areas the buildings are only burnt in, leaving flat photographic images. But at the same 1,000ft point of view the Ortho works best, as it looks photographically realistic, the problem here though is when you get close to the ground, because the flat photo plate and the island looking 3d buildings, again doesn't look realistic.
 
Like myself Ben Supnik does not like Ortho, his argument like mine is the burn effects, trees, buildings will always have shadows, cars are burnt into the roads and so on, so with the daily time scale of moving light it doesn't work. His work is to try to find a compromise between the Ortho detail, but with not the absolute photo effects errors, so like with our current ground textures it is the best compromise in realism.
 
So what new scenery aspects are coming? well better ground textures means new "Terrain Rendering". Laminar wants to cram in more and more stuff on a tile, make it more dense with data. So overall it looks like what Laminar are working on is a completely new and different approach in creating better ground detail, as at the moment the current DSF is not scalable, but NGS or also known as "Direct Scene Snapshot" (DSS) is highly scalable, also highly streamable, plus has better and faster loading properties.
 
But DSS will at first only be an alternative to DSF, as if it replaced DSF, it would render most of the current Custom Scenery library obsolete. One other feature of DSS is that it will allow for Ortho images to be streamed directly into the Simulator if users still want to use that point of view, The interesting aspect of this "Tile Streaming", is the "streaming" is currently a reference in how the data gets into the sim engine. But will that "Streaming" be local (in the computer), or externally like Microsoft does?
 
Well a bit of both. X-Plane Mobile is actually already a streaming Simulator, so X-Plane desktop is probably going to go the same way with cloud streaming (Amazon's AWS), but with the cache to download the areas that you want to fly in off-line. Instead of downloading the current large DSF tiles with data, the streaming DSS files will be far smaller, but broken up into immediate high data quality visuals, but lower res (data) for far distance visuals.
 
The trick is that Laminar are trying to do is have the best of both worlds, the photo aspect of Orthos, but without the problems of the format (flat and burn ins), so the idea is with these smaller DSS tiles is that they will also be non-repeating, or have no Landclass category, meaning that a single image will be in the future just not repeated over and over to represent the area (my pet hate), but to represent the photo aspects without the photograph, so you will get the best of both worlds, great ground detailing, without the shadows and minute that affects Ortho images, plus the tiles will perfectly reflect the area they represent. Is this the mythical solution?
 
The biggest challenge however is filling the world in. X-Plane will still use the autogen model, but probably expanded. The biggest success over the decade was SFD's (ShortFinal Designs) excellent SFD Global, that took the current duel (USA/European) autogen modeling and added in more regions to it around the world, so yes you can currently see Middle-eastern housing in Dubai, and Japanese housing in Japan, and Australia housing in Australia. 
 
Justin Kissling (mister-x, SFD) was already working on an expanded v2 of SFD Global, but has since been recruited by Laminar Research, this certainly means that SFD Global v2 will now be the default in X-Plane, plus in a far more expanded form, but what of those towns and cities?
 
This is still the biggest challenge facing X-Plane as a realistic VFR Simulator. I always like the autogen spread, with central custom city objects as a great way of doing this in a realistic scenario. In payware efforts were cities have been reproduced; New York, Washington, Seattle, London, Paris, even the excellent Orbx Brisbane and Detroit are excellent examples, the idea works well, the trick is to expand it worldwide to cover most if not if all major population centers. The problem is with custom city scenery is that it is very time-consuming to recreate, building by unique building, and annoyingly these city packages don't repay well for the developer's time consuming task. This is an area that could be redefined, could the new tools of A.I. build our custom cities for us? takeaway the overwhelming task of creating custom scenery... ten years ago this aspect was not possible, but it now may be realistic.
 
Ben Supnik notes that the new NGS scenery will be released is stages, and not completely all at once, so access will be available sooner than later, then the development will stretch out over time like with the Vulkan/Metal roadmap, so this a long term project more than the next X-Plane version journey, but certainly the NGS is coming more sooner than later, hopefully in 2025.
 
If done right, the above NGS development has the potential to revolutionise X-Plane as a Prime Simulator, it's an interesting take in that it is using all the best elements, and is discarding the negative ones, it will also make the Simulator even more efficient, but also in delivering an excess of a more visual detailing and a realistic environment for us to fly in. If you understand the concept, you will find it very exciting on what it can achieve... it is a vision of the future of realism in Simulation.
 
As usual there will be no December "Behind the Screen" 2024 issue, but our full yearly round up of the year 2024 review is to be published on 13th December 2024, so watch out for that.
 
Stephen Dutton
4th December 2024
Copyright©2023 X-Plane Reviews
 

 

Aircraft Review : Gulfstream 650/650ER by AKD Studios
 
In the world of privilege, those whom are superior to us mere mortals, then the word "Gulfstream" is their daily transport. These private jets are the upper echelon of status, and the bigger, faster and the longer range of these niche machines, then the higher the status.
 
AKD Design released X-Plane's Gulfstream G550 a couple of years ago in late 2022, the best dedicated Gulfstream for the X-Plane Simulator. Here is the release of the GLF 650, with including the GLF 650ER - Extended Range variant. The Gulfstream series is a complicated one, as the G600/G700/G800 Series was built upon the last series of G500/G550 Series, and those aircraft evolved out of the Gulfstream V as the GV-SP.
 
So is the GLF 650 the biggest and fastest? not quite, as I said Gulfstreams are complicated and don't follow in order. The GLF 650 has a 7,000 nm range and a maximum speed of Mach 0.925 with 18 passengers, The GLF 700 Series has a 7,500 mn Range for 19 passengers in a longer cabin of 56ft. The GLF 800 is a hybrid of the two, it has the shorter (GLF 650) cabin at 46ft, but the more modern engines and the newer wing to cover a 8,000mn range, carrying 15-19 passengers.
 
So the GLF 800 is best suited for the longest routes, while the GLF 700 maximizes cabin space for ultra-luxurious travel. The GLF 650 remains an excellent option for those who need luxury with substantial, but slightly less, range.
 
But then the GLF 650ER spices it all up a little with the GLF 700, as it can cover the same 7,500nm range, so you can connect even more distant city pairs, such as Los Angeles to Melbourne or Hong Kong to New York nonstop. Otherwise the G650 and G650ER are basically the same aircraft except in one area, in that the G650ER holds more fuel and has a higher MTOW to support the extended range.
 

 
But first just a couple of more statistics. If you have invested in the AKD GLF 550, then what is the difference between GLF 650? (noted here is the original G550 release).
 
Unexpectedly the cabin is actually smaller in 46ft 10 inch (G550 50ft 1 inch), height is only one single inch higher. The range between them is 7,000nm to the G550 6,750nm, but speed is the same at Mach 0.85, the engine is different with the Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, with a maximum thrust of 16,900 lbf (75.2 kN). The BR725 50 inch (130 cm) fan with 24 swept blades is 2 in (5.1 cm) larger, and 4 dB quieter than the BR710 on the GLF 550.
 
Overall the GLF 650 offers more cabin space, larger panoramic windows, and a lower cabin altitude (4,100 feet at high altitude) for enhanced comfort and reduced jet lag, so it is a step up in luxury, speed, and comfort from the GLF550.
 

 
Both the G550 and G650 fly the same, feel the same actually, but the G650 does have a better initial climb rate of 4,000 fpm, compared to the G550 3,600 fpm, then both can climb easily at 2,000-3,000 fpm over 30,000ft to a ceiling of 51,000ft. They are impressive machines.
 
The G650 cabin fit-out is different, more beige than the earlier G550 cream, the wood is changed from Teak to Walnut (a bit of a lighter wood). Chairs are actually smaller and more squarer than the wide G550 seating, but were as the G550 has abundant space, here the layout is far more better conceived, more realistic by design. With four forward club, twin club seats around a table, single club behind and only one sofa on the right rear.
 

 
The lovely buffet with popup (animated) monitor, that shows the in-flight map is also better positioned mid-cabin. walnut highlights show the non-smoking/Seatbelt signs, and the front galley is very nice, with a marble worktop.
 

 
There are two areas rear, first door is the washroom/toilet, rear is the large baggage area, with nets, a case, and the lower cargo hatch works for loading in the bags externally.
 

 
I wasn't crazy about the G550 windows, they are better(ish) here, but not in an advanced way, still don't have any animated blinds either, I expected a step up here?
 

 
From the X-Plane "Flight Configuration" menu you have the choice of both the GLF 650, and the GLF 650ER (Extended Range). So they are presented as separate aircraft.
 

 
Externally the two G550 and G650 aircraft are not much if anything different, you would be pushed to separate them. Modeling wise they are very good, but certainly not in that high ultra realism factor we can now expect from X-Plane 12.
 

 
The small issues are just that in being small, like the nosewheel lights (when off) and landing lights are not textured, or are blank. Not a good look at this level, and after two years, both G550 and G650 lighting should have been textured by now.
 

 
Window surrounds are Lo-Res, but nice tinted glass. Problematic cabin windows does actually have glass, but it is extremely thin and not really reflective, so it all looks a bit holey...  required is say a window tint or scratches to highlight the glass? There are two (male and female) pilots flying the aircraft, and quality pilots they are, but they are not animated.
 

 
G650 has a highly swept high aspect ratio wing with a 36-degree sweep angle, which reduces drag and enables high-speed, gives you an efficient cruise, the wing incorporates composite materials for strength and to reduce weight. Lean and mean here, lovely curve is right up to the well done blended winglets.
 

 
The G650 uses a Honeywell RE220(G) Auxiliary Power Unit, it provides high electrical power output and bleed air to the aircraft. The RE220(G) is hidden away in the lower tail, but you can hear it running. Distinctive Gulfstream tail (high bulky forward) is well done, and looks realistic. The G650 rear section and tail is quite different from the G550, cleaner and without air vents, but well done here.
 

 
BR725 engine pods are better than the AKD average G550 versions. Better fan detail is also all new, as is the rear exhaust detail. But I wasn't impressed by the poor internal fit, that showed in the surrounds of too much daylight?
 

 
Reverser action is very basic, just a set of cans and no real detail.
 

 
The nosewheel is exquisitely crafted, an amazing amount of small detail, down to strut, hydraulics, links and nuts, but the noted missing lighting glass still makes it feel all slightly unfinished?
 

 
Twin rear assemblies are trailing link, a normal gear arrangement on these executive jets. Again all the modeling and detail is first rate. Here better than the G550, that was quite bland/unfinished. Inner gear doors however are wafer thin, and not very realistic, but the animation is excellent. As are the nice rubber tyres and quality inner wheel rims.
 

 
Static Elements
Externally you have a set of Static Elements, including pitot tags, chocks (all wheels) and two AKD logoed GPUs (Ground Power Units). Both the main entrance forward door and baggage hatch are nicely animated to open and close.
 

 
Cockpit
The cockpit (no seperation doors on Gulfstreams) makes it feel very exposed to the passengers.
 

 
Inside the layout and feel is the Gulstream same, but different...  if that makes sense? You quickly understand the Gulfstream layout, but the feel in here is far lighter in beige, than the overall dark grey of the G550, it is helped by the very nice orange head and armrests on the seats.
 

 
Wall panels have the diamond patterned luxury feel as on the G650, but the "GulfStream" logo on the rear of the centre console is missing?
 
Seats are the same, but slightly modified in they now have armrests, but oddly only the inner rests are animated? Outwardly they look great, but on closer inspection they are quite lumpy and hard in detail, seats are locked into place as well. Note the hanging rear jumpseat, shame it is not animated....
 

 
Yokes are slightly different from the G550, in the centre paper clip holder is missing, but look better. PTT (Push To Talk) works, but not the electric trim? You can hide both yokes via pressing the instrument panel behind. Note the nice rudder pedals.
 

 
Throttle quadrant is also the same, but again different...  the handles on the G550 were chrome, here they are anodised, and note the "very" small AutoThrust (working) disconnect button.
 

 
Power on...  and you get a startup/alignment sequence. There are three options here; Real, Short or Instant alignment, but the full procedure is worth watching.
 

 
Flight Deck
The Gulfstream integrated flight deck is based on the Honeywell's Primus Epic integrated avionics system. There are four huge 14-inch displays Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD) that use the Next Generation Flight Management System (NGFMS). Basically they breakdown to the two external PFD (Primary Flight Displays), and the two inner MFD (Muliti-Functional Displays). Note, this is NOT the "Symmetry Flight Deck", that has Touchscreens and Side-Stick controllers.
 
The G550 uses the "PlaneView" Cockpit series, were as the G650 uses the upgraded "PlaneView II" system with the Cursor Control Devices (CCD), Predictive Landing Performance System (PLPS) and HUD "Dual Head-Up Display Option"...  not included here on the PlaneView ll are the Synthetic Vision System (SVS), Enhanced Vision System (EVS) and Automatic Emergency Descent Mode (EDM).
 
But provided however is a single pilot HUD, it works, but looks very dated to the latest Laminar Research default HUD, I expect it will be updated in an update.
 
 
 
The panel layout is basically the same as the G550, but there is a slight difference with the Gulfstream specific glareshield "Switch Panel Unit" (SPU) on the G650 and G700 series. There is an added element of the SMC or "Standby Multifunction Controller" that shows the backup instruments in the SPU, it is activated by the "STANDBY" button under the SPU selection buttons...
 

 
...    if the SMC is switched off you get the Aircraft's registration number (a nice handy touch), and the usual SPU menu selections.
 
The SPU is basically a simple push-button controller and it is easy to access and set, the menus are shown on the SPU Display.
 

 
Selections include; PFD, MAP, SENSOR, FLT REF, TEST, CHKLIST - SYSTEM, 1/6 - 2/3, TRS, NAV, HUD. By my estimation about 70% of the SPU system is currently only working? but this is a very deep system.
 
Upper left buttons select the system area you want to access, and the right display has selection buttons to access the item, it is complex, but simple in the same instance. Once you work out where each selection is (or have a printed guide) then the system is easy to use.
 
Here you can select 2/3 of the PFD (or have the engine or data readouts left 3rd of the screen) or use FULL which gives you the full basic flight instruments Artificial Horizon top and the Horizontal Situation Indicator lower. Artificial Horizon, Speed and Altitude tapes, Bank roll scale and roll pointer, Vertical Speed markers, Pitch markers, ILS bars and AOA (Angle of Attack) guide.
 

 
There are 3 HSI selections with 120/180/360º options.
 

 
The left panel systems is separated into two sections selected from the Switch Panel Unit, in DU 1 "Upper" and "Lower".
 

 
These selections can be changed to show other system items, including; AC/DC Power, APU/Bleed, Brakes, ECS/Press (Environmental), Eng Start, FLT Controls and traffic. Selections are done by pressing the corresponding button to the line. NEXT gives you more options; <Cameras, CAS (Crew Alerting System), Checklist, Comp (Comprehensive) Eng, Pri (Primary) Eng, Sec (Secondary) Eng and Waypoint List...  RETURN takes you back to the first menu order.
 

 
These menu options are available on all four DU units. The other two DUs are set in the two centre displays DU 2 (Lower) and DU3 (Lower).
 

 
You have also in the central DU 3 and DU 4 displays, both have built in menus for MAP/Navigation. Provided are; Map Data, Aircraft Centre (Heading or Plan modes), Hdg, Prev, Next (waypoints), World and Map which is also on the systems menu
 

 
Left menu allows you to show Map data (Airports, VORs, NDBs...). The right menu shows aircraft diagrams for; AC Power, DC Power, Doors, Fuel, Hydraulic, MAP, CMC, ECS/Press, FLT Controls, Summary. And either DU 3 or 4 displays can be used via both menus.
 

 
The diagram layouts are more detailed than the G550, plus the camera is now in colour.
 
DU 3 upper right has an Engine Readout panel including N1 (Fan Speed), N2 (Core Speed) EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature), Fuel Flow, ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature), Oil Pressure and Temperature, hydraulic Pressure, Fuel Temps and Fuel Quantity. DU 4 has an upper left panel for the Crew Alerting System (CAS), and lower left is the excellent built in checklist with navigation selections.
 

 
True to the G650 system, menu navigation is via a three pronged PlaneView II CCD cursor (arrowed)
 

 
All four DUs (Display Units) will pop-out via the X-Plane Banner Menu "GLF 650ER AKD XP12".
 

 
The G650 CAS or "Crew Alerting System" is excellent as it categorises alerts into four levels: Warning (red), Caution (Yellow), Advisory (Blue), and Status (White). Can also be labeled as the Centralised Warning Panel (CWP) on the DU4.
    •    Warnings represent immediate action items (e.g., engine fire) and are often associated with aural alerts.
    •    Cautions indicate conditions that require attention but aren’t immediately critical.
    •    Advisories provide information that may affect the flight but generally do not require immediate action.
    •    Status messages give general information or notifications on system states.
 

 
Flight Management System (FMS), originally in the AKD GLF 550 it had the standard Laminar default FMS, and very basic it was...  But here in the G650 we have a more dedicated FMS, it's still a sort of hybrid, so it is not totally authentic to the Honeywell Primus Epic installed in a G650, it however is quite good and far, far better in detail and data than the default installation. All three MCDU units pop-out via the banner menu "GLF 650ER AKD XP12".
 

 
The IDENT and NAV INDEX are very authentic, but you can still insert a standard X-Plane .fms route from X-Plane. Manual entry of the flightplan is also possible, even with Co-Ords
 

 
DEPARTURE (SID) and ARRIVAL (STAR) are also available and can be tuned and ACTIVATED to your preferences.
 

 
So Flightplan creation and editing is very quick and easy, basically you load in your .fms flightplan, add in the DEP and ARR procedures and your done!
 

 
You can check the Flightplan (PLAN) by going to the Switch Panel Unit and selecting MAP, then NORTH to activate the PLAN mode.
 

 
Then press PREV or NEXT to navigate the Flightplan...
 

 
If the need be, you can also finely adjust the MAP screen via tabs, top, bottom and both sides via the CCD cursor directly on the DU Display.
 

 
There are also three PROG (Progress) pages with a significant amount of route and flight data.
 

 
The Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) is positioned in the glareshield contained each end by each Switch Panel Unit (SPU) system, and the WARNING panel is far left and right.
 

 
AFCS is dual system, fail-operational, for both the Autopilot (AP) and the Auto Throttle (AT) subsystems. This is accomplished by hosting each system in a different modular avionics unit with two lanes in separate processors. The purpose of the AFCS is to provide Flight Director (FD), AP yaw damper and trim functions. The autoflight system receives computed lateral (roll) and vertical (pitch) steering commands from the FD system for the autopilot and for display on the Primary Flight Display (PFD). In the event the AP is disengaged the pilot can manually fly the steering commands presented on the PFD. The AP and AT systems make up the subsystems of the autoflight system. Layout and use is identical to the GLF 550.
 
Overhead Panel (OHP) is really well set out and easy to use. Digital numbers are all used in the readouts. Systems covered are; the Electrical system with all its buses, Full Fire Protection system, the full Hydraulic system, Gulfstream Fuel system and APU system and start up timing.
 

 
The main twin-throttles and rear reverser levers are as noted now an anodised, design, look nice, nice to use. Set each side are the standard Air-brake and Flap levers UP-10-20 (T/O and APP) - 39º (Down). Rear pedestal is all electric trims and MCDU 3, nicely done is the use of a FMS frame to hold the Radio settings, a simple but clever way of doing it.
 

 
Although the MCDU 3 holds the RADIO frequencies, the Radio controls are on both side panels with the lighting controls.
 

 
There are EFB/Tablets available for both the Pilot and First Officer, both can be separately accessed via the Banner Menu "GLF 650ER AKD XP12". As a note there is one other Menu option on the Banner Menu, this is the "IRS instant Align", to do a quick system alignment.
 

 
There are nine menu tabs; Fuel Payload, GND (Ground), AviTab, Flight Plan, PERF (Performance) Calculator, Settings, Checklists and Audio Volume and Cabin Lights. Most of the EFB layout is the same as the earlier G550, but there are a few differences.
 

 
FUEL : Here you can set your fuel load (Kgs and Lbs), Set Cargo, Set Payload, Passengers, and even the passenger weight. The changes are shown in fuel load, GW (Gross Weight) and ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight. Three options are also available; Reset Data, Set, and Insert Simbrief Data. You can now load in your Simbrief data directly into the Fuel/Weight page, but have to press SET to align the Fuel and Payload weights (which is a little slow?) an instant load would be nice. You can scroll or Add + or Minus - any number to your liking (like extra fuel)
 

 
When loaded you can then load your passengers by pressing "Boarding". Pressing "bring Passengers from terminal" will activate a very nice Mercedes bus, then load the passengers into the aircraft, when the bus will drive away, the opposite to deplane, or "Take passengers to terminal" is the reverse operation.
 

 
This activity has had a lot of refinement over the last two years, earlier it was a Tesla 3 car, a scale too big, and the process was chunky, but this is now really well done, if waiting for the bus to arrive is a bit (okay a lot) slow.
 
GND : There are a few options on the "Ground Handling Page" which are the Static Elements. Of which there is the GPU (Ground Power Unit) AC, but also noted a DC Unit, Main door and Main Door Lights, Chocks, Cargo Door...   on the Static Elements Page there is; front L/G covers, Captain and F/O pitot covers, and Main L/G covers. Open ALL Doors and Close ALL Doors options are also available
 

 
AviTab : AviTab (Plugin Required) is available and a nice to have.
 

 
Flight Plan : This tab option is new from the G550, but the former METAR tab is now merged with the Flight Planning.
 

 
Again you can "Inport Data from Simbrief" (Import Simbrief) to load in the current generated Brief, Flightplan and Fuel/Weights, then you can SET FUEL/PAYLOAD directly into the MCDU. This will set up the Departure and Approach speeds.
 
NOTE: I couldn't find the Simbrief Profiles for the GLF 650? So the developer has provided two, one for each variant G650 and the G650ER, both are listed below, and are required as a custom G550 version won't work or be correct to the G650 performance.
 

 
And four PERFORMANCE INIT pages... parts of the PREF are not yet completed, it looks like the VNAV section.
 

 
PERF (Performance) Calculator : There is a two page comprehensive performance calculator that can take data from the FUEL and METAR pages and fill in the required data, including : (Takeoff) DATA, AIRPORT INFO, TAKEOFF SPEEDS, FLAP LIMITS, (Landing) DATA, AIRPORT INFO, LANDING SPEEDS and FLAP SPEEDS.
 

 
SETTINGS : In settings you can set the various aircraft options, including; IRS Alignment (Time) - Real/Short/Instant, Refuel (Time) Real/Short/Instant, Simbrief User ID, Pause on TOD (Top of Descent), EFB Units (Kg/Lbs), Aircraft Temp units (Cº/Fº), Aircraft Weight Units (Kg/Lbs), Sync (Baro), Nosewheel (Roll/Yaw/Tiller) and EFB Brightness. Second page includes (advanced); Tail Rego, Use Kill Objects, Disable LuaJIT, Static Elements on Startup and Main Door open on Startup.
 

 
CHECKLIST : The checklist has been simplified, in that you now can't check off (green) items, otherwise navigation is still easy and the lists are through.
 

 
SOUND : Sound panel is currently quite basic, with sliders for (Master) Volume, Exterior Volume, Interior Volume, Co-Pilot Volume and Radio
Volume. 
 

 
CABIN LIGHTS : There are two pages of "Cabin Lighting" settings, the overhead lights, and diverse lighting. All can be either selected individually, or use the "Turn ON All lights' (Turn OFF also) to shortcut the cabin lighting, all can be adjusted for BRIGHTNESS via the sliders.
 

___________
 
Lighting
The AKD G550 when released in lighting was a bit hit and miss, but a lot of development has completely changed this aspect. The Cockpit lighting has about 12 adjustment knobs, and now all of them work, and they cover basically every area. From Instrument dropdown, OHP, Centre Console, pilots side panels, yoke lights and overall cockpit lights. The vestibule area behind the cockpit is especially well done.
 

 
As you know I like a certain cockpit sterile low lighting feel for takeoff and and landing, it is perfectly available here, but I will note was quite fiddly to get it right, not something you can adjust quickly? A neat feature is the text lighting on the yokes, high adjustment gives you white text, low adjustment the same orange text as the OHD and side panels.
 

 
Cabin
Cabin lighting is just sensational. We have seen the options, and the selections are upper and lower downlights, and the separate seat lighting. Again with all the adjustments, there are load of different cabin variations you can create. Bathroom and Baggage areas are excellent. Even with the cabin lighting off, and the vestibule lighting on, it looks and feels nice and comfy.
 

 
External lighting
The external lighting has been refined as well. It covers both landing lights with a "Pulse" option, nosewheel taxi lights, Navigation and Beacon/Strobe, tail lights, ICE/Wing and gear bay lights...
 

 
Landing lights are still a bit over bright for my tastes, but otherwise very good... the forward cabin door also has built in lighting, looks excellent.
 

 
A few GLF 650 flight notes
I'm not crazy about the tight tiller, jiggly is more like it, and it is hard to taxi straight, the rudder pedals don't give you a lot of turning movement either, so the GLF 650 is a bit of a beast to taxi.
 

 
You need to "Arm" the ground spoilers when you get to the runway, if not they stickup, but this will also give you a "Ground Spolier Unarmed" Caution until you get there.
It is very easy to not to set the A/T (AutoThrust) were you get the "A/T not in Hold" Caution. The "Arm" selector is hidden on the left of the AFCS, the best way to find the hot-spot is to switch on the "View/Show Instrument Click Regions"
 

 
Power up and your gone...  with a combined thrust of 33,800 lbf from the BR725s.
 

 
.... T/O flap is set at a high 20º, so you need to retract the flap to 10º almost immediately on leaving the runway, same with the retracting the gear to get yourself cleaned up as soon as possible.
 

 
Then the Gulfstream will climb like no tomorrow at a 4000 fpm climbout, but 3,500 fpm is far more realistic.
 

 
Remember the FMS selection is selected via the NAV button on the SPU... There is custom LNAV and VNAV. Climb, cruise and descend management with altitude and speed restrictions, and even RNAV Approaches are available.
 

 
You have a massive, almost Concorde ceiling at 51,000ft with this Gulfstream, so those impressive climb numbers are required, and you can reach that FL510 altitude at around 25 minutes under optimal conditions. At the really short 309nm distance between Luxembourg and Biggin Hill, FL320 is also still available, so we are not certainly pushing the GLF 650 anywhere near it's impressive credentials...
 
You have to love this...  a Gulfstream and X-Plane 12, Heaven.
 

 
Sounds are particularly good, with a 3D sound engine with stereo dynamics, lovely wind and control surfaces sounds that are different in the cabin than the flightdeck, the cockpit ambient sounds are excellent with no loops or repetitive droning and the systems have custom alerts. There are custom PA Sounds in Polish and English, but I couldn't find were you activated them...  overall the aural package is very good.
 
There are only two liveries in the package, N650GY and SP-TOP, but there is a paint-kit included. There is also a dedicated AKD GLF650 liveries page here: Liveries for the GLF650, with loads of choices.
 

 
Other features include a custom GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System), TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System) and a very good custom Pressurization, Oxygen and Air Conditioning system, again required for that high altitude. You can go down as fast as you can go up!
 
You can descend at 3,000 to 4,000 feet per minute (fpm) during normal descent phases, but even 5,000 fpm is possible, though this is generally reserved for emergency situations. The passengers get quite a ride...
 

 
The aircraft has a very good "Autotune" for both the ILS and local VOR frequencies (115.10 BIG), so if you need to do a manual ILS or VOR tuning, then it must be turned off via the Radio page, if not the frequencies are locked in.
 

 
There is a bit of a trick to landing the G650, it is to get the most minimal speed you can for landing, if not it is a bit of a handful on the tarmac.
 

 
Whatever you can get away with you will accept, here it is a noted 136 knts approach, but closer to the runway I am down as low as 127 knts, and still airborne....  you just keep lowering and nudging the throttle rearwards as you get closer and closer to the threshold.
 

 
Then hold that final flare and let the Gulfstream sink as smoothly as you can... 
 

 
...  and touch!
 

 
Then hit the "Cans" and you will find the reverse thrust is very effective, thankfully as you require a runway landing distance of approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters) under ideal conditions (at sea level, standard temperature, and no wind) when fully loaded.
 

 
Biggin Hill 03/21 is only 5925ft (1806m) so it is quite tight if you leave the landing too late. And the G650 can be a bit tricky on those final moments and when down on the hard-stuff, hence that slow landing speed....  so it requires skill, in the takeoff and landing phases.
 

 
But this is a very nice genuine Gulfstream dream machine.
_____________
Summary
In world of the elite, then the word of Gulfstream is the biggest token you can play in this upper exclusive club. The Gulfstream 650 has a 7,000 nm range and a maximum speed of Mach 0.925 with 18 passengers, Gulfstream 650ER however spices it all up a little with the GLF 700, as it can cover the same 7,500nm range, so you can connect even more distant city pairs. G650ER holds more fuel and has a higher MTOW to support the extended range. This aircraft is a major global trotting machine with both oceanic and transcontinental in range, it can fly high as well to an almost sub-orbital 51,000ft.
 
AKD Design released X-Plane's Gulfstream G550 a couple of years ago in late 2022, the best dedicated Gulfstream for the X-Plane Simulator. Here is the release of the GLF 650, with also includes the GLF 650ER - Extended Range variant in this package.
 
The Gulfstream G550 was a first time project by AKD Studios and obviously they had to pick an extremely complex aircraft to start with. So we found at the time the G550 was a bit underdeveloped, but to be fair, AKD has been one of the most prolific developers, with delivering almost monthly, even weekly sometimes in updates. So the development of the not only the original G550, but also the features of the G650 are now all excellent.
 
Impressive in Gulfstream systems, the GLF 550 and this G650 are comprehensive and are excellent in operation, including the excellent Gulfstream "Display controllers" (menus) and all DUIs are covered by a four display screen arrangement based on the Honeywell's Primus Epic integrated avionics system, notable is that this is not the Symmetry Flight Deck in the GLF 650, but the "PlaneView II" system with the Cursor Control Devices, and that aspect is well done here. Also custom CAS (warnings), Ice and rain protection system (X-Plane 12), IRS system and a full (menu) Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), also notable is the FMS (Flight Management System) is now also custom, GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System), TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System and a custom Pressurization, Oxygen and Air Conditioning system... it's an impressive list.
 
Modeling is now very good but your not going to get the extreme X-Plane 12 Ultra quality here, a lot has been refined and updated over the two years, but a few niggles still remain...  those cabin windows are still average and still have no blinds, the non-texturing of the main and taxi lighting is actually now becoming bewildering, and internal engine detail has too much light gaps from certain angles.
 
But the cockpit and cabin lighting is excellent and highly adjustable, sounds are very good as well, the cabin layout is better here than the G550, and cockpit seats have very nice orange highlights.
 
Personally I absolutely love these Gulfstreams from AKD Studios. X-Plane has always wanted really excellent transoceanic Private Jets for decades, and here they are available to X-Plane users, the G650 is also available in X-Plane 11. The price for the G560 is a little higher than the earlier released G550, but you get a lot for your investment, however if you own the GLF550 by AKD, you can get this GLF650 for a 25% off the price. Either way for your money you get a lot of aircraft with it's Gulfstream related systems and extensive list of features...  Highly recommended.
X-PlaneReviews has also published the AKD Designs interview by Dominic Smith (Also on the X-Plane.Org) to get a background on this interesting developer.
________________________________  
 
The Gulfstream 650/650ER by AKD Studio is NOW available here at the X-Plane.OrgStore
 
GLF650 - Ultimate Business Jet by AKD Studio
Price is US$44.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
Windows, Mac (even native M1, M2,etc Macs) or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1 GB
Current version : 1.01  (November 4th 2024)   PS: If you own the GLF550 by AKD, you can get this GLF650 for a 25%. Discount will automatically be applied at checkout as long as you use the same account.   Download for the Gulfstream 650 by AKD Studio is 1.03GB
 
And the final install in X-Plane Aircraft folder with the above loaded liveries is; 1.82gb. Authorisation is required.
The AviTab plugin is also required to use this aircraft, and it is deposited in your X-Plane Plugins folder.
 
Simbrief Profiles:   GLF650ER: https://dispatch.simbrief.com/airframes/share/256234_1726736252301   GLF650: https://dispatch.simbrief.com/airframes/share/256234_1722423236448   Documents
GLF650 by AKD Studio - MCDU Manual.pdf GLF650 by AKD Studio Introduction.pdf GLF650_AKD_Checklist.pdf Support.txt
Designed by AKD Studios Support forum for the GLF650
Liveries for the GLF650
_____________________
  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton
15th November 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
Review System Specifications: 
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- ELLX - Luxembourg Findel Airport v2.1  by JustSim (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.95
- EGKB - Biggin Hill (XP10) 1.3 by Chars (X-Plane.Org) - Free
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

Aircraft Review : Gulfstream 650/650ER by AKD Studios
 
In the world of privilege, those whom are superior to us mere mortals, then the word "Gulfstream" is their daily transport. These private jets are the upper echelon of status, and the bigger, faster and the longer range of these niche machines, then the higher the status.
 
AKD Design released X-Plane's Gulfstream G550 a couple of years ago in late 2022, the best dedicated Gulfstream for the X-Plane Simulator. Here is the release of the GLF 650, with including the GLF 650ER - Extended Range variant. The Gulfstream series is a complicated one, as the G600/G700/G800 Series was built upon the last series of G500/G550 Series, and those aircraft evolved out of the Gulfstream V as the GV-SP.
 
So is the GLF 650 the biggest and fastest? not quite, as I said Gulfstreams are complicated and don't follow in order. The GLF 650 has a 7,000 nm range and a maximum speed of Mach 0.925 with 18 passengers, The GLF 700 Series has a 7,500 mn Range for 19 passengers in a longer cabin of 56ft. The GLF 800 is a hybrid of the two, it has the shorter (GLF 650) cabin at 46ft, but the more modern engines and the newer wing to cover a 8,000mn range, carrying 15-19 passengers.
 
So the GLF 800 is best suited for the longest routes, while the GLF 700 maximizes cabin space for ultra-luxurious travel. The GLF 650 remains an excellent option for those who need luxury with substantial, but slightly less, range.
 
But then the GLF 650ER spices it all up a little with the GLF 700, as it can cover the same 7,500nm range, so you can connect even more distant city pairs, such as Los Angeles to Melbourne or Hong Kong to New York nonstop. Otherwise the G650 and G650ER are basically the same aircraft except in one area, in that the G650ER holds more fuel and has a higher MTOW to support the extended range.
 

 
But first just a couple of more statistics. If you have invested in the AKD GLF 550, then what is the difference between GLF 650? (noted here is the original G550 release).
 
Unexpectedly the cabin is actually smaller in 46ft 10 inch (G550 50ft 1 inch), height is only one single inch higher. The range between them is 7,000nm to the G550 6,750nm, but speed is the same at Mach 0.85, the engine is different with the Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, with a maximum thrust of 16,900 lbf (75.2 kN). The BR725 50 inch (130 cm) fan with 24 swept blades is 2 in (5.1 cm) larger, and 4 dB quieter than the BR710 on the GLF 550.
 
Overall the GLF 650 offers more cabin space, larger panoramic windows, and a lower cabin altitude (4,100 feet at high altitude) for enhanced comfort and reduced jet lag, so it is a step up in luxury, speed, and comfort from the GLF550.
 

 
Both the G550 and G650 fly the same, feel the same actually, but the G650 does have a better initial climb rate of 4,000 fpm, compared to the G550 3,600 fpm, then both can climb easily at 2,000-3,000 fpm over 30,000ft to a ceiling of 51,000ft. They are impressive machines.
 
The G650 cabin fit-out is different, more beige than the earlier G550 cream, the wood is changed from Teak to Walnut (a bit of a lighter wood). Chairs are actually smaller and more squarer than the wide G550 seating, but were as the G550 has abundant space, here the layout is far more better conceived, more realistic by design. With four forward club, twin club seats around a table, single club behind and only one sofa on the right rear.
 

 
The lovely buffet with popup (animated) monitor, that shows the in-flight map is also better positioned mid-cabin. walnut highlights show the non-smoking/Seatbelt signs, and the front galley is very nice, with a marble worktop.
 

 
There are two areas rear, first door is the washroom/toilet, rear is the large baggage area, with nets, a case, and the lower cargo hatch works for loading in the bags externally.
 

 
I wasn't crazy about the G550 windows, they are better(ish) here, but not in an advanced way, still don't have any animated blinds either, I expected a step up here?
 

 
From the X-Plane "Flight Configuration" menu you have the choice of both the GLF 650, and the GLF 650ER (Extended Range). So they are presented as separate aircraft.
 

 
Externally the two G550 and G650 aircraft are not much if anything different, you would be pushed to separate them. Modeling wise they are very good, but certainly not in that high ultra realism factor we can now expect from X-Plane 12.
 

 
The small issues are just that in being small, like the nosewheel lights (when off) and landing lights are not textured, or are blank. Not a good look at this level, and after two years, both G550 and G650 lighting should have been textured by now.
 

 
Window surrounds are Lo-Res, but nice tinted glass. Problematic cabin windows does actually have glass, but it is extremely thin and not really reflective, so it all looks a bit holey...  required is say a window tint or scratches to highlight the glass? There are two (male and female) pilots flying the aircraft, and quality pilots they are, but they are not animated.
 

 
G650 has a highly swept high aspect ratio wing with a 36-degree sweep angle, which reduces drag and enables high-speed, gives you an efficient cruise, the wing incorporates composite materials for strength and to reduce weight. Lean and mean here, lovely curve is right up to the well done blended winglets.
 

 
The G650 uses a Honeywell RE220(G) Auxiliary Power Unit, it provides high electrical power output and bleed air to the aircraft. The RE220(G) is hidden away in the lower tail, but you can hear it running. Distinctive Gulfstream tail (high bulky forward) is well done, and looks realistic. The G650 rear section and tail is quite different from the G550, cleaner and without air vents, but well done here.
 

 
BR725 engine pods are better than the AKD average G550 versions. Better fan detail is also all new, as is the rear exhaust detail. But I wasn't impressed by the poor internal fit, that showed in the surrounds of too much daylight?
 

 
Reverser action is very basic, just a set of cans and no real detail.
 

 
The nosewheel is exquisitely crafted, an amazing amount of small detail, down to strut, hydraulics, links and nuts, but the noted missing lighting glass still makes it feel all slightly unfinished?
 

 
Twin rear assemblies are trailing link, a normal gear arrangement on these executive jets. Again all the modeling and detail is first rate. Here better than the G550, that was quite bland/unfinished. Inner gear doors however are wafer thin, and not very realistic, but the animation is excellent. As are the nice rubber tyres and quality inner wheel rims.
 

 
Static Elements
Externally you have a set of Static Elements, including pitot tags, chocks (all wheels) and two AKD logoed GPUs (Ground Power Units). Both the main entrance forward door and baggage hatch are nicely animated to open and close.
 

 
Cockpit
The cockpit (no seperation doors on Gulfstreams) makes it feel very exposed to the passengers.
 

 
Inside the layout and feel is the Gulstream same, but different...  if that makes sense? You quickly understand the Gulfstream layout, but the feel in here is far lighter in beige, than the overall dark grey of the G550, it is helped by the very nice orange head and armrests on the seats.
 

 
Wall panels have the diamond patterned luxury feel as on the G650, but the "GulfStream" logo on the rear of the centre console is missing?
 
Seats are the same, but slightly modified in they now have armrests, but oddly only the inner rests are animated? Outwardly they look great, but on closer inspection they are quite lumpy and hard in detail, seats are locked into place as well. Note the hanging rear jumpseat, shame it is not animated....
 

 
Yokes are slightly different from the G550, in the centre paper clip holder is missing, but look better. PTT (Push To Talk) works, but not the electric trim? You can hide both yokes via pressing the instrument panel behind. Note the nice rudder pedals.
 

 
Throttle quadrant is also the same, but again different...  the handles on the G550 were chrome, here they are anodised, and note the "very" small AutoThrust (working) disconnect button.
 

 
Power on...  and you get a startup/alignment sequence. There are three options here; Real, Short or Instant alignment, but the full procedure is worth watching.
 

 
Flight Deck
The Gulfstream integrated flight deck is based on the Honeywell's Primus Epic integrated avionics system. There are four huge 14-inch displays Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD) that use the Next Generation Flight Management System (NGFMS). Basically they breakdown to the two external PFD (Primary Flight Displays), and the two inner MFD (Muliti-Functional Displays). Note, this is NOT the "Symmetry Flight Deck", that has Touchscreens and Side-Stick controllers.
 
The G550 uses the "PlaneView" Cockpit series, were as the G650 uses the upgraded "PlaneView II" system with the Cursor Control Devices (CCD), Predictive Landing Performance System (PLPS) and HUD "Dual Head-Up Display Option"...  not included here on the PlaneView ll are the Synthetic Vision System (SVS), Enhanced Vision System (EVS) and Automatic Emergency Descent Mode (EDM).
 
But provided however is a single pilot HUD, it works, but looks very dated to the latest Laminar Research default HUD, I expect it will be updated in an update.
 
 
 
The panel layout is basically the same as the G550, but there is a slight difference with the Gulfstream specific glareshield "Switch Panel Unit" (SPU) on the G650 and G700 series. There is an added element of the SMC or "Standby Multifunction Controller" that shows the backup instruments in the SPU, it is activated by the "STANDBY" button under the SPU selection buttons...
 

 
...    if the SMC is switched off you get the Aircraft's registration number (a nice handy touch), and the usual SPU menu selections.
 
The SPU is basically a simple push-button controller and it is easy to access and set, the menus are shown on the SPU Display.
 

 
Selections include; PFD, MAP, SENSOR, FLT REF, TEST, CHKLIST - SYSTEM, 1/6 - 2/3, TRS, NAV, HUD. By my estimation about 70% of the SPU system is currently only working? but this is a very deep system.
 
Upper left buttons select the system area you want to access, and the right display has selection buttons to access the item, it is complex, but simple in the same instance. Once you work out where each selection is (or have a printed guide) then the system is easy to use.
 
Here you can select 2/3 of the PFD (or have the engine or data readouts left 3rd of the screen) or use FULL which gives you the full basic flight instruments Artificial Horizon top and the Horizontal Situation Indicator lower. Artificial Horizon, Speed and Altitude tapes, Bank roll scale and roll pointer, Vertical Speed markers, Pitch markers, ILS bars and AOA (Angle of Attack) guide.
 

 
There are 3 HSI selections with 120/180/360º options.
 

 
The left panel systems is separated into two sections selected from the Switch Panel Unit, in DU 1 "Upper" and "Lower".
 

 
These selections can be changed to show other system items, including; AC/DC Power, APU/Bleed, Brakes, ECS/Press (Environmental), Eng Start, FLT Controls and traffic. Selections are done by pressing the corresponding button to the line. NEXT gives you more options; <Cameras, CAS (Crew Alerting System), Checklist, Comp (Comprehensive) Eng, Pri (Primary) Eng, Sec (Secondary) Eng and Waypoint List...  RETURN takes you back to the first menu order.
 

 
These menu options are available on all four DU units. The other two DUs are set in the two centre displays DU 2 (Lower) and DU3 (Lower).
 

 
You have also in the central DU 3 and DU 4 displays, both have built in menus for MAP/Navigation. Provided are; Map Data, Aircraft Centre (Heading or Plan modes), Hdg, Prev, Next (waypoints), World and Map which is also on the systems menu
 

 
Left menu allows you to show Map data (Airports, VORs, NDBs...). The right menu shows aircraft diagrams for; AC Power, DC Power, Doors, Fuel, Hydraulic, MAP, CMC, ECS/Press, FLT Controls, Summary. And either DU 3 or 4 displays can be used via both menus.
 

 
The diagram layouts are more detailed than the G550, plus the camera is now in colour.
 
DU 3 upper right has an Engine Readout panel including N1 (Fan Speed), N2 (Core Speed) EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature), Fuel Flow, ITT (Interstage Turbine Temperature), Oil Pressure and Temperature, hydraulic Pressure, Fuel Temps and Fuel Quantity. DU 4 has an upper left panel for the Crew Alerting System (CAS), and lower left is the excellent built in checklist with navigation selections.
 

 
True to the G650 system, menu navigation is via a three pronged PlaneView II CCD cursor (arrowed)
 

 
All four DUs (Display Units) will pop-out via the X-Plane Banner Menu "GLF 650ER AKD XP12".
 

 
The G650 CAS or "Crew Alerting System" is excellent as it categorises alerts into four levels: Warning (red), Caution (Yellow), Advisory (Blue), and Status (White). Can also be labeled as the Centralised Warning Panel (CWP) on the DU4.
    •    Warnings represent immediate action items (e.g., engine fire) and are often associated with aural alerts.
    •    Cautions indicate conditions that require attention but aren’t immediately critical.
    •    Advisories provide information that may affect the flight but generally do not require immediate action.
    •    Status messages give general information or notifications on system states.
 

 
Flight Management System (FMS), originally in the AKD GLF 550 it had the standard Laminar default FMS, and very basic it was...  But here in the G650 we have a more dedicated FMS, it's still a sort of hybrid, so it is not totally authentic to the Honeywell Primus Epic installed in a G650, it however is quite good and far, far better in detail and data than the default installation. All three MCDU units pop-out via the banner menu "GLF 650ER AKD XP12".
 

 
The IDENT and NAV INDEX are very authentic, but you can still insert a standard X-Plane .fms route from X-Plane. Manual entry of the flightplan is also possible, even with Co-Ords
 

 
DEPARTURE (SID) and ARRIVAL (STAR) are also available and can be tuned and ACTIVATED to your preferences.
 

 
So Flightplan creation and editing is very quick and easy, basically you load in your .fms flightplan, add in the DEP and ARR procedures and your done!
 

 
You can check the Flightplan (PLAN) by going to the Switch Panel Unit and selecting MAP, then NORTH to activate the PLAN mode.
 

 
Then press PREV or NEXT to navigate the Flightplan...
 

 
If the need be, you can also finely adjust the MAP screen via tabs, top, bottom and both sides via the CCD cursor directly on the DU Display.
 

 
There are also three PROG (Progress) pages with a significant amount of route and flight data.
 

 
The Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) is positioned in the glareshield contained each end by each Switch Panel Unit (SPU) system, and the WARNING panel is far left and right.
 

 
AFCS is dual system, fail-operational, for both the Autopilot (AP) and the Auto Throttle (AT) subsystems. This is accomplished by hosting each system in a different modular avionics unit with two lanes in separate processors. The purpose of the AFCS is to provide Flight Director (FD), AP yaw damper and trim functions. The autoflight system receives computed lateral (roll) and vertical (pitch) steering commands from the FD system for the autopilot and for display on the Primary Flight Display (PFD). In the event the AP is disengaged the pilot can manually fly the steering commands presented on the PFD. The AP and AT systems make up the subsystems of the autoflight system. Layout and use is identical to the GLF 550.
 
Overhead Panel (OHP) is really well set out and easy to use. Digital numbers are all used in the readouts. Systems covered are; the Electrical system with all its buses, Full Fire Protection system, the full Hydraulic system, Gulfstream Fuel system and APU system and start up timing.
 

 
The main twin-throttles and rear reverser levers are as noted now an anodised, design, look nice, nice to use. Set each side are the standard Air-brake and Flap levers UP-10-20 (T/O and APP) - 39º (Down). Rear pedestal is all electric trims and MCDU 3, nicely done is the use of a FMS frame to hold the Radio settings, a simple but clever way of doing it.
 

 
Although the MCDU 3 holds the RADIO frequencies, the Radio controls are on both side panels with the lighting controls.
 

 
There are EFB/Tablets available for both the Pilot and First Officer, both can be separately accessed via the Banner Menu "GLF 650ER AKD XP12". As a note there is one other Menu option on the Banner Menu, this is the "IRS instant Align", to do a quick system alignment.
 

 
There are nine menu tabs; Fuel Payload, GND (Ground), AviTab, Flight Plan, PERF (Performance) Calculator, Settings, Checklists and Audio Volume and Cabin Lights. Most of the EFB layout is the same as the earlier G550, but there are a few differences.
 

 
FUEL : Here you can set your fuel load (Kgs and Lbs), Set Cargo, Set Payload, Passengers, and even the passenger weight. The changes are shown in fuel load, GW (Gross Weight) and ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight. Three options are also available; Reset Data, Set, and Insert Simbrief Data. You can now load in your Simbrief data directly into the Fuel/Weight page, but have to press SET to align the Fuel and Payload weights (which is a little slow?) an instant load would be nice. You can scroll or Add + or Minus - any number to your liking (like extra fuel)
 

 
When loaded you can then load your passengers by pressing "Boarding". Pressing "bring Passengers from terminal" will activate a very nice Mercedes bus, then load the passengers into the aircraft, when the bus will drive away, the opposite to deplane, or "Take passengers to terminal" is the reverse operation.
 

 
This activity has had a lot of refinement over the last two years, earlier it was a Tesla 3 car, a scale too big, and the process was chunky, but this is now really well done, if waiting for the bus to arrive is a bit (okay a lot) slow.
 
GND : There are a few options on the "Ground Handling Page" which are the Static Elements. Of which there is the GPU (Ground Power Unit) AC, but also noted a DC Unit, Main door and Main Door Lights, Chocks, Cargo Door...   on the Static Elements Page there is; front L/G covers, Captain and F/O pitot covers, and Main L/G covers. Open ALL Doors and Close ALL Doors options are also available
 

 
AviTab : AviTab (Plugin Required) is available and a nice to have.
 

 
Flight Plan : This tab option is new from the G550, but the former METAR tab is now merged with the Flight Planning.
 

 
Again you can "Inport Data from Simbrief" (Import Simbrief) to load in the current generated Brief, Flightplan and Fuel/Weights, then you can SET FUEL/PAYLOAD directly into the MCDU. This will set up the Departure and Approach speeds.
 
NOTE: I couldn't find the Simbrief Profiles for the GLF 650? So the developer has provided two, one for each variant G650 and the G650ER, both are listed below, and are required as a custom G550 version won't work or be correct to the G650 performance.
 

 
And four PERFORMANCE INIT pages... parts of the PREF are not yet completed, it looks like the VNAV section.
 

 
PERF (Performance) Calculator : There is a two page comprehensive performance calculator that can take data from the FUEL and METAR pages and fill in the required data, including : (Takeoff) DATA, AIRPORT INFO, TAKEOFF SPEEDS, FLAP LIMITS, (Landing) DATA, AIRPORT INFO, LANDING SPEEDS and FLAP SPEEDS.
 

 
SETTINGS : In settings you can set the various aircraft options, including; IRS Alignment (Time) - Real/Short/Instant, Refuel (Time) Real/Short/Instant, Simbrief User ID, Pause on TOD (Top of Descent), EFB Units (Kg/Lbs), Aircraft Temp units (Cº/Fº), Aircraft Weight Units (Kg/Lbs), Sync (Baro), Nosewheel (Roll/Yaw/Tiller) and EFB Brightness. Second page includes (advanced); Tail Rego, Use Kill Objects, Disable LuaJIT, Static Elements on Startup and Main Door open on Startup.
 

 
CHECKLIST : The checklist has been simplified, in that you now can't check off (green) items, otherwise navigation is still easy and the lists are through.
 

 
SOUND : Sound panel is currently quite basic, with sliders for (Master) Volume, Exterior Volume, Interior Volume, Co-Pilot Volume and Radio
Volume. 
 

 
CABIN LIGHTS : There are two pages of "Cabin Lighting" settings, the overhead lights, and diverse lighting. All can be either selected individually, or use the "Turn ON All lights' (Turn OFF also) to shortcut the cabin lighting, all can be adjusted for BRIGHTNESS via the sliders.
 

___________
 
Lighting
The AKD G550 when released in lighting was a bit hit and miss, but a lot of development has completely changed this aspect. The Cockpit lighting has about 12 adjustment knobs, and now all of them work, and they cover basically every area. From Instrument dropdown, OHP, Centre Console, pilots side panels, yoke lights and overall cockpit lights. The vestibule area behind the cockpit is especially well done.
 

 
As you know I like a certain cockpit sterile low lighting feel for takeoff and and landing, it is perfectly available here, but I will note was quite fiddly to get it right, not something you can adjust quickly? A neat feature is the text lighting on the yokes, high adjustment gives you white text, low adjustment the same orange text as the OHD and side panels.
 

 
Cabin
Cabin lighting is just sensational. We have seen the options, and the selections are upper and lower downlights, and the separate seat lighting. Again with all the adjustments, there are load of different cabin variations you can create. Bathroom and Baggage areas are excellent. Even with the cabin lighting off, and the vestibule lighting on, it looks and feels nice and comfy.
 

 
External lighting
The external lighting has been refined as well. It covers both landing lights with a "Pulse" option, nosewheel taxi lights, Navigation and Beacon/Strobe, tail lights, ICE/Wing and gear bay lights...
 

 
Landing lights are still a bit over bright for my tastes, but otherwise very good... the forward cabin door also has built in lighting, looks excellent.
 

 
A few GLF 650 flight notes
I'm not crazy about the tight tiller, jiggly is more like it, and it is hard to taxi straight, the rudder pedals don't give you a lot of turning movement either, so the GLF 650 is a bit of a beast to taxi.
 

 
You need to "Arm" the ground spoilers when you get to the runway, if not they stickup, but this will also give you a "Ground Spolier Unarmed" Caution until you get there.
It is very easy to not to set the A/T (AutoThrust) were you get the "A/T not in Hold" Caution. The "Arm" selector is hidden on the left of the AFCS, the best way to find the hot-spot is to switch on the "View/Show Instrument Click Regions"
 

 
Power up and your gone...  with a combined thrust of 33,800 lbf from the BR725s.
 

 
.... T/O flap is set at a high 20º, so you need to retract the flap to 10º almost immediately on leaving the runway, same with the retracting the gear to get yourself cleaned up as soon as possible.
 

 
Then the Gulfstream will climb like no tomorrow at a 4000 fpm climbout, but 3,500 fpm is far more realistic.
 

 
Remember the FMS selection is selected via the NAV button on the SPU... There is custom LNAV and VNAV. Climb, cruise and descend management with altitude and speed restrictions, and even RNAV Approaches are available.
 

 
You have a massive, almost Concorde ceiling at 51,000ft with this Gulfstream, so those impressive climb numbers are required, and you can reach that FL510 altitude at around 25 minutes under optimal conditions. At the really short 309nm distance between Luxembourg and Biggin Hill, FL320 is also still available, so we are not certainly pushing the GLF 650 anywhere near it's impressive credentials...
 
You have to love this...  a Gulfstream and X-Plane 12, Heaven.
 

 
Sounds are particularly good, with a 3D sound engine with stereo dynamics, lovely wind and control surfaces sounds that are different in the cabin than the flightdeck, the cockpit ambient sounds are excellent with no loops or repetitive droning and the systems have custom alerts. There are custom PA Sounds in Polish and English, but I couldn't find were you activated them...  overall the aural package is very good.
 
There are only two liveries in the package, N650GY and SP-TOP, but there is a paint-kit included. There is also a dedicated AKD GLF650 liveries page here: Liveries for the GLF650, with loads of choices.
 

 
Other features include a custom GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System), TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System) and a very good custom Pressurization, Oxygen and Air Conditioning system, again required for that high altitude. You can go down as fast as you can go up!
 
You can descend at 3,000 to 4,000 feet per minute (fpm) during normal descent phases, but even 5,000 fpm is possible, though this is generally reserved for emergency situations. The passengers get quite a ride...
 

 
The aircraft has a very good "Autotune" for both the ILS and local VOR frequencies (115.10 BIG), so if you need to do a manual ILS or VOR tuning, then it must be turned off via the Radio page, if not the frequencies are locked in.
 

 
There is a bit of a trick to landing the G650, it is to get the most minimal speed you can for landing, if not it is a bit of a handful on the tarmac.
 

 
Whatever you can get away with you will accept, here it is a noted 136 knts approach, but closer to the runway I am down as low as 127 knts, and still airborne....  you just keep lowering and nudging the throttle rearwards as you get closer and closer to the threshold.
 

 
Then hold that final flare and let the Gulfstream sink as smoothly as you can... 
 

 
...  and touch!
 

 
Then hit the "Cans" and you will find the reverse thrust is very effective, thankfully as you require a runway landing distance of approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters) under ideal conditions (at sea level, standard temperature, and no wind) when fully loaded.
 

 
Biggin Hill 03/21 is only 5925ft (1806m) so it is quite tight if you leave the landing too late. And the G650 can be a bit tricky on those final moments and when down on the hard-stuff, hence that slow landing speed....  so it requires skill, in the takeoff and landing phases.
 

 
But this is a very nice genuine Gulfstream dream machine.
_____________
Summary
In world of the elite, then the word of Gulfstream is the biggest token you can play in this upper exclusive club. The Gulfstream 650 has a 7,000 nm range and a maximum speed of Mach 0.925 with 18 passengers, Gulfstream 650ER however spices it all up a little with the GLF 700, as it can cover the same 7,500nm range, so you can connect even more distant city pairs. G650ER holds more fuel and has a higher MTOW to support the extended range. This aircraft is a major global trotting machine with both oceanic and transcontinental in range, it can fly high as well to an almost sub-orbital 51,000ft.
 
AKD Design released X-Plane's Gulfstream G550 a couple of years ago in late 2022, the best dedicated Gulfstream for the X-Plane Simulator. Here is the release of the GLF 650, with also includes the GLF 650ER - Extended Range variant in this package.
 
The Gulfstream G550 was a first time project by AKD Studios and obviously they had to pick an extremely complex aircraft to start with. So we found at the time the G550 was a bit underdeveloped, but to be fair, AKD has been one of the most prolific developers, with delivering almost monthly, even weekly sometimes in updates. So the development of the not only the original G550, but also the features of the G650 are now all excellent.
 
Impressive in Gulfstream systems, the GLF 550 and this G650 are comprehensive and are excellent in operation, including the excellent Gulfstream "Display controllers" (menus) and all DUIs are covered by a four display screen arrangement based on the Honeywell's Primus Epic integrated avionics system, notable is that this is not the Symmetry Flight Deck in the GLF 650, but the "PlaneView II" system with the Cursor Control Devices, and that aspect is well done here. Also custom CAS (warnings), Ice and rain protection system (X-Plane 12), IRS system and a full (menu) Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), also notable is the FMS (Flight Management System) is now also custom, GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System), TCAS (Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System and a custom Pressurization, Oxygen and Air Conditioning system... it's an impressive list.
 
Modeling is now very good but your not going to get the extreme X-Plane 12 Ultra quality here, a lot has been refined and updated over the two years, but a few niggles still remain...  those cabin windows are still average and still have no blinds, the non-texturing of the main and taxi lighting is actually now becoming bewildering, and internal engine detail has too much light gaps from certain angles.
 
But the cockpit and cabin lighting is excellent and highly adjustable, sounds are very good as well, the cabin layout is better here than the G550, and cockpit seats have very nice orange highlights.
 
Personally I absolutely love these Gulfstreams from AKD Studios. X-Plane has always wanted really excellent transoceanic Private Jets for decades, and here they are available to X-Plane users, the G650 is also available in X-Plane 11. The price for the G560 is a little higher than the earlier released G550, but you get a lot for your investment, however if you own the GLF550 by AKD, you can get this GLF650 for a 25% off the price. Either way for your money you get a lot of aircraft with it's Gulfstream related systems and extensive list of features...  Highly recommended.
X-PlaneReviews has also published the AKD Designs interview by Dominic Smith (Also on the X-Plane.Org) to get a background on this interesting developer.
________________________________  
 
The Gulfstream 650/650ER by AKD Studio is NOW available here at the X-Plane.OrgStore
 
GLF650 - Ultimate Business Jet by AKD Studio
Price is US$44.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
Windows, Mac (even native M1, M2,etc Macs) or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1 GB
Current version : 1.01  (November 4th 2024)   PS: If you own the GLF550 by AKD, you can get this GLF650 for a 25%. Discount will automatically be applied at checkout as long as you use the same account.   Download for the Gulfstream 650 by AKD Studio is 1.03GB
 
And the final install in X-Plane Aircraft folder with the above loaded liveries is; 1.82gb. Authorisation is required.
The AviTab plugin is also required to use this aircraft, and it is deposited in your X-Plane Plugins folder.
 
Simbrief Profiles:   GLF650ER: https://dispatch.simbrief.com/airframes/share/256234_1726736252301   GLF650: https://dispatch.simbrief.com/airframes/share/256234_1722423236448   Documents
GLF650 by AKD Studio - MCDU Manual.pdf GLF650 by AKD Studio Introduction.pdf GLF650_AKD_Checklist.pdf Support.txt
Designed by AKD Studios Support forum for the GLF650
Liveries for the GLF650
_____________________
  Aircraft Review by Stephen Dutton
15th November 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
Review System Specifications: 
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- ELLX - Luxembourg Findel Airport v2.1  by JustSim (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$19.95
- EGKB - Biggin Hill (XP10) 1.3 by Chars (X-Plane.Org) - Free
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

Behind the Screen : October 2024
 
Go back a few years and X-Plane users were very rarely part of the aircraft development process, there was the very rare access to a final beta, but overall it was an exclusive club.
 
Most developers used a very tight group of testers, very experienced, but mostly very good at identifying and resolving issues. They were capable of doing exactly the same thing over and mind-numbingly over and making notes on the various changes and options required. These notes were passed on to the developer to rectify, then when done these testers then ran the same tests again to see if the issues had been resolved. The only problem was, was that these very specialist personalities were and are still quite a rare species. So the developers groups were very loyal in the context of each other requiring the others specialist services.
 
But as aircraft became much more seriously complex, and with the huge diversity of platforms and the different types of users. When releasing the aircraft, there was usually a huge inundation of issues and problems to fix. It created "Nightmare Fortnight", as it became, for there were loads of needed quick fixes, and the many instant updates required to cover and repair the outstanding issues. 
 
So developers and even Laminar Research with X-Plane itself, opened up the process a little earlier to resolve the majority of these issues before the final release, mostly from the start of the "beta" phase. In context the idea is a good one. As basically the significant user base was now involved in resolving the issues as part of the development program, but it was still mostly constrained to the "beta" process.
 
But in this last year, a few developers have now opened up the earlier "Alpha" development cycle, mostly with FlightFactor's Boeing 777-200ER v2 Ultimate. Granted it was still an exclusive (and paid) invitation to get into this very private domain. FlightFactor ran a development site (again exclusive) for these restricted few privileged assignees. Only a 1,000 ballots at every release were allowed in, but in context the idea worked well in that this very extremely complex aircraft was then able to have the wide range of aspects to cover the massive amount of issues that needed attention. You were under a very strict NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) in not releasing any images or videos, or even publicly announcing any of the aircraft's features and highlights, unless it came from the official sources.
 
Let us be very specific. "Alpha" aircraft are very, very raw, a lot of the development is still missing, details are not only missing, but sometimes not even finished. In reality they are at this stage a very unfinished product. They are not great to use or to even fly as most or even the very crucial areas like VNAV are not either included, or even working correctly, honestly they are horrible...  and so you don't want to go there.
 
They are a nightmare to review? even later "Beta" aircraft are hard to review, because basically they are incomplete. The general idea is to review any aircraft after the release, to summarise it's features and to highlight the best parts of the aircraft, then give a verdict on what has been presented, to to finally note the price and value context of the product. All to help you in making a fair investment that suits your Simulation needs.
 
But the requirements to present a review on the release day can muddle the picture. There is that limited time from release to a point the next "big shiny thing" that will take the purchasers focus away, everyone will usually buy on release, as the "I want it NOW" with FOMO also kicks in, so any review even a week late is just too late? but it's also impossible to present the correct product on release, as changes can go right up to the day of release, sometimes huge changes. That happened with the ToLiss A330neo, as on the very last day all the cockpit textures were completely refined and updated. In this case it meant a night's work (3am) to redo all the review images to mirror the release product. Then there is still the fix up period a few weeks after release that can create even more changes to the original review.
 
The best reviews are done about a month or so after the release and fix window has finished, as you can then assess the product fully and in it's mostly completed state. But in a market driven world we don't get that luxury. To a point the wise purchaser will wait, and get a better assessment of the product, sometimes also at a lower price, as many developers will go within weeks to a "Sale" mode to get extra sales.
 
I am not a fan of this culture, as it first, devalues the product, and secondly it creates a mindset of "if I wait" I will get a "cheaper" product.  Good for you of course, but developers can spend a year to two years to create the aircraft from scratch, it deserves to hold it's value price for longer, sales should be or only come after a period of time, and after the product has created a return for the developers time and expertise.
 
This would be to the horror of the culture, obviously, "I want it cheaper, and less I have to pay, then the better it is for me". But the problem is it devalues the work and returns that lower return that usually ends up with the developer saying "I'm not making anything out of this anymore?" then disappears off the scene taking their expert skills and taking any future products with them. Now they have a bigger excuse in going to MSFS2020/2024 to make some return for their work and skills, so X-Plane loses all round. It is a race to the bottom, and X-Plane has seen the dire effects of such machinations this year.
 
But is opening up these early "Alpha" and "Beta" releases to all recipients a good idea? as noted it is a double-edged sword, specialist testers can't cover all the bases, that the swarm of different users can. Many users are actually very good at this early testing caper, it is gratifying to see on how very well they did these testing protocols, and to give great returns with great intelligence and covering the details, which are given back to the developer. But there is a danger side to this aspect as well. As not everyone is created equally.
 
Streaming is free, and anyone can do it and create online streams, Streamers, Vlogs, Vloggers, they all basically do the same thing in streaming live content. Obviously Simulation is incredibly popular, certainly when a new and exciting product is being released. This creates a bun-fight to get out the first video of the new product, not only for the "likes", but mostly for the money it generates.
 
Disclaimer here, I am not jealous of this because I don't stream reviews, oddly I am a professional video editor that worked in the film industry, but I feel that content should be created with care and detail and doing a lot of research. Now there are some very good Streamers out there, Drishal is one, Q8Pilot is another quality reviewer, and a few real world pilots make good videos on aircraft comparisons, again oddly they can also be the worse reviewers of Simulation aircraft. If you want to learn aircraft systems and procedures then watch real world cockpit videos, not the online wannabes.
 
And here we get down to the problem. The earlier you get the new product, and then get it out there, the more money you make. Then you now have developers letting these streamers in at a very early level of development, it is a culture that is going to clash and end badly.
 
The moment FightFactor lifted it's NDA, it all went shit-faced, with an "Alpha" aircraft at that, but got it worse with the release of the ToLiss A330neo.
 
Let us be clear, I'm not a fan of the sort of streaming that tries to land a Boeing 747 on an aircraft carrier, or in trying to fly a Cessna 172 to 50,000ft, to a point I have a serious personality. And I know that the comments will come, "Oh just lighten up a little", "It's just a bit of fun Stephen". But my take is that in the real world cockpit there is no room for these antics, I want to mirror the professionals, run a clockwork cockpit. My take is that X-Plane or any really good Simulator is an education tool, but also a training tool, for both real world and online pilots.
 
Our job is to teach as well as do reviews, we do all the hard work so you don't have to, there are explanations and tips to shortcut you, and to get you flying quicker. But Streamers don't adhere to those standards, "They are the "Quick Buck guys", worse are their flying standards and in not following the correct procedures, as teachers they are dismally awful, not all as I have mentioned, and obviously it makes great entertainment, but not much else.
 
But to note that "Alpha" aircraft, and "beta" aircraft are not finished, and pointing out the missing aspects of development is a new low, it hurts everyone, the developers and any future sales, and don't get me started on the wails of the missing VNAV (B777v2) and the bad cockpit textures (ToLiss A339), both were either included or fixed before the official release. It is the loss of the basic understanding of the development process, and it shows in how immature they are, but hey, they only want the available money. Yes bad streamers have been around for years, so it's nothing new to Simulation, but don't feed the monster by giving them what they want, cheap easy money.
 
See you all next month
 
Stephen Dutton
5th November 2024
Copyright©2024 X-Plane Reviews
 

Plugin Review : X-ATC Chatter v1.7.2 by Stick and Rudder Studios
 
Back in October 2018 I reviewed X-ATC Chatter by Stick and Rudder Studios, or Mark Cellis, a prolific plugin developer (X-Camera, X-Keypad). And to believe it has been over six years since that Chatter review. So I thought I should catch up and see where we are all at, as we are now well into X-Plane 12.
This was not a download and try it out exercise. But I installed the plugin actually over two months ago, so it has been in constant use over that past lengthy period to get a better evaluation of the tool.
 
First let us recap of what X-ATC Chatter is. It is basically a background tool, an aural space filler of Air Traffic Control (ATC) chatter, it doesn't interact directly with your flying or is it an actual connection to the X-Plane ATC or directly with any online ATC systems like "Pilot2ATC" and VATSIM.
Interaction however is a fine word here because it does sort of interacts with the aircraft's radios, and even by giving background chatter to online services like the X-Plane ATC and Pilot2ATC online and 124th ATC. It sort of creates a 4th dimension to the simulator experience, but you could call it "hands off".
 
Installation
First the Installation...  the X-ATC - Chatter download is now a hefty 2.88Gb for the "Full_Clip_Set" and you may add in even more files once downloaded, as Stick and Rudder publishes new sound file updates quite often. My full installation is already 3.25Gb.
 
You drag the X-ATC folder to the X-Plane/resources/plugins folder....
 

 
Installation can be different for each application... for Pilot2ATC for example you have to install the region (sound) files directly into the Pilot2ATC application and for each of the different regions sound folder, and there is an excellent video covering the slightly complex installation.
 

 
Here above is how it is directly intergrated into Pilot2ATC for the background chatter while you are online and conversing with the ATC controllers (the Chatter does go quiet when you are in contact with the controller!) and integration is also available for X-Life 2.1, ATC (X-Plane) and 124th ATC and a few more.
 
There is also direct intergration in X-ATC Chatter with "Simple ATC" that is a built in (Simple) ATC system. This is an immersive ATC communications experience by using the text to speech capabilities of the operating system to synthesize communication between your aircraft and ATC. This capability is built into X-Plane but the voices tend to be very robotic and it does not handle the various flight plans such as VFR and VFR with flight following, but it does support integration to Amazon Polly voices.
 
In the Regions folder, there are the seven regions in: Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, Oceania, South America and United States, these zones are then broken down to controllers in those specific regions...
 

 
 
....   then there is the different types of radio communications in; App (Approach), Clr (Clearance), Ctr (Control), Dep (Departure), Dep_Gnd (Departure ground), Dep_Twr (Departure Tower), Dep_Uni (Departure Universal), Dest_Gnd (Destination ground), Dest_Twr (Destination Tower) and Dest_Uni (Destination  Universal). Note the Universal frequencies are the standard Automatic terminal information service, or ATIS frequencies. Then finally are the actual sound files for that specific controller.
 

 
Most of the sound files are edited for generalisation, and are sourced from LiveATC, but a fair few are locally sourced to cover areas that are not in the LiveATC broadcast areas. There are areas not covered by LiveATC, like the UK, Germany and Spain, but Russia is? these files have been sourced to cover the gaps.
 
This review is based on version X-ATC Chatter v1.7.2. But Stick and Rudder have released v1.7.3 in a "beta" form, you can find it here... X-ATC Chatter v1.7.3beta
There are some new features still to be implemented with the beta, including Skunkcrafts updating and SimBrief intergration, and "unpredictability, the initial cleared altitude in IFR flight plans can be randomised" options, and the usual bug and issue fixes. A small view of the future roadmap for the plugin.
 
Menus
There is a drop down X-ATC Chatter Menu available in the X-Plane banner Menu, Plugins.
 

 
There are SIX Menu options:
Settings Toggle Control Panel Toggle Nearest Facility Panel Toggle Simple ATC Panel Check for Updates Reset Window Positions. This is an expanded menu from the only two original 2018 menu options ("Control Panel" and "Nearby Facilities").
 
Check for Updates
We will look at menu option 5 first with "Check for Updates". This option allows you to update your sound files from within the plugin, it will check what files you have, and indicate any newly released files available to download. You then can check (tick) the regions you want to download and "Update Chatter Files".
It is a little slow depending on your bandwidth, but still saves you ages of time in searching for new files. Any old files are also removed, and you may get the odd failed upload file, in this case I just restarted the Updater. When processed, the updater tool asks you to restart X-Plane to make the new installed files active.
 

 
The X-ATC Chatter version (v1.7.2) is also shown here, with the option to update the plugin. On this check I received an extra 8552 new files, and I had only checked for new files a few months ago, so winner, winner.
 
Settings
The "Settings" Menu has SIX tab options; Radios, Region Map, Audio, Appearance, Intergrations and Miscellaneous.
 

 
Radios: has SIX options including...
Refresh facility frequency database on start Automatically select controller based on COM1/COM2 radio frequency Select Center Controller when tuned to 123.275 Only play Chatter when your COM1/COM2 radio is powered up Only play Chatter when your COM1/COM2 radio audio is monitored Pause Chatter if any monitored radio is tuned to ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)  

 
Region Map: The region selection works as it looks at the first letter in the starting airport's ICAO code and then selects the Region based on the Regions Map settings. For example, if I load HKNW, Wilson Airport in Nairobi, It should select the Africa region as the letter H is in the string GDFHF. If selections by Country, X-ATC looks the ICAO code up in the file "X-ATC-Chatter\IdentToCountry.csv". You can also turn off the X-ATC Chatter "Auto Select" option.
 

 
Audio: This TAB is for your AUDIO settings, Device selection, Chatter Volume, Engine Volume, Interior Sound Only (checkbox) and Minimum Delay (sec) and Maximum Delay (sec). Interior sound, will only broadcast in the cockpit, not externally.
 

 
Appearance: This TAB will adjust the Panel Window's appearance in four options, the first one is the default panel, then a "Translucent" Panel, a "Popped Out" (Window Panel) and all can be set to "Open on start".
 
These settings are for three panels...  "Control Panel", "Nearest Facilities Panel" and the "Simple ATC Panel"  
 

 

 
Intergrations: This TAB is for selecting either the default X-Plane ATC or any other "External" intergrations (ATC). X-ATC-Chatter also exposes a writable integer dataref that can be used to control chatter playback if the “External Integrations” option is checked in the control panel
 

 
Miscellaneous: The Debug Output option will log more information to the X-Plane log.txt file. This may be helpful when debugging problems with X-ATC-Chatter.
 
Control Panel
The "Control Panel" is the heart of the system. It allows you to select "Play Chatter", or switching the Chatter ON/OFF, Select the COM Frequency in COM1 or COM2. The "Volume" is the Chatter Volume. A box area below shows you current active playing file and it's Controller.
Lower are three tabs to "Expand" the Control Panel, or to open the "Settings" or Nearest Facilities" Panels.
 

 
In the "Expanded" Control Panel you have more options. First you can select so the X-ATC Chatter will "Auto Select" the correct Frequency that you need (or need next). To the right are the "Controller" options, below are the four File (clips) options in "Countries", "ICAO", "Regions" and "User Defined". Each option then shows the available clips for that particular...   Country, ICAO and Region, and you can select any of the options.
 

 
In addition to the Custom Regions you can also create "User Defined" clip collections. User Defined collections are stored under the X-ATC-Chatter\UserDefined folder. The name of each sub-folder will result in a unique collection entry name when the User Defined collection type is selected in the drop-down. So you can create your own audio (mp2) clips if you want to do that.
 
Facilities Panel
The "Facilities Panel" allows you to select and use a certain Frequency to tune into. All Frequencies shown are within the circular 100nm range of the aircraft. There are eight categories to use;
 
ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service), Clearance, Ground, Tower, Departure, Center, Approach and CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency), ALL can be selected or CLEARED.
 

 
There are up to 40 Frequencies shown, so it is a good idea to minimise the categories to get the selection you require.
 
Simple ATC
Simple ATC is not intended to be a full blown ATC add-on. For that we would recommend either Pilot2ATC, 124th ATC, or flying on virtual networks like Pilot Edge, POSCON, and Vatsim. It is what it says on the box, a "Simple" ATC intergrated system.
 
I didn't use it here, so it's capabilities are not totally applicable to this review.
 

 
To create an ATC flightplan is actually very easy, Airport Departure and Destination, Runways, Airline and Flight No#, and the type of flight you are doing in; IFR, VFR and VFR with Flight Following. Four TABS include; Communications, Voices, Options and Parameters.
 

 
The provided X-ATC Chatter Manual (50 Pages) is very comprehensive with a large section (21 Pages) devoted just to Simple ATC.
__________________
 
Flying with X-ATC Chatter
First thing you need to do is set a few keyboard Commands for ease of X-ATC use. Three Commands will do to cover toggles for the "Control Panel", "Facilities Panel" and "Play Chatter" on/off. I usually set the Panels to be "Translucent", however here first for clarity I have turned that feature off.
 
Second note is that at first I found that X-ATC Chatter would only play through my desk speakers, and not through my (Bose) headphones, no matter what I did they refused to work...  frustrating? I am always at war with my bluetooth selections anyway in getting them to work.
 
But later I found there is a dropdown "Setting" in the Settings/Audio/Audio Device, to select the audio output...  so these selections are found via the hidden dropdown menu, and "volia!" my Bose headphones now work.
 

 
In the same you need to find the best volume adjustment to be comfortable (certainly if wearing headphones), to find the right background (aircraft sounds) or the cockpit environment feel with the chatter working away. It is more tricky that it sounds (no pun intended), and it took me a flight of two to get the best balance while fiddling with Control Panel Volume knob (slider). There is a selection to turn the chatter off if you are in the external view, clever, but I didn't use that option, as it oddly felt weird.
 

 
The default panel positions are set to the left of your screen, and I find this the right place for placement, however they are quite large and unless you are selecting frequencies, you don't need them always on the screen, hence the (Command) panel toggle function.
 
There are three ways you can select frequencies...  First the authentic way (real world) by inserting the frequency directly into your COM1 Radio, but you will have to know the required frequency, so that requires a little research and notes before the flight. But very authentic to the role it is.
 
Second and third options are with X-ATC Chatter. You use "Nearest ATC Facilities" or the "Facilities Panel" to select the required frequency from the list, last option is for X-ATC Chatter to do the work in automatically selecting the best frequency required from the available list, a pretty well select "auto" and let the system do all the work...  it does work fine, but it sort of also takes away the fun of working in the cockpit and working the communications.
 

 
So my choice is the mid-way selection, from the "Facilites Panel". Here I can see what Frequencies are available and select the one I want to use, and in the order I want to use them. A small note...  I found it hard at first in working out if I had control, or the X-ATC Chatter was selecting the frequences, the settings option "Automatically select controller based on COM1/COM2 radio frequency" is the toggle selection.
 
There are up to 40 listed (if available) Frequencies to choose from, so that list can be long and complex, even confusing in heavy workload periods?
 

 
So the trick is to use the Selection Menu to filter out the Frequencies you just only want to use. As noted there are eight categories to use; ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service), Clearance, Ground, Tower, Departure, Center, Approach and CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)...   as a rule you follow these sections in this order...  
 
First selection is "ATIS" or Automatic Terminal Information Service. It is for pilot information like, Current weather, Active Runways, Runway Conditions, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) and any other special instructions. But here at VHHH (Hong Kong) it is not available (or Chatter goes into pause mode).
 

 
Second selection is "Clearance" (CLNC DEL)
 
“CLNC DEL” stands for Clearance Delivery in air traffic control (ATC). It is the ATC position responsible for issuing IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) clearances to pilots before departure. Clearance also provide critical details, such as the assigned Standard Instrument Departure (SID), transponder code (squawk code), and initial altitude restrictions. This ensures that all aircraft are correctly configured for their departure.
By handling initial clearances, Clearance Delivery reduces congestion on Ground Control frequencies. Back in 2018 the CLNC DEL Chatter was very sparse, with long open pauses, but at Chek Lap Kok it is... quite and very busy chatty.
 
Third Selection is "Ground" (Gnd)
 

 
Ground is probably the most chatty of the chatters...  ATC Ground is not what you think it is, in being the connection of the activity around the aircraft at the gate, that aspect is "Ramp Control", not seen here sadly.
 
ATC Ground is there to minimize congestion and potential conflicts on the ground, significantly having a major impact the overall airport efficiency and safety. This is done by organizing ground traffic efficiently, as the Ground controllers handle the taxiing of aircraft between the terminal gates, runways, and other parts of the airport. They help to prevent delays and reduce the risk of accidents in busy airport environments. They take over a lot of the load that would have been the tasks of the tower. Ground controllers are also responsible for managing the movement of other vehicles (like fuel trucks, maintenance vehicles, and emergency vehicles) within the airport’s movement areas, ensuring they don’t interfere with taxiing aircraft.
 
At a very busy airport of say Hong Kong the chatter is very consistent, mostly taxiway directions and aircraft awareness. BetterPushBack will overtalk X-ATC Chatter, but the combination of both in the headset is very good for realism.
 

 
Because the recordings are local, at Chek Lap Kok you get a huge mixture of Asian dialects, Malay, Javanese, Thai and Chinese (all in English) but with their own regional accent. Obviously as you arrive or depart from different countries and continents around the world, then the feel and accents are significantly varied and different, it's not like that robot voice that you get with some ATC tools, this is real world local ATC chatter from the source.
 

 
As you taxi (certainly with headphones on) it very immersive with the chatter and consistent communications going on in your ears, you pick up coincidences, like your taxiway or similar aircraft details...  Once at the runway holding point, you switch from Ground to Tower.
 

 
Fourth Selection is "Tower" (Twr)
 

 
ATC Tower (Air Traffic Control Tower) is the division of air traffic control that manages the aircraft within an airport’s immediate airspace, focusing primarily on the takeoff, landing, and movement of aircraft on active runways and in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Tower controllers are responsible for the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic on the ground (runways) and in the airspace directly surrounding the airport, generally extending up to about 5 nautical miles and up to a specific altitude (often around 2,500 to 3,000 feet).
 
There is a secondary Tower frequency available called "Flight Service"...  or Flight Information Services (FIS)
This is a service that provides pilots with essential information about flight routes, weather conditions, airspace changes, and any other pertinent information required for safe flight. And both are available in X-ATC Chatter, the Twr frequency is usually busy, but the FLIGHT SERVICE not so much, but it is interesting to tune in to if you have a fair wait in line to takeoff .
Notable is that when switching frequencies, there maybe a delay on that frequency change, sometimes even a minute or so, so don't go and press another frequency to get immediate chatter, it doesn't work like that, and you will just delay the chatter for longer.
 

 
"Translucent" is certainly better if you need the Control and Facilities panels on the screen, it gives you more visible vision in the cockpit.
 

 
Departure is HGK 07R via PICA2X, and as I climb out the Tower Chatter is in my ears, filling my head. Climbing out of VHHH, and turning south I am already passed over to the next ATC frequency, this is DEP, or Departure.
 

 
Fifth Selection is "Departure" (Dep)
 
After takeoff, "Departure" controllers use radar to monitor the aircraft’s position. They then provide vector instructions (directional headings) to ensure safe separation from other aircraft, assist in navigating complex airspace, or guide the aircraft to join its assigned SID route.
Departure Control is responsible for managing aircraft altitude during the initial climb phase. They also ensure aircraft maintain safe separation by assigning altitudes that won’t conflict with other aircraft, considering both departing and arriving traffic and give "Speed Control" or speed restrictions to maintain separation or to streamline the flow of departing traffic.
 
The SID (PICA2X) here is very short to waypoint PECAN, so I'm already there at that point of when climbing through FL220, so now I am directed to call CENTER.
 

 
Sixth Selection is "Center" (Ctr)
 
"CENTER" is the most interesting of the Chatters here, and the main reason to use the X-ATC Chatter tool...
 
Over the flight route you cover a lot of ground, but also a lot of airspace regions, of which are called FIR's or "Flight Information Regions". These FIR's mostly cover a single country or the different regions of bigger countries, as the UK has three in England, Scotland and Ireland, notably the USA has a lot (loads) of CAN/FIR regions...  FIR's cover the whole globe and the full list (worth printing out) is here. Flight Information Regions (wikipedia). Navigraph Charts is the best tool here for finding the FIRs and the boundaries, zoom in to get the correct detail of the Control Area.
 

 
All FIR's have the built in ALRS "Alerting Service (aviation)" and are divided into upper and lower zones (noted on the X-Plane local map the upper and lower routes). Both Lower and Upper are noted as "UIR".
 
So as you fly across several Countries or States you will be "handed" over to the next FIR or control zone, as you reach the boundary of the current one, Europe FIR's are split between countries, but are still overall covered by the central ECAC member states, so that effectively that puts it all under one control authority called "Euro Control" based in Brussels.
 

 
Here I am under VHHK Hong Kong Control and close to ZGZU Guangzhiou Center...  Chinese Frequencies can be very unreliable, so I am not expecting to pick up ZJSA SANYA on the list? But Guangzhiou is available for some chatter. You can try to find the FIR frequency and directly tune it in via the radio, the idea works sometimes, but finding the correct frequency can be hard, even tricky.
 

 
But then ZJSA SANYA Center did pop up...  as I got closer to the FIR boundary, so I was happy to be passed over to the next FIR. In most cases the "Transfer" starts well before the aircraft reaches the FIR boundary, the current ATC controller will coordinate with the next FIR’s ATC unit. This is usually done when the aircraft is about 20-30 minutes or around 50-100 nautical miles from the FIR boundary. As the aircraft nears the boundary, the pilot receives instructions to switch to the radio frequency of the next FIR’s ATC. The exact handover point is typically predetermined, such as at specific waypoints or coordinates.
 

 
The FIR can also be found in SimBrief, that notes in the flight brief the point (or boundary) of the FIR controller change.
 

 
 
It was not the most chatty of regions, but I liked the idea of actually being connected to the correct control area. Soon I have another  handover...  This is from ZJSA SAYNA to VVHM HO CHI MINH (Vietnam).
 

 
There is the (slight) limitation in the X-ATC Chatter in that it is in range limited to 100 nm, my guess it is the same X-Plane Map restriction of the same radius, so it can go out of range, and sometimes quickly. So land coverage is better for consistent FIR receptions than over water or Oceanic, in this case there is a big break between EGGX SHANWICK OCEANIC off Ireland to CZQX GANDER OCEANIC on the Canadian side, which is a shame as it is here you want or even need the Chatter working to while away the Oceanic sectors (hours) of the flight, if coverage could be found in the X-ATC Chatter application for these remoter regions it would fill in a larger segment of your flying?
 
Suddenly the Frequencies stacked up and I had a choice, in reality you only needed the same one (120.100 MHz) to the VVHM HO CHI MINH Center, but my headset was suddenly alive with loads of (Vietmanese) Chatter.
 

 
Your not restricted just to the "Center" frequencies, but switch on the "Tower" and even "Approach" selections to drop (hear) into those communications of the airports you are passing over...  they are interesting enough to pass the time.
 

 
If flying a long haul, then the change of dialects and accents over the flight creates a great immersion of the area, and the more closer I get to Ho Chi Minh city, then the more chatter and choices I have to listen too, and the busier it gets as well. So the major population centers will give you more choice and a lot more aural traffic.
 

 
Now clear of Vietnam, the chatter slowly dissipates, next FIR boundary is from VVHM to WSJC or Singapore FIR.
 

 
If you are entering WSJC SINGAPORE from the east then it is solely in that FIR. But if you are entering the WSJC FIR from the northeast or north, then the Control centre is different in that WMFC and Kuala Lumpur is responsible for the ATC for this area. So Kuala Lumpur will come up first. So then you are now listening to a Center on the other side of Malaysia. It is a good idea to study the FIRs you are using in case there are crossovers regions like this.
 

 
I selected both "Center" and "Approach" to pick up the coming (required) frequencies, nothing yet, then the full list loaded...    I still went to Singapore Center (124.300MHz) to tune in to the WSJC area, before moving quickly onto WSSS ARR (119.300 MHz) as I was now well into my descent phase, in reality you would pass over to "Arrival" before the STAR, but the corridor here is very tight between the Control Areas.
 

 
As I am now out of Center Control areas, I select only the "Approach" selection, to fine tune my choices. This area is still noted as "APP" or Approach, and some ATC choices can be both the APP and DEP together on the same frequency.
 

 
Seventh Selection is "Arrival" (App)
 
“ATC Arrival” refers to the procedures and communication managed by Air Traffic Control (ATC) as an aircraft approaches and lands at an airport. These steps typically involve coordination between the pilot and ATC to ensure a safe and orderly approach, especially in congested airspace or with complex weather conditions.
 
First is the "Initial Approach Fix" (IAF) as the designated ATC that directs the aircraft to an entry point into the arrival sequence. Initial Approach Fix (IAF) can be the start of a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) in certain cases, but mostly or at certain airports, then the STAR ends precisely at an IAF, allowing for a smooth transition into the instrument approach procedure.
 
I did find when wanting "Approach", that X-ATC Chatter directed me to WSSL (124.600MHz Seletar), and not in selecting WSSS (Singapore). It is that ATC Seletar, is responsible for most the WSSS Approaches from the east. I now reselect the "Tower" Frequencies so I am ready for the Approach handover for the landing phase.
 

 
When I first used X-ATC Chatter I had all the selection boxes ticked, but that was extremely confusing with the long list of options (40), so like here in the review, I now only tick the ATC procedure I need, but when arriving, I found selecting the next ATC selection "Twr" together with my current "App" option, I was ready and ahead for the handover to that phase of the ATC communications. Then when handed over, I deleted the non-required ATC selection.
 
Then I was able to switch from WSSL to WSSS (Singapore) Approach. ATC approach control issues clearances for the final approach, usually at around 10-15 nautical miles from the runway. Here I can now see WSSS Singapore at that transition point.
 

 
The Approach controller usually instructs the pilot to switch to the airport’s tower frequency, around 5-10 NM from the runway. The Tower controller now takes responsibility for guiding the aircraft’s landing, so you select the "Tower" Frequency (118.600 MHz).
 

 
There is a lot of communication noise going on in your headset, a few times I looked out for other aircraft, thinking they were in the Approach phase as well, it is that authentic. Plus your on Finals, working the aircraft into a landing and with the heavy chatter in your ears, so X-ATC Chatter creates a busy, busy feeling.
 

 
Now your selecting the reverse pattern of "Tower" and "Ground" selections, ready for the next handover...
 

 
...   there is the temptation to turn the Chatter off, to focus on the landing...  but now I am fine with it, as it is becoming all part of the sensory experience.
 

 
The moment I leave the 20R runway (Taxiway W7) I switch back to "Ground", to again feel and hear the taxiway and ground operation Chatter, it is very, very busy at SIN today, the headset is chirping away to the consistent communications...   I love it.
 

 
Taxi and into the bay C1...  and park, shutdown. You not done if you don't want to shut down X-Plane immediately, as the chatter will keep on playing, showing the activity going on around you, and you can listen to the constant communications for ages if you want to...
 

 
...  the biggest difference between X-PlaneReviews 2019 X-ATC Chatter review and this later 2024 version is how much is the difference of fill (of communications) in all areas. X-ATC Chatter has gone from 6600 files to the currently 54448 files, and it makes a MASSIVE difference in the experience, as mostly all the selected channels are now active, you rarely hear repeated sound files either, so it always feels fresh and alive.
 
Eighth Selection is "CTAF" (App)
 
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is a radio frequency used in aviation, particularly at uncontrolled airports or airfields where there is no active air traffic control (ATC) tower. Pilots use CTAF to communicate with each other directly, broadcasting their positions and intentions to enhance situational awareness and to avoid collisions. CTAF is also commonly used for announcing actions like taxiing, taking off, landing, or entering and exiting the airport traffic pattern. It’s also used when performing maneuvers near the airport to help others maintain a safe distance. So basically it is an open channel.
 
I will reinstate that X-ATC Chatter is just a background broadcast of ATC communications. There is no actual ATC communications that will give you directions or clearances, although the built in "Simple" ATC does combine a basic text approach between your flying and the background chatter, it is basically just a aural environment filler. But it does work very well in this role.
__________________
 
Summary
X-ATC Chatter is basically a background tool, an aural space filler of Air Traffic Control (ATC) chatter, it doesn't interact directly with your flying or is it an actual connection to the X-Plane ATC or directly with any online ATC systems. That said, included in the package is "Simple" ATC, that is a basic text based ATC system, and the "Chatter" aspect works in the background to give you a real world ATC environment.
 
Created by Stick and Rudder Studios, or Mark Cellis, a prolific plugin developer (X-Camera, X-Keypad). The original version was released in October 2018. Since that release, it has had numerous updates and features added, but the biggest addition is the background files have grown from 6600 files to the current astounding 54448, with more being added every month via the built in "Updater", which is easy and excellent to use. And X-ATC Chatter can be intergrated into X-Life 2.1, ATC (X-Plane) and 124th ATC and a few more.
 
There are three options to use the Chatter, directly via the aircraft's radios, a "Nearby Facilities" panel or the system automatically selects the required frequency that you require. My choice is a manual input "Nearby Facilities" to choose the ATC channel I want to hear.
 
Quality of the sound files are excellent, as they are all edited for generalization and volume, as for also covering the wide range of dialects and regional accents that sustain the worldwide ATC system.
 
Since the original release there has been a lot of new features added to X-ATC Chatter (besides the growing file library), Simple ATC, more Settings options, more Audio settings including device selection, and this makes it an all the more rounded tool and for the far better immersion of the ATC Chatter traffic.
 
Minuses, well the ATC range is restricted to only 100 nm, so over water or Oceanic zones can go quiet (for long periods), then there is the far too many duplicated frequencies to choose from, so to fill in those open quiet zones would bring in a far more overwhelming ATC experience.
 
I have been using the X-ATC Chatter plugin for over two months, I loved it so much I wanted to tell you all about it. I accept it is not a authentic ATC tool, but it does create a very immersive experience and even an aviation learning tool of how the ATC works, its FIR regions and how to interact correctly with the system.
 
Above all, X-ATC Chatter creates an authentic sound working cockpit without the ATC stress of actually talking to someone, but I love it immensely, and enjoy the different accents and personalities it delivers, and I am learning from it allat the same time... it is very clever!
 
Highly Recommended!
__________________
 

 
Yes! X-ATC-Chatter by Stick and Rudder Studios is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

X-ATC-Chatter
Price is US$18.00
 
Features
Clips are broken down into separate files each of which represents a single exchange between a pilot and an ATC facility such as Clearance, Ground, Tower, Departure, Center, Approach, and for VFR CTAF. The clips are categorized by world region so you can select the area of the world you are flying in. Here are the current clip counts: United States: 14,931 Europe: 13,458 Canada: 6,660 South America: 656 Asia: 6,514 Africa: 644 Oceania: 3,068 Clips are edited to remove any glaring location specific information. As an example the exchange “United 6626, Boston Tower, Line up and Wait” will have been edited to say “United 6626, Tower, Line up and Wait. References to specific SIDS, STARS, Ramps, Taxiways, Runways, and way-points are not changed. Clips are organized by controller so when you are tuned to a specific controller you will hear clips associated with that controller. Each clip has its audio volume adjusted so that all clips have roughly the same volume level. Includes an intelligent player for X-Plane 11 and 12 Runs on all three OS platforms, Windows, OSX, and Linux Automatically selects the right chatter files based on the ATC facility you are tuned to on your COM1 or COM2 radio Will automatically pause playback when tuned to an ATIS facility Includes a nearby facility display showing the frequencies, icao code, distance, and name of up to 40 ATC facilities within a 75 NM range Radios can optionally be tuned from the facility display Knows when you are out of range of a facility and stops playback Can play chatter on alternate audio devices on Windows and Linux Includes an integration with X-Life 2.1 ATC and 124th ATC Includes an integration with X-Plane 11.3 and higher ATC system Includes an optional  Simple ATC feature using SAPI-5 voices for a more immersive flying experience Supports VFR, VFR with Flight-Following, and IFR flight plans Support for SIDS, STARS, and Arrivals Supports vectors to final Traffic Alerts Supports an integration to Amazon Polly voices Installation
X-ATC-Chatter is installed two ways with one way for Pilot2ATC, and the second a straight plugin install for the standalone panel version into your X-Plane/resources/plugins folder.
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11
Windows, Mac or Linux Version 1.7.2 (April 27th 2023)  
Download and Documentation
Full current install, not the demo with sound files is 3.48Gb (Install size will grow with updated files)
 
Comes with full install and how to use video, and manual (20 pages)
X-ATC-Chatter_User_Guide Designed by StickandRudder Studios
Support Forum Reward Program to Expand the Clip Collection FAQ Tutorial Videos __________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- VHHH - Hong Kong International Airport by Taimodels (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.50
- WSSS - Singapore Changi International Airport by CloudSurf Asia - Xplane 12
- Airbus A330neo by ToLiss (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$89.99
____________________________
 
Plugin Review by Stephen Dutton
31st October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

NEWS! - Rotate MD-11P is now released
 

 
The Rotate McDonnell Douglas MD-11P for "Passenger" is now announced as "Released" and now out of the "Beta" program. Probably the surprise release of the year was this superb aircraft, certainly my favorite, and the X-PlaneReview's mega review is here: Aircraft Review : McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Passenger by Rotate   
 
Notable is to make sure to use the Skunkcrafts Updater to configure the Release version to v1.10.10, links are here:
 
- Copy these files to the Rotate MD-11 folder to enable the updater for the aircraft:
 
For the Rotate MD-11F in X-Plane 11
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11f-xp11/skunkcrafts_updater.cfg
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11f-xp11/skunkcrafts_updater_beta.cfg
For the Rotate MD-11F in X-Plane 12
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11f-xp12/skunkcrafts_updater.cfg
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11f-xp12/skunkcrafts_updater_beta.cfg
For the Rotate MD-11P in X-Plane 11
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11p-xp11/skunkcrafts_updater.cfg
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11p-xp11/skunkcrafts_updater_beta.cfg
For the Rotate MD-11P in X-Plane 12
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11p-xp12/skunkcrafts_updater.cfg
https://1355607023.rsc.cdn77.org/updater-config-rotate-md-11p-xp12/skunkcrafts_updater_beta.cfg   - Check the SkunkCrafts Updater documentation to find out how it works:
 
The above is important to separate the two MD-11F and MD11P variants for future updates...  to note there is a small (243mb) update to do to bring the aircraft to the v1.10.10 release status.
 

 

 
Notable if you buy the MD-11P first, you can get the MD-11F Freighter variant for a discount. You will get the purchase at the reduced price at checkout, associated with your store account, no coupons.
 
This Rotate aircraft shows the X-Plane 12 Simulator at it's very, very best, a very worthwhile investment.
___________________________
 

 
Yes! - the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Passenger by Rotate is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
MD-11 Passenger
Price is US$83.95
Customers who own the MD11F can get it for only $34.95 (or vice versa)
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows 8 or  Mac OSX 10.12 or newer (M Processors supported) , Linux Ubuntu 64b 18.04 or newer 8 GB+ VRAM recommended Current version: 1.10.10 (September 24th 2024)   If you own the Rotate MD-11 Freighter, you can buy the MD-11 Passenger version for only $34.95. Discount will automatically be applied at checkout (as long as you use the same account). ___________________________
 
NEWS! by Stephen Dutton
26th October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

Aircraft Review : Airbus A330-941neo by ToLiss
 
The story of the Airbus A330 Series is an odd airline history of being not what the Airlines actually wanted, but always came back to the aircraft to be used as a mainstay of their fleets. Created in tandem with the Airbus A340, it shares the same fuselage and flight deck layout, with the A340 being four engines, wereas the A330 has only two . The standard A340-500 had a range of 9,000nm, the A330-300 a range of 6,350nm. But the A340 went into service on the cusp of ETOPs (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) that favoured the Twin-Engine aircraft like the Boeing 777, later A350 and Boeing 787. So the four-engines became too expensive to run, so didn't sell well of the only 377 aircraft delivered. The A330 Series however has 1,600 aircraft delivered. A330 family found success with full-service airlines, low-cost carriers and even cargo operators, thanks to its versatility...  but it was still a bumpy road in getting there.
 
Then suddenly the A330 series found fame. With the long entry into service of the Boeing Dreamliner 787, then you couldn't buy a A330 for the love or money, as bigger Full Service Airlines were now paying above cost to acquire them to fill in with their fleet requirements. It is that sort of aircraft.
 
The Airbus A330neo or "New Engine Option" was a reaction to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which offered airlines superior fuel efficiency and range, making it a strong competitor in the long-haul twin-engine market. The A330neo program was launched in July 2014. The A330neo achieves a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat on a typical long-haul flight compared to the A330ceo (current engine option) models, with the 25% improvement achieved when considering fuel per seat in specific configurations and high-density seating. This helps airlines also reduce operating costs and emissions. Besides the new highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines the A330neo incorporates sharklet wing extensions which reduce drag and enhance the overall aerodynamic efficiency, like with the A350 XWB to achieve it's efficiency goals. Again it has been the odd operators rather than the Full Service Airlines that are currently buying the A330neo, only Delta and TAP and Virgin Atlantic that have been the major Full Service players. Again with the unreliability of the Dreamliner 787, it again has customers now looking at this not only in the long range aspect, but also very versatile in the domestic operations services.
 
Toliss has no peers with Airbus Aircraft in the X-Plane Simulator. The Journey started as the QPAC A320, then under the Toliss brand, came the A319, A321, the large A340-600 then lately the A320neo. To release the A330-941 in a "neo" guise was no really no surprise after the A340 and A320neo products. 
 

 
First impressions of the A339 are extremely good. Airbus aircraft are pretty modern and therefore doesn't have a lot of the external character like a 60's or 70's design, it is all very clean and polished in design. And that can be hard without slipping into bland for a modeller, but here it is the right balance, as ToLiss has come a long way in this area, and their products are now more refined and better put together.
 

 
You can certainly see the maturity and experience coming in, the rear window upline is really well done, as is the aluminum alloys in the fuselage construction, held together with a very substantial littering of rivets...  so the detail is excellent. The A330neo uses the same construction techniques as the A350, with aluminum alloys which provides the strength and rigidity while keeping the aircraft lightweight in the main fuselage. And also uses composites in certain sections, such as the fairings, wingtips and some parts of the empennage (tail section), it's a balanced approach rather than the Boeing B787 fully composite design.
 

 
Antennas shown here cover both Gogo’s 2Ku technology, which is a dual-antenna system that enhances the signal strength, ensuring better speed and consistency for passengers. Internally Gogo is connected to Panasonic Avionics for the best inflight Wi-Fi connectivity
 

 
Cockpit windows come with the raccoon mask style are very good, and have nice tinted glass. Wipers are good as well, far better than the clunky earlier ToLiSS ideas. There are two fully dressed pilots shown in the external view, and quality looking pilots they both are.
 

 
Door detail is also very good and the text detail is all readable, the side widows are also nicely done, and the glass is in there, but looks holey from a few angles. The Cargo doors are all animated (lock levers as well) and internally the cargo holds are all well detailed.
 

 
You can see the far better aerodynamic design than the A330ceo, smoother in the inboard and a thinner wing. The wingspan of the A330neo is 64 meters (210 feet), which is an increase over the older model’s 60.3 meters. This larger wingspan helps generate more lift and contributes to the improved efficiency of the aircraft. Wing detail here in replicating the newer design is very good and highly realistic, with the nice wing lighting assembly which are also well done.
 

 
The Airbus A330neo uses the fowler flap design, and extended it is well done in the detail, more so is the inner detailing of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems, again showing the extra detailing now associated with ToLiss designs.
 

 
The refined  sharklets on the A330neo contributes to up to 14% better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the previous generation A330ceo, and nicely intergated the sharklets are skillfully done here.
 

 
Highlight here is the ginormous Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, which is 112-inch (2.85 meters) in fan diameter. Making it significantly larger than the fan on the previous-generation Trent 700 engine. It has a bypass ratio of 10:1, meaning that for every unit of air passing through the engine core (where combustion happens), 10 units of air pass around the engine core. So the 7000 is significantly quieter in operations, and has lower CO2 and NOx emissions, so you get a 4% reduction in fuel burn per seat with an Increased thrust and power for the A330neo’s larger size and higher takeoff weight. The ToLiss RR Trent 7000 is excellent, nicely modeled and love the rear copper exhaust cone and the burnt nacelle. Note the RR Logo is branded as "Gliding Kiwi", to offset any legal affairs and patent licensing.
 
 
 
Thrust reverser action and internal detail is excellent, and a big shout-out to Emma Bentley for the excellent A339 Virgin Atlantic livery seen here.
 
The A339 has a tricycle-Type Landing Gear with a one nose landing gear (NLG) twin-wheel bogie, and the two main landing gears (MLG) in a dual-bogie configuration. They are constructed using high-strength materials like steel and titanium, with carbon brakes, which offer excellent heat dissipation and wear resistance. The design here is very very good, as the Oleo cylinder and Oleo piston which are really well designed, as is the downlock and drag brace.
 

 
The Axle-beam assembly is also excellent...   but there is something overall missing? the strut hydraulic piping is not on either the nose-gear or the mains? the piping can be seen in the wheel wells, but it doesn't come any further down the assembly. Tyres are good, but come with a few shapely lines, but the wheel hubs are authentic to the A330 Series.
 

 
The A339 uniquely uses a sophisticated shock absorption system, which has oleo-pneumatic struts (a combination of gas and hydraulic fluid) to absorb the impact of landings and to absorb the extra weight of the A330neo.
 
All doors are animated in the three ToLiss modes, AUTO, OPEN and CLOSED, with still the AUTO as default. Not my favorite ToLiss feature as they open when you want closed, or closed when you want open, so you have to go around the menu to reset every door to manual (that is ELEVEN doors folks), but there is now a door option...   you can assign a command to OPEN all doors, set doors to AUTO, or to CLOSE all doors, all by your key commands, hallelujah to all that.
 

 
Stairs are available on passenger doors 1L, 2L and 4L...  on passenger doors 1R, 2R and 4R are the catering service vehicles, and there are baggage loaders on the Fwd and Aft Cargo doors, Chocks are available on all bogies.
 

 
The De-Icing trucks introduced on the ToLiss A320neo are here as well. They come and de-ice the wings and engine, then move to de-ice the rear elevators and rudder, it's still all very clever in operation, but the operations has been reduced a little, now it only takes around ten minutes, rather than the long slog of 23 minutes on the A320neo...  there is an instant de-ice option available as well.
 

 
Cabin

 
ToLiss cabins have usually been very functional, but modeling wise a bit standard. But there has also been a growing confidence in the detailing. This A330neo is the best ToLiss cabin to date. It is the mooted "Airspace by Airbus” which is designed to offer a modern and comfortable experience for passengers while also providing airlines with flexibility in cabin configurations.
 

 
It is a very nice cabin layout, if slightly "Greyish" in tone, but the detailing is nice and the signage readable.
 
There are two cabin configurations. Forward is a First/Business cabin layout. Certainly the best ToLiss cabin in quality, it is all very nicely designed. Screens show two A330neo images or the nose camera, switchable from the cockpit. There are 6 rows of 4 abreast cabins.
 

 
Mid-deck and rear cabin is all economy seating, they are BIG cabins...   with some nice detail were the rear cabin tapers into the tail.
 

 
Seat frames and certainly the seat materials are again a step up for ToLiSS, more quality and detail, head rests are now inprinted with "ToLiSS" and it looks very nice. Centre sections are well detailed, so overall a nice modern cabin. Notable is there is a lot of "ToLiSS" branding in here, signs on the wall, images and even more branding on the seat back screens...   showing confidence!
 

 
There are three galleys. Forward for the A Listers, then Mid-Deck and a large Economy galley layout at the rear.
 

 

 
Cockpit-Cold
There is no shock when entering the A330neo flightdeck. It looks just like a normal A330, so not much change in here from the ceo to the neo versions.
 

 
If you expecting dramatic changes then they are not visible in here. That is good, really good as there is nothing new here to translate to, so you will feel very familiar very quickly with everything. But there are however a few things that are different, or presented as clever new features as we shall see. Rear has a third seat and a jumpseat to the right rear. Detail is very good, with a wardrobe (and hangars) portable oxygen and avionics bay.
 

 
Overhead panel (OHP) and Console wouldn't feel out of place on an A320, Airbus layouts are all so familiar.
 

 
Cockpit - Powered (Hot)
Switch on the power, and you get the full Airbus system start up procedure, all the systems will "self-test" for 40sec, and even the MCDUs (Multi-function Control and Display Unit) and CPDLC displays will also flash on and off as they also self-test, it is all very good...
 

 
The system will settle down to the active mode, but with no navigation alignment. The quality of ToLiss aircraft are their deep systems and procedures, this is what you pay for, and they really deliver that Airbus system study intergration.
 

 
ADIRU (Air Data Inertial Reference Unit) alignment is 7min, again a very exact procedure of the navigation setup of the system (you can do an instant Nav alignment if you want to).
 


 
X-Plane 12 does make the display text look a little blobby, so you need to lower the display lighting to minimise the effect, but there a lot of panel lighting adjustments to do, plus you can also adjust the screen background glow effect, this also includes the MCDUs.
 
All the displays pop-out, including the Integrated Standby Instrument System (ISIS) and both MCDUs.
 

 
Early ToLiss aircraft were not really known for their animations (toys!). But there are quite a few now included to enjoy. There is the slide-out table for both pilots, and the forward window blinds can be dropped down.
 

 
The side windows can be opened...
 

 
...   and the seats are power animated to move forwards and backwards for entry, all the seat armrests can also be folded.
 

 
Seat design, materials are also far better than in the early days, it is a nice quality detailed cockpit now.
 

 
Any new ToLiss release comes with some really nice new features, and almost everything noted here will usually flow over on to the other ToLiss aircraft over the next period of updates, but you get them here first.
 
HUD (Head Up Display)
The biggest new feature (X-Plane 12 only) is the Head Up Display. I'm not overall a big user of HUDs, but this one is based on the new Laminar feature, and very, very good it is. We won't see the full potential at this point, but will see that later in use. One note is that you can't adjust the HUD, meaning you have to adjust your visual distance to the HUD, and not the other way around.
 

 
Visual Primary Flight Display detail is excellent, and you can adjust the brightness and DECLUTTER the data via the panel on the glareshield.
 

 
Only tricky issue is finding the HUD lever to lower or raise it, as it is black on black, not so much when activating it, but in say after landing, and your hunting around for the lever to hide it? Don't want the HUD option, then you can remove it with a blank panel in front of you.
 
D-RAIMS -Digital Radio and Audio Integrating management system
Another new feature is D-RAIMS. This is a console panel that is a new introduction feature on Airbus Aircraft. It replaces the twin Radio Panel on the centre console.
 

 
The object of the new D-RAIMS panel is to intergrate three other separate panels into the one unit. That is the Radio, TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and the Transponder.
 

 
The D-RAIMS is really well replicated here as all the buttons are functional, but you will have to learn the new layout operations.
 
ROPS (Runway overrun protection System)
ROPS is an Airbus system designed to continuously calculate whether the aircraft can safely stop in the runway length remaining ahead of the aircraft. If at any point the system detects there is a risk of a runway overrun, flight deck alerts are generated to help the crew in their decision making.
It has four active elements...  "Landing Approach" as the aircraft approaches the runway, ROPS assesses the current speed, descent rate, and runway conditions. "Runway Monitoring" after touchdown (also Rejected Takeoff), the system continues to evaluate the aircraft’s deceleration and whether the remaining runway distance is sufficient to stop safely. "Pilot Alerts" if the system detects any risk of an overrun, it provides escalating alerts, prompting the pilots to take action, and "Feedback Loop" were the system updates continuously in real time, providing feedback based on the aircraft’s progress down the runway. The ROPS is shown on the PFD.
 

 
ATSAW (Air Traffic Situational Awareness)
Basically ATSAW is an expanded TCAS - Traffic Collision Avoidance System. ATSAW data is typically displayed on the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) or in the Airbus on the MAP/Navigation display, which shows the position of surrounding aircraft, their speed, and relative distance. Current In-Trail Procedures now also allow aircraft to safely follow each other at closer distances in cruise conditions.
 

 
Portable Devices
New (never seen before) is the signage change from "No Smoking" to "No Portable Devices". Yes it is an "about time" change. The signs here are on the cabin signs, the panel change of the old "No Smoking" Switch, and an alert display on the upper ECAM. It all looks very modern in asking you (politely) to "Please Turn Off Electronic Devices".
 

 
Avitab- EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)
Introduced on the A320neo are the two Avitabs situated on the sills of both sides of the cockpit...   if you have a Navigraph account, you can access the Navigraph Charts, tools and other features on the A339neo.
 

 
Besides the AviTab EFB there are now five tab options...   WGT-BALANCE, TO PERF, LDG (Landing), PERF, CHECKLIST and ISCS
 
W + B is your Weight and Balance sheet, it shows you your Weights, Centre of Gravity, Payload and Fuel with a load graph. TO PERF (TakeOff Performance) covers your takeoff configuration of which you can "COMPUTE" to create the TO data.
 

 
 
LDG  PERF (Landing Performance). Very similar to the TO PERF, but here you can "COMPUTE" your landing configuration and shown margins. (Ignore "OVERWEIGHT" as the LDG Prefs were computed at TO, not closer to the landing phase, so you are still full of fuel)
PRELIM CKPT PREP (Preliminary Cockpit Preparation) or a big set of words for Checklist. The Checklist is very good, green ticks are easy to use over 22 categories, easy to clear or reset as well via the lower "RESET" button.
 

 
ToLiss ISCS - Interactive Simulation Control System
A new TAB on the Tablet is the ISCS or "Interactive Simulation Control System", or putting the Menu also on the tablet.
 

 
The ToLiss Menu system is a bit more in depth than for just selecting SETTINGS, it is the heart of the ToLiss way of flying and using the aircraft. You can still access the ISCS via the banner "Plugins", menu, the other setting option is "Resume from last flight", we will look at that soon.
I usually also set the ISCS menu on a key command (key S), this makes the ISCS far more accessible and quick, plus the same set command works on any ToLiss aircraft.
 

 
If you fly ToLiss aircraft, you will be very familiar with the ISCS Menu system, however there are a few different changes in here, so again it could be noted as "the same, but different".
 
There are the eight ISCS tabs available covering: Startup Situations, A/C + Sim Config, Loading Perfo, Ground Services, Faults Scenerios, Addons, Sound/Actions, Joystick and the General Settings Actions. The TAB layout is now however slightly different, as the former first TAB has been split into two separate TABs of STARTUP SITUATIONS and A/C + SIM CONFIG.
 

 
STARTUP SITUATIONS
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 it 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 A339neo Aircraft folder...  
 
Simply 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 for Flight" mode, and so very helpful if you just want to come back and just fly, then you can save the aircraft situation ready that way...  it is just simply brilliant. The saved situations can be "Filtered" to find certain saved situations if the list is long (delete older saved situations as well). AUTO-SAVING time can be set from 1 Min to 30 Min, but every 5 Min is the best compromise, or reset your CURRENT_SITUATION if you again have a system or computer crash... Certainly ONE of the biggest features on the aircraft, if not the main feature overall.
 
STARTUP this TAB section is all new, and is split between "Quick" and "States". Quick is instant actions on Engine 1 Start, Engine 2 Start, APU Start and ADIRU Alignment. States are Engines Running, ADIRU + APU ON, External Power on, Cold + Dark and F/CTL Law Overide, you can set as a DEFAULT three items in ADIRU+APU, Ext Power and Cold+Dark, F/CTL can also be set as "Direct".
 

 
A/C + SIM CONFIG
Another new TAB selection, but you will find other actions from other previous TABS on this page, but mostly the settings here are all new.
 
SIMULATOR CONFIGURATION These settings are general settings, including the choice of seeing the ISCS in the Tablet, Sync Baro Sttings and Use FCU Mouse Gestures.
 
VISUAL SETTINGS include; Wing Flex Strength (Slider), Wing Flex from gear bumps (Slider), and (Instrument) Background Glow (Slider). Other options include; Remove Glass Reflections, Use LIT Tex (Textures) for Cabin Lighting, Show XP (X-Plane) Partical Effects, Inhibit Cabin Object (Hides cabin), and Inhibit Inseat Screens (Hides seat video screens). You can also set to refresh the PFD (Primary Flight Display) so many (X) cycles.
 
AIRCRAFT CONFIGURATION Here you can set up the aircraft configuration to your needs, options include; Use "Brake Fan", Has "D-RAIMS" system on the PFD, Imperial or Metric Units, Use the "HUD" (Head Up Display), HUD uses perfect data, and the ROW/ROPS (Runway overrun protection System) ON/OFF or AUTO
 
PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENTS Three items (Sliders) cover Aircraft Age, Engine Age, and if the Aircraft is NEW or OLD, you can save all the configurations and options on the page at the bottom.
 

 
LOADING PERFO
This tab covers the "Aircraft Loading" and "CG-CW", Payload, Passenger, Cargo and Fuel (Block Fuel) which all can be set, then added to the MCDU INIT B page values. Fuel loading can be "Quick" or "Slow" (Real Time). CG-GW Diagram gives you your Centre of Gravity and Gross Weight limits on a graph. TO PERFORMANCE settings can also be set here with vSpeeds, Centre of Gravity and Trim, Flex Temp and (Airconditioning) PACKS on.
 

 
GROUND SERVICES
This tab covers the external factors on the aircraft. Ground Supplies provides options for "External Power" (GPU) Power A - Power B and "High and Low pressure air" to start the engines and provide ventilation/air-conditioning while on the ground. But as noted there are no external physical GPU units, Chocks however are shown.
 
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 A339neo has been configured correctly for the BetterPushBack use, so it works extremely well here. Note in watching the pushback operation on the ECAM!
 
DEICING...  You can do a "Quick" De-Ice, or use the "Animated" De-Ice Trucks for the full around the aircraft service
 
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 (or move) the aircraft you have to then (constantly and annoyingly) reset all the doors back to your AUTO preference state, as the default auto setting will always switch on command, that said you can now assign a command to OPEN all doors, set doors to AUTO, or to CLOSE all doors, all by your key commands, and yes I'm very happy!
 
Their are PAX STAIRS on 1L, 2L and 4L Doors, CATERING TRUCKS on 1R, 2R and 4R, and animated "Baggage Loaders" on both FWD and AFT Cargo hatches.
 

 
FAULT SCENARIOS
The A339neo has a great failure system, or Fault Scenarios. These failures can be set up on the ISCS Panel. This feature is listed under the "FAULT SCENERIOS" tab.
 
You can have a total random setting that covers a wide range of 90 faults over eighteen systems in "less" or "more" than "100 Flights", or you can set your own failure with the options including: NOW, AT Time, AT IAS (Speed), AT ALT (set altitude) or RANDOM, Also is the point of failure in Take-Off, Climb, Cruise, Descent, Landing and Flight...    and you can set as many failures as you like.
 

 
SOUNDS ADDONS
Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) provides the sounds for ToLiss aircraft, but you can default back to the X-Plane default sound volumes if you wish in controlling a MASTER, INTERNAL and EXTERNAL volume. You can also set the COMPONENT VOLUME in; Engine Vol, System Vol, Cockpit Sounds, Environment, Ground Contact (CNTCT) and Aural Alerts, 3D Sound Fading will silence the PTU and Flap sounds in the cockpit.
 
If you ADD ON any third party ADDONs then they will be shown here. This Sound TAB used to be part of the "General Settings" TAB, but now a dedicated page for these options.
 

 
JOYSTICK ACTIONS
Joystick Configuration selections options cover the "Primary Joystick" with Deadband adjustment, Joystick Roll For NWS (No/Auto/Yes), that replaces the earlier NWS (NoseWheel Steering) on/off, "Rudder To Tiller IN VR", Enable "Second Joystick" with Deadband Adjustment 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 Assigned" (with Tiller centre setting). "Pedal Brakes Assignment" with brake strength (slider), Smart Park Brake, Allow Brake on One Pedal.
 
Throttle Configuration can use keys "F1/F2 Toggle reversers" (I use the joystick trigger!), "Smart THR Idle Lock" and "Rev on Same Axis".
You can set (via sliders) both the "CL Detent Location" (Climb) and "MCT Detent Location" (Maximum Continuous Thrust).
Under ACTIONS there are two options of "Jump To Next WP" (Waypoint, and an "Auto-Pause" with four choices; OFF, ON WARNINGS, ON WARN + CAUT, and ON WARN/CAUT/TOD.
 
The "Auto-Pause feature allows automatic pausing of the simulation, if:
A master warning is triggered (e.g. due to AP disconnect) A master warning or a master caution are triggered. (Any system fault) A master warning or caution is triggered, or the aircraft has passed the T/D, i.e. has entered the DESCENT phase.  
You can SAVE all the TAB page choices at the bottom.
 

 
ACCOUNT SETTING
As noted this was the earlier "General Settings" TAB, but the Sounds section has been moved to TAB 5, and the "Account Ids" has been added from the old "Sound/Addon/Accounts" TAB. The (New) "Account Settings" TAB has five sections in: "Product Info", "Account Ids", "Startup Behaviour", "User Interface" and "Miscellaneous".
 
Product Info (Information) covers the current build number and version (very Airbus), and License ID
 
Accounts Ids; if you want to use the ACARS function for flight plan download, you can put your SimBrief pilot ID into the field “SimBrief ID”. Important note: This is a pure number, not your SimBrief Email address. You can find this number on the Simbrief Website, under “Dispatch / Account settings” and then in the Simbrief data tab under “Pilot ID”. Simbrief options incude;
Ignore AIRAC/AC Type mismatch: If this option is OFF, the flight plan download will fail if the active AIRAC cycle in the FMGS does not match the AIRAC cycle used by Simbrief for planning.
Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief: If you select this option, the cargo, payload and fuel on board in the ISCS will be set immediately to the Simbrief values. Always use SimBrief winds: If this option is selected, any wind request in the FMGS will take the wind data from the Simbrief plan HOPPIE CPDLC LOGON option
The option “Auto Execute handovers” allows to switch to the next ATC station automatically upon receiving the “handover” command from your current ATC station without having to notify the new ATC station.
ATIS Source; VATSIM of PILOTEDGE
 
Startup Behaviour sets the aircraft to a certain startup situation; "Default Baro" in either HPA or InHG (note you can also have the choice to SYNC or adjust manually the separate PFD Baros). Set your own default "Transition Altitude" (Slider). You can "Start with Bright Displays" (ON/OFF).
 
User Interface is options on how you interact with the aircraft. Options include: "Pop-out windows for Pop-ups" and you can save your setup "Pop-Up configuration on Quit" (Cockpit builders).
 
Miscellaneous The "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 A339 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. "Cache Routes only on Startup" prevents the plugin from checking for changes to your fms flight plan files during the flight. The "Enable AviTab Tablet" option has been removed, making the tablets now part of the cockpit furniture. You can again save all "Preferences and Default Values"
 
Interactive Audio Control Panel (IACP)
There is another menu access system situated on the Radio Panel, called the "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP). This feature gives you finger access to an item in a more pop-up accessible form...  two options available are INT and CAB or INT which has five ground communication tabs; SERVICES, PUSHBACK, FUEL/DEFUEL, CARGO HANDLING and DEICING...
 


 
...  second IACP option is CAB selection that covers Cabin interaction; DOORS, PASSENGERS and CABIN LIGHTING...
 

 
ACARS - Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System
ToLiss aircraft comes with the ACARS function, used as noted earlier with the CPDLC. But it has another function here in the ability to download the FlightPlan from Navigraph's Simbrief. The tool was introduced on the ToLiss Airbus A340-600 v1.1, since then also updated to the rest of the ToLiss fleet (A319/A321/A32N) and so it is a big feature in the A323neo as well. A full tutorial in how to use it was covered in Airbus A340-600 v1.1 by ToLiss...
 
SimBrief
Remember that you have to complete your SimBrief Pilot ID in the ISCS (SOUND/ADDON/ACCOUNTS). Then the "Data" link has to be opened by pressing the COMMS VHF 3 button the Radio panel. Also important is to set the "Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief", option ON, if not you will have to set up the aircraft fuel and weight options separately.
 

 
Then complete and generate your SimBrief flight profile, note you use the Aircraft Type A339, for NEO, not the A330. Our route today is VS - Virgin Atlantic VS338 from EGLL (Heathrow Lon) to KCTL (Charlotte US).
 
Lighting-Interior
Again ToLiss has come a long way in designing the interior lighting since the early days. The lighting setup is now all comprehensive to the standard Airbus system. Panel downlights are far better, brighter, but still non-visible in the daylight. But the individual instrument displays and INTEG lighting is now very good and on class for this price range.
 

 
There are three overhead spotlights for centre console, and two reading lights, but the reading lights (although adjustable) are not that strong in lighting the pilots seats. You can darken down the instrument panel nicely for dark takeoffs and landings, to which I am grateful. There is even a separate lighting switch for the compass, very nice touch.
 

 
There are three DOME states (DIM-BRT-STORM), but they won't work unless to switch on the CTL switch to the left.
 

 
Lighting-Interior
Cabin lighting is bright, but thankfully adjustable on the IACP panel, but there is no separated lighting for the galleys. The cabin lighting is set in a percentage % shown here is OFF, 8%, 16% and 30%....  above 40% is too bright.
 


 
But there is also a cabin lighting option on the A/C + SIM CONFIG page with the selection of "USE LIT TEX FOR CABIN LIGHTING", this option creates the current "Airspace by Airbus” mood lighting with blur textures on the ceiling and just down-lighting, very nice it is, the rear Galley thankfully stays full bright in this "TEX" mode, so it all works very well.
 

 
Exterior - Lighting
External lighting is excellent. Navigation, Beacon and Strobes are perfect, twin wing(Ice) lights are also well done. Tail light works, but only when the flaps are not set to zero as per Airbus rules. Internal view on the Ice/wing lights are excellent, and keep the cabin lights down to avoid the liner effect.
 

 
There are Taxi, RWY Turnoff lights and the Main Landing lights
 

___________________
 
Flying the A330neo
Typical moody muggy London day...  I set up the A339 the night before, so when ready to go (or if I wanted to do the same LON - CTL route again it is already saved and ready) with the excellent "SAVE SITUATION" feature. So all I have to do is call pushback. There is a choice, the built in Pushback tool, or BetterPushBack which I prefer.
 

 
Now in the pushbacked position it is time to start the "Trents". Engine No.1 is first, notable is that the A330neo start procedure is opposite of the A320 (No.2 start), the No.1 engine is usually started first because its EDP (Engine Driven Pump) drives the blue system, which in turn powers the parking brake (and alternate). BLEED ON (APU running), and select ING/START, both packs (air conditioning) are AUTO in these latest Airbus aircraft, so the switching of the PACKS is done for you unlike the Boeing manual system.
 
Then it is the simple operation to flick up the No.1 Engine switch under the throttle quadrant. The full start procedure is shown on the (ECAM) which will display the engine start indications. You get the full timed parameters, N2 (core speed) increases to around 20%–25% N2. Then the engine fuel flow will begin, and the Ignition will engage automatically, N1 (fan speed) will start to increase as the engine spools up, and you will wait for stable idle...   this typically happens around 58% N2 and 20% N1. When Engine No.1 is done then the same startup procedure is then with Engine No.2. Both engines running to parameters, then turn off the IGN/START and shutdown the APU
 

 
Set Flaps (1+F), timer, and SPLRS (Spoilers) ARMED, you can check if the TO CONFIGURATION is correct by pressing the TO CONFIG button lower console menu, any errors are then shown.
 

 
Sounds...   very good, if you get really close? the Trent 7000 is super quiet, and nothing, not a sound of it in the cockpit. But they are good quality sounds, right from the engine startup procedure to the running of the engines and APU, you can adjust the aural balances in the ISCS.
 

 
Power up, brakes off and your moving...  The ToLiss Tiller Steering is very authentic to the aircraft, but tricky to master. It is far slower to turn than your inputs, so there is delay between moving the tiller and the turning action, it can make you over reach thinking it is not turning below, it is "really slow" so you have to adapt to it. The trick is to not taxi too fast, the slower you go, the easier it is to turn, go too fast and you will lose control and slide with the front wheels at the wrong angle burning friction...
 

 
But I love the heavy 220,706 kg TO weight of the A339, you feel it and respond to the mass around you, a good sign of a great simulation.
 

 
A standard departure, but this one is with a difference...  I now have a HUD feature to help with the takeoff!
 

 
There is now no need to half your screen, bottom the instruments, upper the window. Instead you have everything you need right in the middle of the window without looking down. At first you will think it would be just the basic PFD instruments, Speed and Altitude Tapes, Artificial Horizon, V/S (Vertical Speed), Rate of Turn, Baro, Wind, and Compass. They are all there obviously.
 

 
But as you initiate items, like Throttle modes (Including FLEX), SRS (Speed Reference System), NAV, FD (Flight Director) and A/THR, then they all show up, obviously the speed bugs are on there as well...  162 + 10 Knots and rotate, "Positive Climb"
 

 
The Flight Director indicators of inputs for pitch and roll are shown, with your FD target position to aim for, it is all very comprehensive.
 

 
  Gear up. You don't have to look at the Gear indicators either as there is a definite "thump, thump, thump" of the gear locking into place.
 

 
Gear retraction (and extraction) is first rate. Typically the A339 climbs at a rate of around 2,000 to 3,000 feet per minute (fpm), depending on the weight of the aircraft, weather conditions, and engine thrust settings. It is a bit of a bumpy ride through the low cloud base, but then you are free.
 

 
Without doubt the HUD is very dramatic, obviously not the first HUD arrangement in X-Plane, but unique for the ToLiss, the trick here is the amount of quality data detail provided on the screen, it looks and feels very professional in operation on a Airliner.
 

 
The maximum altitude for the A330-941 is around 41,000 feet (FL410), but the typical cruise altitude for long-haul flights is between 33,000 and 39,000 feet. With a maximum range of the A330-941 of approximately 7,200 nautical miles (13,334 kilometers). The Airbus A330-800 has a slighter longer range of approximately 8,150 nautical miles (15,094 kilometers). But the loss of range is made up by the extra capacity of seats 406 passengers for the A338 to the 440 passengers for the A339 depending on the cabin configuration.
 

 
We are coming up on the "North Atlantic Track" (NAT) a network of predefined routes that change daily based on weather patterns, jet streams, and traffic demand. The tracks are updated daily by the Shanwick (UK) and Gander (Canada) Oceanic Control Areas (OCAs). Pilots file flight plans based on these routes. There is an entry point (RESNO) and an exit point (JANJO) on this track, in-between are a sets of co-ordinates defined by latitude and longitude, but they have there own special input code or setting to program the Co-Ords into the MCDU system. The Co-Ordinates 56°0'0.0"N 020°0'0.0"W is converted to 56N040W for input (Simbrief does it automatically).
 

 
There is also the "Organized Track System" (OTS) another series of tracks connecting different oceanic waypoints across the North Atlantic. It helps manage the flow of aircraft flying between Europe and North America. These tracks are designated as “Track A,” “Track B,” etc., depending on the day’s configuration. There is also "Random Route Navigation, outside the NAT system, for some aircraft who may use “random routes” based on their specific flight plans and preferred wind patterns. These random routes also follow oceanic waypoints and require frequent reports to the Oceanic Centres.
 

 
As noted you can insert your SimBrief route and data directly into the MCDU, you just have to fill in your TO Prefs (TakeOff Preferences) on the TO PERF page to complete the setup from the ISCS. FUEL PRED (Prediction) is excellent and found under FUEL PRED button. I rarely use the Airbus Style PROG (Progress) as it is not at all as good as the Boeing tool, so I mostly rely on the PERF selections for each phase of the flight.
 

 
EQUI - TIME POINT is also available, found under DATA lower RK6. ETP (Equal Time Point), which is basically the point at which it'll take a shorter time to continue to the next suitable diversion airfield than to turn back to the last one. Mostly used on ETOPS routes and over oceans for diversion actions.
 
The A330-941 being a Twin-Engined aircraft is governed by ETOPS or "Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards", so we are using a very Northern NAT Track. ETOPS is a certification and regulatory term used in aviation that allows twin-engine aircraft to fly on routes that are farther from a diversion airport than what would be allowed under standard regulations. ETOPS regulations allow twin-engine aircraft to operate over remote areas, such as oceans or polar regions, where a suitable alternate airport might be more than 60 minutes away under normal twin-engine rules. The A339 is certified for ETOPS-180 as a standard, which allows it to fly up to 180 minutes (3 hours) from the nearest suitable diversion airport in the event of a single-engine failure. The A330neo can also be certified for ETOPS 285, which extends the range to 285 minutes (4 hours and 45 minutes). And there is (Potential Certification) for ETOPS 330 by some airlines, which would allow the aircraft to operate up to 330 minutes (5 hours and 30 minutes) away from a diversion airport. This is beneficial for ultra-long-haul routes where alternative airports may be sparse, such as over polar regions or the southern Pacific Ocean.
 

 
Atlantic route crossings are always a great scrutiny of the X-Plane weather (besides looking out of the window). For years the view up here at altitude was not great even noted as dismal, but with X-Plane 12 we have had a focus on this important role in Simulation... X-Plane 12.1.0 delivered the final piece of the jigsaw in delivering those higher Cirrus cloud formations, storms as well. But I have done a few tracks over the Atlantic over the year, it was good before, but there seems to be a little more backroom tinkering over the last few XP12 updates, the view out now is quite spectacular, Cumulonimbus is all in their glory.
 

 
Sitting in the rear is very nice, the sounds are very good, with a differential difference between sitting behind the engine or in front of it, sounds are of course 360º dynamic, but the cockpit is a far quieter place. The Camera backseat screens are not really useful, maybe on takeoff or landing, but other wise blank(ish), the live front video also uses up framerate? so be glad you can turn the feature off.
 

 
But it's nice and serene on the flightdeck, with only the "Trim Tank" flashing away now and again in telling you it is doing it's job
 

 
You may be thinking? why London to Charlotte, North Carolina. It's an odd route? But you have to understand the routes that the A330neo is built for, not the mainline point to point like London to New York, Boston or Washington in this context. But for those long thin routes, making connections outside of the major hubs, it varies your flying as well, gives you a more interesting palette of destinations to chose from, and so you are also thinking outside the usual box.
 

 
The remnants of Hurricane Milton are still hanging around North Carolina, dirty, black and low. Approach into Charlotte-Douglas KCTL is via STAR MAJIC4 into Rwy 18L. It is an easy approach from the north, but the weather is a bit tricky.
 

 
The Tablet LDG PREFs are now reset (Compute) as we have burnt off the fuel, and shown are the new calculated landing differences, The Rwy ILS (IVKQ 110.35mHz) is now also active, you can't insert the frequency until you are within the 100nm area, the ILS ICAO code will show when you select the PFD "LS" ILS ribbons to say that approach is now active. Approach Phase is also now activated in the MCDU.
 

 
At GIZMO you track right to CAVVI on the chart for the turn into 183º directly into CTL (Charlotte). HUD is back in operation, so no look downs are now required, you can just focus ahead...
 

 
...   CAVVI and it is a hard bank left.
 

 
The ToLiss A339 looks and feels great, the approach flying can be as automated or as manual as you want, both aspects work extremely well here, but mostly the auto modes are excellent. Once you select APP then the data shows up on the HUD, both AP1 and AP2 can be selected here for a DUAL CAT 3 Approach.
 

 
Gear down, and an increase of wind noise as it lowers, and the same satisfying "thunk, thunk,thunk" of the Tri-Gear locking into place.
 

 
Glideslope data (G/S and LOC) are now displayed in the HUD, note the target runway outlined centre.
 

 
The runway target increases as you approach...
 

 
...  then disappears when you go into the LAND phase, giving you a clear view of the threshold.
 

 
After LAND mode you go into FLARE mode...  "Retard, Retard"
 

 
Nice "touch", then the full reverser and airbrakes to slow you down, reverser power sounds are excellently loud, so was the gear touch feel (you can adjust this aspect)... 
 

 
...  you have to skillful on the rudder pedals and tip-toe brakes to get a clean centre line roll-out, certainly on a damp runway...  but that is were the piloting skills come in.
 

 
A tight runway exit around taxiway C2, I have sort of mastered the slow tiller...  sort of?
 

 
With the A330-941neo now cleaned up (even the HUD put away), it is a long taxi to Concourse D (International) along taxiway C. Bay D10 is waiting, and I am ready to shutdown, 8h55m is a long flight, but the ToLiss A339 is a dream to fly for these long -haul thin routes, brilliant Simulation, great investment.
 

 
Liveries
You get four liveries with the package; ToLiss House, and three Airbus branded in; First Flight, "Airspace" and "Foundation (10 Years)"
 

 
Again to note the RR Logo is branded as "Gliding Kiwi", to offset any legal affairs and patent licensing.
 
There is a Paintkit available, and already the painters are churning out quality liveries, I'll note a few early ones here including the Condor Package, Cebu Pacific, Garunda, and Virgin Atlantic.
 

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Summary
ToLiss was the part of the 2009 original collaboration with QPAC to create the first X-Plane A320 simulation with realistic Airbus Flight Control Laws, and automated cockpits. Since then the developer has gone on to creating the very best Airbus aircraft for the X-Plane Simulator, with the A319-112, the A321-231, A340-600 and the Airbus A320neo. The choice here of the Airbus A330neo (New Engine Option) is not really a big surprise, but on how good this A339 is the surprise.
 
Modeling and design is very good, but early ToLiss didn't have the extensive extreme quality you can now expect in this category, but with a change of a modeller a few years back, now in every area the detail and quality is highly improved, better again here and now showing a maturity that wasn't there earlier, that said, the missing hydraulic lines on the undercarriage are a bit of an oversight, but the excellent Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines makes up for that aspect...  add in then matching the high quality Airbus Official systems and for the excellent flying feedback of the aircraft. This ToLiss is absolutely the best, or better of it's category and class.
 
System wise the ToLiss A339 is the best in X-Plane (all ToLiss Airbus aircraft are), with all the Airbus Flight Laws and Protections highly intergrated, with the authentic engine control laws. If you want to fly the automated Airbus you can, but if you want to dig deeper into the "Study" aspect of Airbus Philosophy. Then that aspect is also very highly available here, so both Pro's and Newcomers to the Airbus way of aviation can be easily satisfied here.
 
Both cockpit and cabin are excellent, new textures are in the cockpit and the cabin look and feel is a step up from the earlier releases. The A33-941 comes with a few new features. Head of the feature list is the HUD (Head Up Display), fully intergrated with full data graphics, it is a bonus to landing and takeoff procedures. D-RAIMS -Digital Radio and Audio Integrating management system, ROPS (Runway overrun protection System) and ATSAW (Air Traffic Situational Awareness) are all new to ToLiss, with the No Smoking sign changed to Portable Devices. Sounds are by Turbine Sound Studios, very good but not that extreme BSS quality.
 
The ACARS function is fully intergrated with the CPDLC system , but really only available to on-line fliers with the HOPPIE network, but very good it is.
 
The ToLiss ISCS - "Interactive Simulation Control System" is far more than a menu, it provides tools and options that are truly remarkable. The LOAD/SAVE Situation tool is a godsend for any Simmer... saving perfect situations to return ready for flight or even an unexpected simulator crash, I was back up and flying perfectly in minutes after a bad scenery crash, this shows the tool's peerless power.
 
SimBrief intergration can load in the "Full" data brief into the aircraft's systems, another huge time saver. Fault Scenerios are also excellent as are aircraft configurations. AUTO-PAUSE, this feature allows the user to leave the computer during a flight to do a pause in three alert scenerios. The ISCS is also now available on the side Tablets with AviTab. Notable is that all the above new features will gradually transfer to other ToLiss aircraft, but you can now use them here first.
 
New to ToLiss on the A320neo were the ground equipment, here also on the A330neo are the Baggage Loaders and Catering Trucks, and the sensational animated De-Icing Trucks and here we have stairs on all left doors. Opening Side Windows and the Electronic Flight Bag EFB tools for WGT-BAL, TO PERF, LDG PERF, and extensive built in CHECKLIST and as noted now the ISCS are all on the tablet. The "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP) has also been extended to include both Ground and Cabin tabs with excellent cabin lighting adjustment.
 
Commands for the AUTO doors has made me happy, the difficult tiller steering is however a learning curve, and there is still no physical ground GPUs? but the niggles are very few.
 
The list can obviously go on, and on...  but notable is the X-Plane 12 version in using the X-Plane features, an X-Plane 11 version is included in the package, but that would takeaway a lot of the dynamics and the immense fun this aircraft has to offer by using the X-Plane 12 environment.
 
"Peerless" is the word I would use here, "Transcendent" is another. If you want Airbus Aircraft in the X-Plane Simulator, then there is only one place to go to...  ToLiss, and again they deliver another excellent aircraft with tons of real useful features in the Airbus A330neo. Certainly a great if brilliant investment, the features alone are worth the money, but with everything else... 
 
...  It's unparalleled simulation, and Highly Recommended!
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Yes! - the Airbus A330-941 neo by Toliss is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org :
 
Airbus A330-900neo
Price is US$89.99
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended for XP12 Not for commercial use. For any commercial use enquiries, please contact [email protected] Download Size: 1.2 GB Version 1.0. (October 19th 2024)   Fully Featured Detailed FMGS: 3 independent MCDUs providing real life FMGS programming capability 2 independent autopilots SID/STAR and airways support in a fully custom FMGS backbone supporting all A424 leg types (Arc, course or heading to intercept, Radius to Fix, Holdings, etc.) Support for all approach types present in real life A340-600s, including GLS, ILS, LOC backcourse, etc. Full VNAV guidance with TOC, TOD, Deceleration point, speed limits, fuel prediction, etc. Altitude and speed constraints as the real aircraft deals with them Support for Go-Arounds and diversions Nav Aid autotuning Pilot item database, such as pilot fixes, pilot navaids etc. Flight plan saving via the Pilot routes page Equitime point computation and nearest airports page Accurate systems: Fly-by-wire system with reversion between normal law and alternate law 1, alternate law 2 and direct law as per real life logics. Hydraulic model for flight control actuators computing hydraulic flow through the actuators, the control surface hinge moment, maximum feasible deflection etc. This gives realistic surface floating angles if a control surface is lost due to combinations of hydraulic and computer faults. Quantitative hydraulic model considering the maximum hydraulic flows of the different pumps as a function of engine speed. This is most noticeable when flying on RAT or with wind milling engines Quantitative bleed model considering the bleed mass flow for engine start, wing anti-ice air conditioning packs etc. High fidelity fuel system including inflight CG control by pumping fuel to and from the tail tank, fuel jettison, manual and automatic transfers between the different tanks Detailled model of each ADIRU including alignment, small pressure sensor differences between the units, switching of sources for PFDs Fault injection system allowing to trigger over 140 system faults either at a specific point in flight or randomly during a flight phase Cockpit display system simulating the dependency of the displays on the Display management computers resulting in real life display limitations ECAM system with over 30 warning and over 200 caution messages including associated ECAM actions. 3d modelling Detailed 3d cockpit with animated switches Mouse gesture system for interaction with push-pull knobs emulating the motion on the knob with the mouse Detailed cockpit lighting with reading lights, console light, tray table lights etc. 4 class passenger cabin with underfloor lavatories and crew rest Custom particle effects for engine heat trail, Fuel jettison etc. Custom landing gear model for bogey touch down. 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 X-Plane 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 Adjustable Wingflex via a slider in the ISCS Possibility to turn the screen reflections on and off Auto-updater by Skunkcraft Included   Installation Download of the Airbus A339 is 1.08Gb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 1.85Gb 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 totally restart the aircraft from your desktop to realign all your plugins and load the aircraft cleanly.     AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft The Skunkcraft Updater is provided for updates   Documents There are Three Manuals Included with the package. All are extensive and well laid out with great details   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. 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.  
ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_AircraftManual.pdf ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_SimulationManual.pdf ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_Tutorial ____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Sound-Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2rc4
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- EGLL - London Heathrow International Airport by Taimodels (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.00
- KCLT- Charlotte Douglas International Airport UHD by Nimbus Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95
____________________________
 
Review by Stephen Dutton
18th October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

Aircraft Review : Airbus A330-941neo by ToLiss
 
The story of the Airbus A330 Series is an odd airline history of being not what the Airlines actually wanted, but always came back to the aircraft to be used as a mainstay of their fleets. Created in tandem with the Airbus A340, it shares the same fuselage and flight deck layout, with the A340 being four engines, wereas the A330 has only two . The standard A340-500 had a range of 9,000nm, the A330-300 a range of 6,350nm. But the A340 went into service on the cusp of ETOPs (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) that favoured the Twin-Engine aircraft like the Boeing 777, later A350 and Boeing 787. So the four-engines became too expensive to run, so didn't sell well of the only 377 aircraft delivered. The A330 Series however has 1,600 aircraft delivered. A330 family found success with full-service airlines, low-cost carriers and even cargo operators, thanks to its versatility...  but it was still a bumpy road in getting there.
 
Then suddenly the A330 series found fame. With the long entry into service of the Boeing Dreamliner 787, then you couldn't buy a A330 for the love or money, as bigger Full Service Airlines were now paying above cost to acquire them to fill in with their fleet requirements. It is that sort of aircraft.
 
The Airbus A330neo or "New Engine Option" was a reaction to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which offered airlines superior fuel efficiency and range, making it a strong competitor in the long-haul twin-engine market. The A330neo program was launched in July 2014. The A330neo achieves a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat on a typical long-haul flight compared to the A330ceo (current engine option) models, with the 25% improvement achieved when considering fuel per seat in specific configurations and high-density seating. This helps airlines also reduce operating costs and emissions. Besides the new highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines the A330neo incorporates sharklet wing extensions which reduce drag and enhance the overall aerodynamic efficiency, like with the A350 XWB to achieve it's efficiency goals. Again it has been the odd operators rather than the Full Service Airlines that are currently buying the A330neo, only Delta and TAP and Virgin Atlantic that have been the major Full Service players. Again with the unreliability of the Dreamliner 787, it again has customers now looking at this not only in the long range aspect, but also very versatile in the domestic operations services.
 
Toliss has no peers with Airbus Aircraft in the X-Plane Simulator. The Journey started as the QPAC A320, then under the Toliss brand, came the A319, A321, the large A340-600 then lately the A320neo. To release the A330-941 in a "neo" guise was no really no surprise after the A340 and A320neo products. 
 

 
First impressions of the A339 are extremely good. Airbus aircraft are pretty modern and therefore doesn't have a lot of the external character like a 60's or 70's design, it is all very clean and polished in design. And that can be hard without slipping into bland for a modeller, but here it is the right balance, as ToLiss has come a long way in this area, and their products are now more refined and better put together.
 

 
You can certainly see the maturity and experience coming in, the rear window upline is really well done, as is the aluminum alloys in the fuselage construction, held together with a very substantial littering of rivets...  so the detail is excellent. The A330neo uses the same construction techniques as the A350, with aluminum alloys which provides the strength and rigidity while keeping the aircraft lightweight in the main fuselage. And also uses composites in certain sections, such as the fairings, wingtips and some parts of the empennage (tail section), it's a balanced approach rather than the Boeing B787 fully composite design.
 

 
Antennas shown here cover both Gogo’s 2Ku technology, which is a dual-antenna system that enhances the signal strength, ensuring better speed and consistency for passengers. Internally Gogo is connected to Panasonic Avionics for the best inflight Wi-Fi connectivity
 

 
Cockpit windows come with the raccoon mask style are very good, and have nice tinted glass. Wipers are good as well, far better than the clunky earlier ToLiSS ideas. There are two fully dressed pilots shown in the external view, and quality looking pilots they both are.
 

 
Door detail is also very good and the text detail is all readable, the side widows are also nicely done, and the glass is in there, but looks holey from a few angles. The Cargo doors are all animated (lock levers as well) and internally the cargo holds are all well detailed.
 

 
You can see the far better aerodynamic design than the A330ceo, smoother in the inboard and a thinner wing. The wingspan of the A330neo is 64 meters (210 feet), which is an increase over the older model’s 60.3 meters. This larger wingspan helps generate more lift and contributes to the improved efficiency of the aircraft. Wing detail here in replicating the newer design is very good and highly realistic, with the nice wing lighting assembly which are also well done.
 

 
The Airbus A330neo uses the fowler flap design, and extended it is well done in the detail, more so is the inner detailing of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems, again showing the extra detailing now associated with ToLiss designs.
 

 
The refined  sharklets on the A330neo contributes to up to 14% better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the previous generation A330ceo, and nicely intergated the sharklets are skillfully done here.
 

 
Highlight here is the ginormous Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, which is 112-inch (2.85 meters) in fan diameter. Making it significantly larger than the fan on the previous-generation Trent 700 engine. It has a bypass ratio of 10:1, meaning that for every unit of air passing through the engine core (where combustion happens), 10 units of air pass around the engine core. So the 7000 is significantly quieter in operations, and has lower CO2 and NOx emissions, so you get a 4% reduction in fuel burn per seat with an Increased thrust and power for the A330neo’s larger size and higher takeoff weight. The ToLiss RR Trent 7000 is excellent, nicely modeled and love the rear copper exhaust cone and the burnt nacelle. Note the RR Logo is branded as "Gliding Kiwi", to offset any legal affairs and patent licensing.
 
 
 
Thrust reverser action and internal detail is excellent, and a big shout-out to Emma Bentley for the excellent A339 Virgin Atlantic livery seen here.
 
The A339 has a tricycle-Type Landing Gear with a one nose landing gear (NLG) twin-wheel bogie, and the two main landing gears (MLG) in a dual-bogie configuration. They are constructed using high-strength materials like steel and titanium, with carbon brakes, which offer excellent heat dissipation and wear resistance. The design here is very very good, as the Oleo cylinder and Oleo piston which are really well designed, as is the downlock and drag brace.
 

 
The Axle-beam assembly is also excellent...   but there is something overall missing? the strut hydraulic piping is not on either the nose-gear or the mains? the piping can be seen in the wheel wells, but it doesn't come any further down the assembly. Tyres are good, but come with a few shapely lines, but the wheel hubs are authentic to the A330 Series.
 

 
The A339 uniquely uses a sophisticated shock absorption system, which has oleo-pneumatic struts (a combination of gas and hydraulic fluid) to absorb the impact of landings and to absorb the extra weight of the A330neo.
 
All doors are animated in the three ToLiss modes, AUTO, OPEN and CLOSED, with still the AUTO as default. Not my favorite ToLiss feature as they open when you want closed, or closed when you want open, so you have to go around the menu to reset every door to manual (that is ELEVEN doors folks), but there is now a door option...   you can assign a command to OPEN all doors, set doors to AUTO, or to CLOSE all doors, all by your key commands, hallelujah to all that.
 

 
Stairs are available on passenger doors 1L, 2L and 4L...  on passenger doors 1R, 2R and 4R are the catering service vehicles, and there are baggage loaders on the Fwd and Aft Cargo doors, Chocks are available on all bogies.
 

 
The De-Icing trucks introduced on the ToLiss A320neo are here as well. They come and de-ice the wings and engine, then move to de-ice the rear elevators and rudder, it's still all very clever in operation, but the operations has been reduced a little, now it only takes around ten minutes, rather than the long slog of 23 minutes on the A320neo...  there is an instant de-ice option available as well.
 

 
Cabin

 
ToLiss cabins have usually been very functional, but modeling wise a bit standard. But there has also been a growing confidence in the detailing. This A330neo is the best ToLiss cabin to date. It is the mooted "Airspace by Airbus” which is designed to offer a modern and comfortable experience for passengers while also providing airlines with flexibility in cabin configurations.
 

 
It is a very nice cabin layout, if slightly "Greyish" in tone, but the detailing is nice and the signage readable.
 
There are two cabin configurations. Forward is a First/Business cabin layout. Certainly the best ToLiss cabin in quality, it is all very nicely designed. Screens show two A330neo images or the nose camera, switchable from the cockpit. There are 6 rows of 4 abreast cabins.
 

 
Mid-deck and rear cabin is all economy seating, they are BIG cabins...   with some nice detail were the rear cabin tapers into the tail.
 

 
Seat frames and certainly the seat materials are again a step up for ToLiSS, more quality and detail, head rests are now inprinted with "ToLiSS" and it looks very nice. Centre sections are well detailed, so overall a nice modern cabin. Notable is there is a lot of "ToLiSS" branding in here, signs on the wall, images and even more branding on the seat back screens...   showing confidence!
 

 
There are three galleys. Forward for the A Listers, then Mid-Deck and a large Economy galley layout at the rear.
 

 

 
Cockpit-Cold
There is no shock when entering the A330neo flightdeck. It looks just like a normal A330, so not much change in here from the ceo to the neo versions.
 

 
If you expecting dramatic changes then they are not visible in here. That is good, really good as there is nothing new here to translate to, so you will feel very familiar very quickly with everything. But there are however a few things that are different, or presented as clever new features as we shall see. Rear has a third seat and a jumpseat to the right rear. Detail is very good, with a wardrobe (and hangars) portable oxygen and avionics bay.
 

 
Overhead panel (OHP) and Console wouldn't feel out of place on an A320, Airbus layouts are all so familiar.
 

 
Cockpit - Powered (Hot)
Switch on the power, and you get the full Airbus system start up procedure, all the systems will "self-test" for 40sec, and even the MCDUs (Multi-function Control and Display Unit) and CPDLC displays will also flash on and off as they also self-test, it is all very good...
 

 
The system will settle down to the active mode, but with no navigation alignment. The quality of ToLiss aircraft are their deep systems and procedures, this is what you pay for, and they really deliver that Airbus system study intergration.
 

 
ADIRU (Air Data Inertial Reference Unit) alignment is 7min, again a very exact procedure of the navigation setup of the system (you can do an instant Nav alignment if you want to).
 


 
X-Plane 12 does make the display text look a little blobby, so you need to lower the display lighting to minimise the effect, but there a lot of panel lighting adjustments to do, plus you can also adjust the screen background glow effect, this also includes the MCDUs.
 
All the displays pop-out, including the Integrated Standby Instrument System (ISIS) and both MCDUs.
 

 
Early ToLiss aircraft were not really known for their animations (toys!). But there are quite a few now included to enjoy. There is the slide-out table for both pilots, and the forward window blinds can be dropped down.
 

 
The side windows can be opened...
 

 
...   and the seats are power animated to move forwards and backwards for entry, all the seat armrests can also be folded.
 

 
Seat design, materials are also far better than in the early days, it is a nice quality detailed cockpit now.
 

 
Any new ToLiss release comes with some really nice new features, and almost everything noted here will usually flow over on to the other ToLiss aircraft over the next period of updates, but you get them here first.
 
HUD (Head Up Display)
The biggest new feature (X-Plane 12 only) is the Head Up Display. I'm not overall a big user of HUDs, but this one is based on the new Laminar feature, and very, very good it is. We won't see the full potential at this point, but will see that later in use. One note is that you can't adjust the HUD, meaning you have to adjust your visual distance to the HUD, and not the other way around.
 

 
Visual Primary Flight Display detail is excellent, and you can adjust the brightness and DECLUTTER the data via the panel on the glareshield.
 

 
Only tricky issue is finding the HUD lever to lower or raise it, as it is black on black, not so much when activating it, but in say after landing, and your hunting around for the lever to hide it? Don't want the HUD option, then you can remove it with a blank panel in front of you.
 
D-RAIMS -Digital Radio and Audio Integrating management system
Another new feature is D-RAIMS. This is a console panel that is a new introduction feature on Airbus Aircraft. It replaces the twin Radio Panel on the centre console.
 

 
The object of the new D-RAIMS panel is to intergrate three other separate panels into the one unit. That is the Radio, TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and the Transponder.
 

 
The D-RAIMS is really well replicated here as all the buttons are functional, but you will have to learn the new layout operations.
 
ROPS (Runway overrun protection System)
ROPS is an Airbus system designed to continuously calculate whether the aircraft can safely stop in the runway length remaining ahead of the aircraft. If at any point the system detects there is a risk of a runway overrun, flight deck alerts are generated to help the crew in their decision making.
It has four active elements...  "Landing Approach" as the aircraft approaches the runway, ROPS assesses the current speed, descent rate, and runway conditions. "Runway Monitoring" after touchdown (also Rejected Takeoff), the system continues to evaluate the aircraft’s deceleration and whether the remaining runway distance is sufficient to stop safely. "Pilot Alerts" if the system detects any risk of an overrun, it provides escalating alerts, prompting the pilots to take action, and "Feedback Loop" were the system updates continuously in real time, providing feedback based on the aircraft’s progress down the runway. The ROPS is shown on the PFD.
 

 
ATSAW (Air Traffic Situational Awareness)
Basically ATSAW is an expanded TCAS - Traffic Collision Avoidance System. ATSAW data is typically displayed on the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) or in the Airbus on the MAP/Navigation display, which shows the position of surrounding aircraft, their speed, and relative distance. Current In-Trail Procedures now also allow aircraft to safely follow each other at closer distances in cruise conditions.
 

 
Portable Devices
New (never seen before) is the signage change from "No Smoking" to "No Portable Devices". Yes it is an "about time" change. The signs here are on the cabin signs, the panel change of the old "No Smoking" Switch, and an alert display on the upper ECAM. It all looks very modern in asking you (politely) to "Please Turn Off Electronic Devices".
 

 
Avitab- EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)
Introduced on the A320neo are the two Avitabs situated on the sills of both sides of the cockpit...   if you have a Navigraph account, you can access the Navigraph Charts, tools and other features on the A339neo.
 

 
Besides the AviTab EFB there are now five tab options...   WGT-BALANCE, TO PERF, LDG (Landing), PERF, CHECKLIST and ISCS
 
W + B is your Weight and Balance sheet, it shows you your Weights, Centre of Gravity, Payload and Fuel with a load graph. TO PERF (TakeOff Performance) covers your takeoff configuration of which you can "COMPUTE" to create the TO data.
 

 
 
LDG  PERF (Landing Performance). Very similar to the TO PERF, but here you can "COMPUTE" your landing configuration and shown margins. (Ignore "OVERWEIGHT" as the LDG Prefs were computed at TO, not closer to the landing phase, so you are still full of fuel)
PRELIM CKPT PREP (Preliminary Cockpit Preparation) or a big set of words for Checklist. The Checklist is very good, green ticks are easy to use over 22 categories, easy to clear or reset as well via the lower "RESET" button.
 

 
ToLiss ISCS - Interactive Simulation Control System
A new TAB on the Tablet is the ISCS or "Interactive Simulation Control System", or putting the Menu also on the tablet.
 

 
The ToLiss Menu system is a bit more in depth than for just selecting SETTINGS, it is the heart of the ToLiss way of flying and using the aircraft. You can still access the ISCS via the banner "Plugins", menu, the other setting option is "Resume from last flight", we will look at that soon.
I usually also set the ISCS menu on a key command (key S), this makes the ISCS far more accessible and quick, plus the same set command works on any ToLiss aircraft.
 

 
If you fly ToLiss aircraft, you will be very familiar with the ISCS Menu system, however there are a few different changes in here, so again it could be noted as "the same, but different".
 
There are the eight ISCS tabs available covering: Startup Situations, A/C + Sim Config, Loading Perfo, Ground Services, Faults Scenerios, Addons, Sound/Actions, Joystick and the General Settings Actions. The TAB layout is now however slightly different, as the former first TAB has been split into two separate TABs of STARTUP SITUATIONS and A/C + SIM CONFIG.
 

 
STARTUP SITUATIONS
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 it 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 A339neo Aircraft folder...  
 
Simply 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 for Flight" mode, and so very helpful if you just want to come back and just fly, then you can save the aircraft situation ready that way...  it is just simply brilliant. The saved situations can be "Filtered" to find certain saved situations if the list is long (delete older saved situations as well). AUTO-SAVING time can be set from 1 Min to 30 Min, but every 5 Min is the best compromise, or reset your CURRENT_SITUATION if you again have a system or computer crash... Certainly ONE of the biggest features on the aircraft, if not the main feature overall.
 
STARTUP this TAB section is all new, and is split between "Quick" and "States". Quick is instant actions on Engine 1 Start, Engine 2 Start, APU Start and ADIRU Alignment. States are Engines Running, ADIRU + APU ON, External Power on, Cold + Dark and F/CTL Law Overide, you can set as a DEFAULT three items in ADIRU+APU, Ext Power and Cold+Dark, F/CTL can also be set as "Direct".
 

 
A/C + SIM CONFIG
Another new TAB selection, but you will find other actions from other previous TABS on this page, but mostly the settings here are all new.
 
SIMULATOR CONFIGURATION These settings are general settings, including the choice of seeing the ISCS in the Tablet, Sync Baro Sttings and Use FCU Mouse Gestures.
 
VISUAL SETTINGS include; Wing Flex Strength (Slider), Wing Flex from gear bumps (Slider), and (Instrument) Background Glow (Slider). Other options include; Remove Glass Reflections, Use LIT Tex (Textures) for Cabin Lighting, Show XP (X-Plane) Partical Effects, Inhibit Cabin Object (Hides cabin), and Inhibit Inseat Screens (Hides seat video screens). You can also set to refresh the PFD (Primary Flight Display) so many (X) cycles.
 
AIRCRAFT CONFIGURATION Here you can set up the aircraft configuration to your needs, options include; Use "Brake Fan", Has "D-RAIMS" system on the PFD, Imperial or Metric Units, Use the "HUD" (Head Up Display), HUD uses perfect data, and the ROW/ROPS (Runway overrun protection System) ON/OFF or AUTO
 
PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENTS Three items (Sliders) cover Aircraft Age, Engine Age, and if the Aircraft is NEW or OLD, you can save all the configurations and options on the page at the bottom.
 

 
LOADING PERFO
This tab covers the "Aircraft Loading" and "CG-CW", Payload, Passenger, Cargo and Fuel (Block Fuel) which all can be set, then added to the MCDU INIT B page values. Fuel loading can be "Quick" or "Slow" (Real Time). CG-GW Diagram gives you your Centre of Gravity and Gross Weight limits on a graph. TO PERFORMANCE settings can also be set here with vSpeeds, Centre of Gravity and Trim, Flex Temp and (Airconditioning) PACKS on.
 

 
GROUND SERVICES
This tab covers the external factors on the aircraft. Ground Supplies provides options for "External Power" (GPU) Power A - Power B and "High and Low pressure air" to start the engines and provide ventilation/air-conditioning while on the ground. But as noted there are no external physical GPU units, Chocks however are shown.
 
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 A339neo has been configured correctly for the BetterPushBack use, so it works extremely well here. Note in watching the pushback operation on the ECAM!
 
DEICING...  You can do a "Quick" De-Ice, or use the "Animated" De-Ice Trucks for the full around the aircraft service
 
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 (or move) the aircraft you have to then (constantly and annoyingly) reset all the doors back to your AUTO preference state, as the default auto setting will always switch on command, that said you can now assign a command to OPEN all doors, set doors to AUTO, or to CLOSE all doors, all by your key commands, and yes I'm very happy!
 
Their are PAX STAIRS on 1L, 2L and 4L Doors, CATERING TRUCKS on 1R, 2R and 4R, and animated "Baggage Loaders" on both FWD and AFT Cargo hatches.
 

 
FAULT SCENARIOS
The A339neo has a great failure system, or Fault Scenarios. These failures can be set up on the ISCS Panel. This feature is listed under the "FAULT SCENERIOS" tab.
 
You can have a total random setting that covers a wide range of 90 faults over eighteen systems in "less" or "more" than "100 Flights", or you can set your own failure with the options including: NOW, AT Time, AT IAS (Speed), AT ALT (set altitude) or RANDOM, Also is the point of failure in Take-Off, Climb, Cruise, Descent, Landing and Flight...    and you can set as many failures as you like.
 

 
SOUNDS ADDONS
Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) provides the sounds for ToLiss aircraft, but you can default back to the X-Plane default sound volumes if you wish in controlling a MASTER, INTERNAL and EXTERNAL volume. You can also set the COMPONENT VOLUME in; Engine Vol, System Vol, Cockpit Sounds, Environment, Ground Contact (CNTCT) and Aural Alerts, 3D Sound Fading will silence the PTU and Flap sounds in the cockpit.
 
If you ADD ON any third party ADDONs then they will be shown here. This Sound TAB used to be part of the "General Settings" TAB, but now a dedicated page for these options.
 

 
JOYSTICK ACTIONS
Joystick Configuration selections options cover the "Primary Joystick" with Deadband adjustment, Joystick Roll For NWS (No/Auto/Yes), that replaces the earlier NWS (NoseWheel Steering) on/off, "Rudder To Tiller IN VR", Enable "Second Joystick" with Deadband Adjustment 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 Assigned" (with Tiller centre setting). "Pedal Brakes Assignment" with brake strength (slider), Smart Park Brake, Allow Brake on One Pedal.
 
Throttle Configuration can use keys "F1/F2 Toggle reversers" (I use the joystick trigger!), "Smart THR Idle Lock" and "Rev on Same Axis".
You can set (via sliders) both the "CL Detent Location" (Climb) and "MCT Detent Location" (Maximum Continuous Thrust).
Under ACTIONS there are two options of "Jump To Next WP" (Waypoint, and an "Auto-Pause" with four choices; OFF, ON WARNINGS, ON WARN + CAUT, and ON WARN/CAUT/TOD.
 
The "Auto-Pause feature allows automatic pausing of the simulation, if:
A master warning is triggered (e.g. due to AP disconnect) A master warning or a master caution are triggered. (Any system fault) A master warning or caution is triggered, or the aircraft has passed the T/D, i.e. has entered the DESCENT phase.  
You can SAVE all the TAB page choices at the bottom.
 

 
ACCOUNT SETTING
As noted this was the earlier "General Settings" TAB, but the Sounds section has been moved to TAB 5, and the "Account Ids" has been added from the old "Sound/Addon/Accounts" TAB. The (New) "Account Settings" TAB has five sections in: "Product Info", "Account Ids", "Startup Behaviour", "User Interface" and "Miscellaneous".
 
Product Info (Information) covers the current build number and version (very Airbus), and License ID
 
Accounts Ids; if you want to use the ACARS function for flight plan download, you can put your SimBrief pilot ID into the field “SimBrief ID”. Important note: This is a pure number, not your SimBrief Email address. You can find this number on the Simbrief Website, under “Dispatch / Account settings” and then in the Simbrief data tab under “Pilot ID”. Simbrief options incude;
Ignore AIRAC/AC Type mismatch: If this option is OFF, the flight plan download will fail if the active AIRAC cycle in the FMGS does not match the AIRAC cycle used by Simbrief for planning.
Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief: If you select this option, the cargo, payload and fuel on board in the ISCS will be set immediately to the Simbrief values. Always use SimBrief winds: If this option is selected, any wind request in the FMGS will take the wind data from the Simbrief plan HOPPIE CPDLC LOGON option
The option “Auto Execute handovers” allows to switch to the next ATC station automatically upon receiving the “handover” command from your current ATC station without having to notify the new ATC station.
ATIS Source; VATSIM of PILOTEDGE
 
Startup Behaviour sets the aircraft to a certain startup situation; "Default Baro" in either HPA or InHG (note you can also have the choice to SYNC or adjust manually the separate PFD Baros). Set your own default "Transition Altitude" (Slider). You can "Start with Bright Displays" (ON/OFF).
 
User Interface is options on how you interact with the aircraft. Options include: "Pop-out windows for Pop-ups" and you can save your setup "Pop-Up configuration on Quit" (Cockpit builders).
 
Miscellaneous The "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 A339 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. "Cache Routes only on Startup" prevents the plugin from checking for changes to your fms flight plan files during the flight. The "Enable AviTab Tablet" option has been removed, making the tablets now part of the cockpit furniture. You can again save all "Preferences and Default Values"
 
Interactive Audio Control Panel (IACP)
There is another menu access system situated on the Radio Panel, called the "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP). This feature gives you finger access to an item in a more pop-up accessible form...  two options available are INT and CAB or INT which has five ground communication tabs; SERVICES, PUSHBACK, FUEL/DEFUEL, CARGO HANDLING and DEICING...
 


 
...  second IACP option is CAB selection that covers Cabin interaction; DOORS, PASSENGERS and CABIN LIGHTING...
 

 
ACARS - Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System
ToLiss aircraft comes with the ACARS function, used as noted earlier with the CPDLC. But it has another function here in the ability to download the FlightPlan from Navigraph's Simbrief. The tool was introduced on the ToLiss Airbus A340-600 v1.1, since then also updated to the rest of the ToLiss fleet (A319/A321/A32N) and so it is a big feature in the A323neo as well. A full tutorial in how to use it was covered in Airbus A340-600 v1.1 by ToLiss...
 
SimBrief
Remember that you have to complete your SimBrief Pilot ID in the ISCS (SOUND/ADDON/ACCOUNTS). Then the "Data" link has to be opened by pressing the COMMS VHF 3 button the Radio panel. Also important is to set the "Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief", option ON, if not you will have to set up the aircraft fuel and weight options separately.
 

 
Then complete and generate your SimBrief flight profile, note you use the Aircraft Type A339, for NEO, not the A330. Our route today is VS - Virgin Atlantic VS338 from EGLL (Heathrow Lon) to KCTL (Charlotte US).
 
Lighting-Interior
Again ToLiss has come a long way in designing the interior lighting since the early days. The lighting setup is now all comprehensive to the standard Airbus system. Panel downlights are far better, brighter, but still non-visible in the daylight. But the individual instrument displays and INTEG lighting is now very good and on class for this price range.
 

 
There are three overhead spotlights for centre console, and two reading lights, but the reading lights (although adjustable) are not that strong in lighting the pilots seats. You can darken down the instrument panel nicely for dark takeoffs and landings, to which I am grateful. There is even a separate lighting switch for the compass, very nice touch.
 

 
There are three DOME states (DIM-BRT-STORM), but they won't work unless to switch on the CTL switch to the left.
 

 
Lighting-Interior
Cabin lighting is bright, but thankfully adjustable on the IACP panel, but there is no separated lighting for the galleys. The cabin lighting is set in a percentage % shown here is OFF, 8%, 16% and 30%....  above 40% is too bright.
 


 
But there is also a cabin lighting option on the A/C + SIM CONFIG page with the selection of "USE LIT TEX FOR CABIN LIGHTING", this option creates the current "Airspace by Airbus” mood lighting with blur textures on the ceiling and just down-lighting, very nice it is, the rear Galley thankfully stays full bright in this "TEX" mode, so it all works very well.
 

 
Exterior - Lighting
External lighting is excellent. Navigation, Beacon and Strobes are perfect, twin wing(Ice) lights are also well done. Tail light works, but only when the flaps are not set to zero as per Airbus rules. Internal view on the Ice/wing lights are excellent, and keep the cabin lights down to avoid the liner effect.
 

 
There are Taxi, RWY Turnoff lights and the Main Landing lights
 

___________________
 
Flying the A330neo
Typical moody muggy London day...  I set up the A339 the night before, so when ready to go (or if I wanted to do the same LON - CTL route again it is already saved and ready) with the excellent "SAVE SITUATION" feature. So all I have to do is call pushback. There is a choice, the built in Pushback tool, or BetterPushBack which I prefer.
 

 
Now in the pushbacked position it is time to start the "Trents". Engine No.1 is first, notable is that the A330neo start procedure is opposite of the A320 (No.2 start), the No.1 engine is usually started first because its EDP (Engine Driven Pump) drives the blue system, which in turn powers the parking brake (and alternate). BLEED ON (APU running), and select ING/START, both packs (air conditioning) are AUTO in these latest Airbus aircraft, so the switching of the PACKS is done for you unlike the Boeing manual system.
 
Then it is the simple operation to flick up the No.1 Engine switch under the throttle quadrant. The full start procedure is shown on the (ECAM) which will display the engine start indications. You get the full timed parameters, N2 (core speed) increases to around 20%–25% N2. Then the engine fuel flow will begin, and the Ignition will engage automatically, N1 (fan speed) will start to increase as the engine spools up, and you will wait for stable idle...   this typically happens around 58% N2 and 20% N1. When Engine No.1 is done then the same startup procedure is then with Engine No.2. Both engines running to parameters, then turn off the IGN/START and shutdown the APU
 

 
Set Flaps (1+F), timer, and SPLRS (Spoilers) ARMED, you can check if the TO CONFIGURATION is correct by pressing the TO CONFIG button lower console menu, any errors are then shown.
 

 
Sounds...   very good, if you get really close? the Trent 7000 is super quiet, and nothing, not a sound of it in the cockpit. But they are good quality sounds, right from the engine startup procedure to the running of the engines and APU, you can adjust the aural balances in the ISCS.
 

 
Power up, brakes off and your moving...  The ToLiss Tiller Steering is very authentic to the aircraft, but tricky to master. It is far slower to turn than your inputs, so there is delay between moving the tiller and the turning action, it can make you over reach thinking it is not turning below, it is "really slow" so you have to adapt to it. The trick is to not taxi too fast, the slower you go, the easier it is to turn, go too fast and you will lose control and slide with the front wheels at the wrong angle burning friction...
 

 
But I love the heavy 220,706 kg TO weight of the A339, you feel it and respond to the mass around you, a good sign of a great simulation.
 

 
A standard departure, but this one is with a difference...  I now have a HUD feature to help with the takeoff!
 

 
There is now no need to half your screen, bottom the instruments, upper the window. Instead you have everything you need right in the middle of the window without looking down. At first you will think it would be just the basic PFD instruments, Speed and Altitude Tapes, Artificial Horizon, V/S (Vertical Speed), Rate of Turn, Baro, Wind, and Compass. They are all there obviously.
 

 
But as you initiate items, like Throttle modes (Including FLEX), SRS (Speed Reference System), NAV, FD (Flight Director) and A/THR, then they all show up, obviously the speed bugs are on there as well...  162 + 10 Knots and rotate, "Positive Climb"
 

 
The Flight Director indicators of inputs for pitch and roll are shown, with your FD target position to aim for, it is all very comprehensive.
 

 
  Gear up. You don't have to look at the Gear indicators either as there is a definite "thump, thump, thump" of the gear locking into place.
 

 
Gear retraction (and extraction) is first rate. Typically the A339 climbs at a rate of around 2,000 to 3,000 feet per minute (fpm), depending on the weight of the aircraft, weather conditions, and engine thrust settings. It is a bit of a bumpy ride through the low cloud base, but then you are free.
 

 
Without doubt the HUD is very dramatic, obviously not the first HUD arrangement in X-Plane, but unique for the ToLiss, the trick here is the amount of quality data detail provided on the screen, it looks and feels very professional in operation on a Airliner.
 

 
The maximum altitude for the A330-941 is around 41,000 feet (FL410), but the typical cruise altitude for long-haul flights is between 33,000 and 39,000 feet. With a maximum range of the A330-941 of approximately 7,200 nautical miles (13,334 kilometers). The Airbus A330-800 has a slighter longer range of approximately 8,150 nautical miles (15,094 kilometers). But the loss of range is made up by the extra capacity of seats 406 passengers for the A338 to the 440 passengers for the A339 depending on the cabin configuration.
 

 
We are coming up on the "North Atlantic Track" (NAT) a network of predefined routes that change daily based on weather patterns, jet streams, and traffic demand. The tracks are updated daily by the Shanwick (UK) and Gander (Canada) Oceanic Control Areas (OCAs). Pilots file flight plans based on these routes. There is an entry point (RESNO) and an exit point (JANJO) on this track, in-between are a sets of co-ordinates defined by latitude and longitude, but they have there own special input code or setting to program the Co-Ords into the MCDU system. The Co-Ordinates 56°0'0.0"N 020°0'0.0"W is converted to 56N040W for input (Simbrief does it automatically).
 

 
There is also the "Organized Track System" (OTS) another series of tracks connecting different oceanic waypoints across the North Atlantic. It helps manage the flow of aircraft flying between Europe and North America. These tracks are designated as “Track A,” “Track B,” etc., depending on the day’s configuration. There is also "Random Route Navigation, outside the NAT system, for some aircraft who may use “random routes” based on their specific flight plans and preferred wind patterns. These random routes also follow oceanic waypoints and require frequent reports to the Oceanic Centres.
 

 
As noted you can insert your SimBrief route and data directly into the MCDU, you just have to fill in your TO Prefs (TakeOff Preferences) on the TO PERF page to complete the setup from the ISCS. FUEL PRED (Prediction) is excellent and found under FUEL PRED button. I rarely use the Airbus Style PROG (Progress) as it is not at all as good as the Boeing tool, so I mostly rely on the PERF selections for each phase of the flight.
 

 
EQUI - TIME POINT is also available, found under DATA lower RK6. ETP (Equal Time Point), which is basically the point at which it'll take a shorter time to continue to the next suitable diversion airfield than to turn back to the last one. Mostly used on ETOPS routes and over oceans for diversion actions.
 
The A330-941 being a Twin-Engined aircraft is governed by ETOPS or "Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards", so we are using a very Northern NAT Track. ETOPS is a certification and regulatory term used in aviation that allows twin-engine aircraft to fly on routes that are farther from a diversion airport than what would be allowed under standard regulations. ETOPS regulations allow twin-engine aircraft to operate over remote areas, such as oceans or polar regions, where a suitable alternate airport might be more than 60 minutes away under normal twin-engine rules. The A339 is certified for ETOPS-180 as a standard, which allows it to fly up to 180 minutes (3 hours) from the nearest suitable diversion airport in the event of a single-engine failure. The A330neo can also be certified for ETOPS 285, which extends the range to 285 minutes (4 hours and 45 minutes). And there is (Potential Certification) for ETOPS 330 by some airlines, which would allow the aircraft to operate up to 330 minutes (5 hours and 30 minutes) away from a diversion airport. This is beneficial for ultra-long-haul routes where alternative airports may be sparse, such as over polar regions or the southern Pacific Ocean.
 

 
Atlantic route crossings are always a great scrutiny of the X-Plane weather (besides looking out of the window). For years the view up here at altitude was not great even noted as dismal, but with X-Plane 12 we have had a focus on this important role in Simulation... X-Plane 12.1.0 delivered the final piece of the jigsaw in delivering those higher Cirrus cloud formations, storms as well. But I have done a few tracks over the Atlantic over the year, it was good before, but there seems to be a little more backroom tinkering over the last few XP12 updates, the view out now is quite spectacular, Cumulonimbus is all in their glory.
 

 
Sitting in the rear is very nice, the sounds are very good, with a differential difference between sitting behind the engine or in front of it, sounds are of course 360º dynamic, but the cockpit is a far quieter place. The Camera backseat screens are not really useful, maybe on takeoff or landing, but other wise blank(ish), the live front video also uses up framerate? so be glad you can turn the feature off.
 

 
But it's nice and serene on the flightdeck, with only the "Trim Tank" flashing away now and again in telling you it is doing it's job
 

 
You may be thinking? why London to Charlotte, North Carolina. It's an odd route? But you have to understand the routes that the A330neo is built for, not the mainline point to point like London to New York, Boston or Washington in this context. But for those long thin routes, making connections outside of the major hubs, it varies your flying as well, gives you a more interesting palette of destinations to chose from, and so you are also thinking outside the usual box.
 

 
The remnants of Hurricane Milton are still hanging around North Carolina, dirty, black and low. Approach into Charlotte-Douglas KCTL is via STAR MAJIC4 into Rwy 18L. It is an easy approach from the north, but the weather is a bit tricky.
 

 
The Tablet LDG PREFs are now reset (Compute) as we have burnt off the fuel, and shown are the new calculated landing differences, The Rwy ILS (IVKQ 110.35mHz) is now also active, you can't insert the frequency until you are within the 100nm area, the ILS ICAO code will show when you select the PFD "LS" ILS ribbons to say that approach is now active. Approach Phase is also now activated in the MCDU.
 

 
At GIZMO you track right to CAVVI on the chart for the turn into 183º directly into CTL (Charlotte). HUD is back in operation, so no look downs are now required, you can just focus ahead...
 

 
...   CAVVI and it is a hard bank left.
 

 
The ToLiss A339 looks and feels great, the approach flying can be as automated or as manual as you want, both aspects work extremely well here, but mostly the auto modes are excellent. Once you select APP then the data shows up on the HUD, both AP1 and AP2 can be selected here for a DUAL CAT 3 Approach.
 

 
Gear down, and an increase of wind noise as it lowers, and the same satisfying "thunk, thunk,thunk" of the Tri-Gear locking into place.
 

 
Glideslope data (G/S and LOC) are now displayed in the HUD, note the target runway outlined centre.
 

 
The runway target increases as you approach...
 

 
...  then disappears when you go into the LAND phase, giving you a clear view of the threshold.
 

 
After LAND mode you go into FLARE mode...  "Retard, Retard"
 

 
Nice "touch", then the full reverser and airbrakes to slow you down, reverser power sounds are excellently loud, so was the gear touch feel (you can adjust this aspect)... 
 

 
...  you have to skillful on the rudder pedals and tip-toe brakes to get a clean centre line roll-out, certainly on a damp runway...  but that is were the piloting skills come in.
 

 
A tight runway exit around taxiway C2, I have sort of mastered the slow tiller...  sort of?
 

 
With the A330-941neo now cleaned up (even the HUD put away), it is a long taxi to Concourse D (International) along taxiway C. Bay D10 is waiting, and I am ready to shutdown, 8h55m is a long flight, but the ToLiss A339 is a dream to fly for these long -haul thin routes, brilliant Simulation, great investment.
 

 
Liveries
You get four liveries with the package; ToLiss House, and three Airbus branded in; First Flight, "Airspace" and "Foundation (10 Years)"
 

 
Again to note the RR Logo is branded as "Gliding Kiwi", to offset any legal affairs and patent licensing.
 
There is a Paintkit available, and already the painters are churning out quality liveries, I'll note a few early ones here including the Condor Package, Cebu Pacific, Garunda, and Virgin Atlantic.
 

____________________
Summary
ToLiss was the part of the 2009 original collaboration with QPAC to create the first X-Plane A320 simulation with realistic Airbus Flight Control Laws, and automated cockpits. Since then the developer has gone on to creating the very best Airbus aircraft for the X-Plane Simulator, with the A319-112, the A321-231, A340-600 and the Airbus A320neo. The choice here of the Airbus A330neo (New Engine Option) is not really a big surprise, but on how good this A339 is the surprise.
 
Modeling and design is very good, but early ToLiss didn't have the extensive extreme quality you can now expect in this category, but with a change of a modeller a few years back, now in every area the detail and quality is highly improved, better again here and now showing a maturity that wasn't there earlier, that said, the missing hydraulic lines on the undercarriage are a bit of an oversight, but the excellent Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines makes up for that aspect...  add in then matching the high quality Airbus Official systems and for the excellent flying feedback of the aircraft. This ToLiss is absolutely the best, or better of it's category and class.
 
System wise the ToLiss A339 is the best in X-Plane (all ToLiss Airbus aircraft are), with all the Airbus Flight Laws and Protections highly intergrated, with the authentic engine control laws. If you want to fly the automated Airbus you can, but if you want to dig deeper into the "Study" aspect of Airbus Philosophy. Then that aspect is also very highly available here, so both Pro's and Newcomers to the Airbus way of aviation can be easily satisfied here.
 
Both cockpit and cabin are excellent, new textures are in the cockpit and the cabin look and feel is a step up from the earlier releases. The A33-941 comes with a few new features. Head of the feature list is the HUD (Head Up Display), fully intergrated with full data graphics, it is a bonus to landing and takeoff procedures. D-RAIMS -Digital Radio and Audio Integrating management system, ROPS (Runway overrun protection System) and ATSAW (Air Traffic Situational Awareness) are all new to ToLiss, with the No Smoking sign changed to Portable Devices. Sounds are by Turbine Sound Studios, very good but not that extreme BSS quality.
 
The ACARS function is fully intergrated with the CPDLC system , but really only available to on-line fliers with the HOPPIE network, but very good it is.
 
The ToLiss ISCS - "Interactive Simulation Control System" is far more than a menu, it provides tools and options that are truly remarkable. The LOAD/SAVE Situation tool is a godsend for any Simmer... saving perfect situations to return ready for flight or even an unexpected simulator crash, I was back up and flying perfectly in minutes after a bad scenery crash, this shows the tool's peerless power.
 
SimBrief intergration can load in the "Full" data brief into the aircraft's systems, another huge time saver. Fault Scenerios are also excellent as are aircraft configurations. AUTO-PAUSE, this feature allows the user to leave the computer during a flight to do a pause in three alert scenerios. The ISCS is also now available on the side Tablets with AviTab. Notable is that all the above new features will gradually transfer to other ToLiss aircraft, but you can now use them here first.
 
New to ToLiss on the A320neo were the ground equipment, here also on the A330neo are the Baggage Loaders and Catering Trucks, and the sensational animated De-Icing Trucks and here we have stairs on all left doors. Opening Side Windows and the Electronic Flight Bag EFB tools for WGT-BAL, TO PERF, LDG PERF, and extensive built in CHECKLIST and as noted now the ISCS are all on the tablet. The "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP) has also been extended to include both Ground and Cabin tabs with excellent cabin lighting adjustment.
 
Commands for the AUTO doors has made me happy, the difficult tiller steering is however a learning curve, and there is still no physical ground GPUs? but the niggles are very few.
 
The list can obviously go on, and on...  but notable is the X-Plane 12 version in using the X-Plane features, an X-Plane 11 version is included in the package, but that would takeaway a lot of the dynamics and the immense fun this aircraft has to offer by using the X-Plane 12 environment.
 
"Peerless" is the word I would use here, "Transcendent" is another. If you want Airbus Aircraft in the X-Plane Simulator, then there is only one place to go to...  ToLiss, and again they deliver another excellent aircraft with tons of real useful features in the Airbus A330neo. Certainly a great if brilliant investment, the features alone are worth the money, but with everything else... 
 
...  It's unparalleled simulation, and Highly Recommended!
________________
 

 
Yes! - the Airbus A330-941 neo by Toliss is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org :
 
Airbus A330-900neo
Price is US$89.99
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended for XP12 Not for commercial use. For any commercial use enquiries, please contact [email protected] Download Size: 1.2 GB Version 1.0. (October 19th 2024)   Fully Featured Detailed FMGS: 3 independent MCDUs providing real life FMGS programming capability 2 independent autopilots SID/STAR and airways support in a fully custom FMGS backbone supporting all A424 leg types (Arc, course or heading to intercept, Radius to Fix, Holdings, etc.) Support for all approach types present in real life A340-600s, including GLS, ILS, LOC backcourse, etc. Full VNAV guidance with TOC, TOD, Deceleration point, speed limits, fuel prediction, etc. Altitude and speed constraints as the real aircraft deals with them Support for Go-Arounds and diversions Nav Aid autotuning Pilot item database, such as pilot fixes, pilot navaids etc. Flight plan saving via the Pilot routes page Equitime point computation and nearest airports page Accurate systems: Fly-by-wire system with reversion between normal law and alternate law 1, alternate law 2 and direct law as per real life logics. Hydraulic model for flight control actuators computing hydraulic flow through the actuators, the control surface hinge moment, maximum feasible deflection etc. This gives realistic surface floating angles if a control surface is lost due to combinations of hydraulic and computer faults. Quantitative hydraulic model considering the maximum hydraulic flows of the different pumps as a function of engine speed. This is most noticeable when flying on RAT or with wind milling engines Quantitative bleed model considering the bleed mass flow for engine start, wing anti-ice air conditioning packs etc. High fidelity fuel system including inflight CG control by pumping fuel to and from the tail tank, fuel jettison, manual and automatic transfers between the different tanks Detailled model of each ADIRU including alignment, small pressure sensor differences between the units, switching of sources for PFDs Fault injection system allowing to trigger over 140 system faults either at a specific point in flight or randomly during a flight phase Cockpit display system simulating the dependency of the displays on the Display management computers resulting in real life display limitations ECAM system with over 30 warning and over 200 caution messages including associated ECAM actions. 3d modelling Detailed 3d cockpit with animated switches Mouse gesture system for interaction with push-pull knobs emulating the motion on the knob with the mouse Detailed cockpit lighting with reading lights, console light, tray table lights etc. 4 class passenger cabin with underfloor lavatories and crew rest Custom particle effects for engine heat trail, Fuel jettison etc. Custom landing gear model for bogey touch down. 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 X-Plane 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 Adjustable Wingflex via a slider in the ISCS Possibility to turn the screen reflections on and off Auto-updater by Skunkcraft Included   Installation Download of the Airbus A339 is 1.08Gb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 1.85Gb 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 totally restart the aircraft from your desktop to realign all your plugins and load the aircraft cleanly.     AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft The Skunkcraft Updater is provided for updates   Documents There are Three Manuals Included with the package. All are extensive and well laid out with great details   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. 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.  
ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_AircraftManual.pdf ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_SimulationManual.pdf ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_Tutorial ____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Sound-Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2rc4
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- EGLL - London Heathrow International Airport by Taimodels (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.00
- KCLT- Charlotte Douglas International Airport UHD by Nimbus Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95
____________________________
 
Review by Stephen Dutton
18th October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

Aircraft Review : Airbus A330-941neo by ToLiss
 
The story of the Airbus A330 Series is an odd airline history of being not what the Airlines actually wanted, but always came back to the aircraft to be used as a mainstay of their fleets. Created in tandem with the Airbus A340, it shares the same fuselage and flight deck layout, with the A340 being four engines, wereas the A330 has only two . The standard A340-500 had a range of 9,000nm, the A330-300 a range of 6,350nm. But the A340 went into service on the cusp of ETOPs (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) that favoured the Twin-Engine aircraft like the Boeing 777, later A350 and Boeing 787. So the four-engines became too expensive to run, so didn't sell well of the only 377 aircraft delivered. The A330 Series however has 1,600 aircraft delivered. A330 family found success with full-service airlines, low-cost carriers and even cargo operators, thanks to its versatility...  but it was still a bumpy road in getting there.
 
Then suddenly the A330 series found fame. With the long entry into service of the Boeing Dreamliner 787, then you couldn't buy a A330 for the love or money, as bigger Full Service Airlines were now paying above cost to acquire them to fill in with their fleet requirements. It is that sort of aircraft.
 
The Airbus A330neo or "New Engine Option" was a reaction to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which offered airlines superior fuel efficiency and range, making it a strong competitor in the long-haul twin-engine market. The A330neo program was launched in July 2014. The A330neo achieves a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat on a typical long-haul flight compared to the A330ceo (current engine option) models, with the 25% improvement achieved when considering fuel per seat in specific configurations and high-density seating. This helps airlines also reduce operating costs and emissions. Besides the new highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines the A330neo incorporates sharklet wing extensions which reduce drag and enhance the overall aerodynamic efficiency, like with the A350 XWB to achieve it's efficiency goals. Again it has been the odd operators rather than the Full Service Airlines that are currently buying the A330neo, only Delta and TAP and Virgin Atlantic that have been the major Full Service players. Again with the unreliability of the Dreamliner 787, it again has customers now looking at this not only in the long range aspect, but also very versatile in the domestic operations services.
 
Toliss has no peers with Airbus Aircraft in the X-Plane Simulator. The Journey started as the QPAC A320, then under the Toliss brand, came the A319, A321, the large A340-600 then lately the A320neo. To release the A330-941 in a "neo" guise was no really no surprise after the A340 and A320neo products. 
 

 
First impressions of the A339 are extremely good. Airbus aircraft are pretty modern and therefore doesn't have a lot of the external character like a 60's or 70's design, it is all very clean and polished in design. And that can be hard without slipping into bland for a modeller, but here it is the right balance, as ToLiss has come a long way in this area, and their products are now more refined and better put together.
 

 
You can certainly see the maturity and experience coming in, the rear window upline is really well done, as is the aluminum alloys in the fuselage construction, held together with a very substantial littering of rivets...  so the detail is excellent. The A330neo uses the same construction techniques as the A350, with aluminum alloys which provides the strength and rigidity while keeping the aircraft lightweight in the main fuselage. And also uses composites in certain sections, such as the fairings, wingtips and some parts of the empennage (tail section), it's a balanced approach rather than the Boeing B787 fully composite design.
 

 
Antennas shown here cover both Gogo’s 2Ku technology, which is a dual-antenna system that enhances the signal strength, ensuring better speed and consistency for passengers. Internally Gogo is connected to Panasonic Avionics for the best inflight Wi-Fi connectivity
 

 
Cockpit windows come with the raccoon mask style are very good, and have nice tinted glass. Wipers are good as well, far better than the clunky earlier ToLiSS ideas. There are two fully dressed pilots shown in the external view, and quality looking pilots they both are.
 

 
Door detail is also very good and the text detail is all readable, the side widows are also nicely done, and the glass is in there, but looks holey from a few angles. The Cargo doors are all animated (lock levers as well) and internally the cargo holds are all well detailed.
 

 
You can see the far better aerodynamic design than the A330ceo, smoother in the inboard and a thinner wing. The wingspan of the A330neo is 64 meters (210 feet), which is an increase over the older model’s 60.3 meters. This larger wingspan helps generate more lift and contributes to the improved efficiency of the aircraft. Wing detail here in replicating the newer design is very good and highly realistic, with the nice wing lighting assembly which are also well done.
 

 
The Airbus A330neo uses the fowler flap design, and extended it is well done in the detail, more so is the inner detailing of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems, again showing the extra detailing now associated with ToLiss designs.
 

 
The refined  sharklets on the A330neo contributes to up to 14% better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the previous generation A330ceo, and nicely intergated the sharklets are skillfully done here.
 

 
Highlight here is the ginormous Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, which is 112-inch (2.85 meters) in fan diameter. Making it significantly larger than the fan on the previous-generation Trent 700 engine. It has a bypass ratio of 10:1, meaning that for every unit of air passing through the engine core (where combustion happens), 10 units of air pass around the engine core. So the 7000 is significantly quieter in operations, and has lower CO2 and NOx emissions, so you get a 4% reduction in fuel burn per seat with an Increased thrust and power for the A330neo’s larger size and higher takeoff weight. The ToLiss RR Trent 7000 is excellent, nicely modeled and love the rear copper exhaust cone and the burnt nacelle. Note the RR Logo is branded as "Gliding Kiwi", to offset any legal affairs and patent licensing.
 
 
 
Thrust reverser action and internal detail is excellent, and a big shout-out to Emma Bentley for the excellent A339 Virgin Atlantic livery seen here.
 
The A339 has a tricycle-Type Landing Gear with a one nose landing gear (NLG) twin-wheel bogie, and the two main landing gears (MLG) in a dual-bogie configuration. They are constructed using high-strength materials like steel and titanium, with carbon brakes, which offer excellent heat dissipation and wear resistance. The design here is very very good, as the Oleo cylinder and Oleo piston which are really well designed, as is the downlock and drag brace.
 

 
The Axle-beam assembly is also excellent...   but there is something overall missing? the strut hydraulic piping is not on either the nose-gear or the mains? the piping can be seen in the wheel wells, but it doesn't come any further down the assembly. Tyres are good, but come with a few shapely lines, but the wheel hubs are authentic to the A330 Series.
 

 
The A339 uniquely uses a sophisticated shock absorption system, which has oleo-pneumatic struts (a combination of gas and hydraulic fluid) to absorb the impact of landings and to absorb the extra weight of the A330neo.
 
All doors are animated in the three ToLiss modes, AUTO, OPEN and CLOSED, with still the AUTO as default. Not my favorite ToLiss feature as they open when you want closed, or closed when you want open, so you have to go around the menu to reset every door to manual (that is ELEVEN doors folks), but there is now a door option...   you can assign a command to OPEN all doors, set doors to AUTO, or to CLOSE all doors, all by your key commands, hallelujah to all that.
 

 
Stairs are available on passenger doors 1L, 2L and 4L...  on passenger doors 1R, 2R and 4R are the catering service vehicles, and there are baggage loaders on the Fwd and Aft Cargo doors, Chocks are available on all bogies.
 

 
The De-Icing trucks introduced on the ToLiss A320neo are here as well. They come and de-ice the wings and engine, then move to de-ice the rear elevators and rudder, it's still all very clever in operation, but the operations has been reduced a little, now it only takes around ten minutes, rather than the long slog of 23 minutes on the A320neo...  there is an instant de-ice option available as well.
 

 
Cabin

 
ToLiss cabins have usually been very functional, but modeling wise a bit standard. But there has also been a growing confidence in the detailing. This A330neo is the best ToLiss cabin to date. It is the mooted "Airspace by Airbus” which is designed to offer a modern and comfortable experience for passengers while also providing airlines with flexibility in cabin configurations.
 

 
It is a very nice cabin layout, if slightly "Greyish" in tone, but the detailing is nice and the signage readable.
 
There are two cabin configurations. Forward is a First/Business cabin layout. Certainly the best ToLiss cabin in quality, it is all very nicely designed. Screens show two A330neo images or the nose camera, switchable from the cockpit. There are 6 rows of 4 abreast cabins.
 

 
Mid-deck and rear cabin is all economy seating, they are BIG cabins...   with some nice detail were the rear cabin tapers into the tail.
 

 
Seat frames and certainly the seat materials are again a step up for ToLiSS, more quality and detail, head rests are now inprinted with "ToLiSS" and it looks very nice. Centre sections are well detailed, so overall a nice modern cabin. Notable is there is a lot of "ToLiSS" branding in here, signs on the wall, images and even more branding on the seat back screens...   showing confidence!
 

 
There are three galleys. Forward for the A Listers, then Mid-Deck and a large Economy galley layout at the rear.
 

 

 
Cockpit-Cold
There is no shock when entering the A330neo flightdeck. It looks just like a normal A330, so not much change in here from the ceo to the neo versions.
 

 
If you expecting dramatic changes then they are not visible in here. That is good, really good as there is nothing new here to translate to, so you will feel very familiar very quickly with everything. But there are however a few things that are different, or presented as clever new features as we shall see. Rear has a third seat and a jumpseat to the right rear. Detail is very good, with a wardrobe (and hangars) portable oxygen and avionics bay.
 

 
Overhead panel (OHP) and Console wouldn't feel out of place on an A320, Airbus layouts are all so familiar.
 

 
Cockpit - Powered (Hot)
Switch on the power, and you get the full Airbus system start up procedure, all the systems will "self-test" for 40sec, and even the MCDUs (Multi-function Control and Display Unit) and CPDLC displays will also flash on and off as they also self-test, it is all very good...
 

 
The system will settle down to the active mode, but with no navigation alignment. The quality of ToLiss aircraft are their deep systems and procedures, this is what you pay for, and they really deliver that Airbus system study intergration.
 

 
ADIRU (Air Data Inertial Reference Unit) alignment is 7min, again a very exact procedure of the navigation setup of the system (you can do an instant Nav alignment if you want to).
 


 
X-Plane 12 does make the display text look a little blobby, so you need to lower the display lighting to minimise the effect, but there a lot of panel lighting adjustments to do, plus you can also adjust the screen background glow effect, this also includes the MCDUs.
 
All the displays pop-out, including the Integrated Standby Instrument System (ISIS) and both MCDUs.
 

 
Early ToLiss aircraft were not really known for their animations (toys!). But there are quite a few now included to enjoy. There is the slide-out table for both pilots, and the forward window blinds can be dropped down.
 

 
The side windows can be opened...
 

 
...   and the seats are power animated to move forwards and backwards for entry, all the seat armrests can also be folded.
 

 
Seat design, materials are also far better than in the early days, it is a nice quality detailed cockpit now.
 

 
Any new ToLiss release comes with some really nice new features, and almost everything noted here will usually flow over on to the other ToLiss aircraft over the next period of updates, but you get them here first.
 
HUD (Head Up Display)
The biggest new feature (X-Plane 12 only) is the Head Up Display. I'm not overall a big user of HUDs, but this one is based on the new Laminar feature, and very, very good it is. We won't see the full potential at this point, but will see that later in use. One note is that you can't adjust the HUD, meaning you have to adjust your visual distance to the HUD, and not the other way around.
 

 
Visual Primary Flight Display detail is excellent, and you can adjust the brightness and DECLUTTER the data via the panel on the glareshield.
 

 
Only tricky issue is finding the HUD lever to lower or raise it, as it is black on black, not so much when activating it, but in say after landing, and your hunting around for the lever to hide it? Don't want the HUD option, then you can remove it with a blank panel in front of you.
 
D-RAIMS -Digital Radio and Audio Integrating management system
Another new feature is D-RAIMS. This is a console panel that is a new introduction feature on Airbus Aircraft. It replaces the twin Radio Panel on the centre console.
 

 
The object of the new D-RAIMS panel is to intergrate three other separate panels into the one unit. That is the Radio, TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and the Transponder.
 

 
The D-RAIMS is really well replicated here as all the buttons are functional, but you will have to learn the new layout operations.
 
ROPS (Runway overrun protection System)
ROPS is an Airbus system designed to continuously calculate whether the aircraft can safely stop in the runway length remaining ahead of the aircraft. If at any point the system detects there is a risk of a runway overrun, flight deck alerts are generated to help the crew in their decision making.
It has four active elements...  "Landing Approach" as the aircraft approaches the runway, ROPS assesses the current speed, descent rate, and runway conditions. "Runway Monitoring" after touchdown (also Rejected Takeoff), the system continues to evaluate the aircraft’s deceleration and whether the remaining runway distance is sufficient to stop safely. "Pilot Alerts" if the system detects any risk of an overrun, it provides escalating alerts, prompting the pilots to take action, and "Feedback Loop" were the system updates continuously in real time, providing feedback based on the aircraft’s progress down the runway. The ROPS is shown on the PFD.
 

 
ATSAW (Air Traffic Situational Awareness)
Basically ATSAW is an expanded TCAS - Traffic Collision Avoidance System. ATSAW data is typically displayed on the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) or in the Airbus on the MAP/Navigation display, which shows the position of surrounding aircraft, their speed, and relative distance. Current In-Trail Procedures now also allow aircraft to safely follow each other at closer distances in cruise conditions.
 

 
Portable Devices
New (never seen before) is the signage change from "No Smoking" to "No Portable Devices". Yes it is an "about time" change. The signs here are on the cabin signs, the panel change of the old "No Smoking" Switch, and an alert display on the upper ECAM. It all looks very modern in asking you (politely) to "Please Turn Off Electronic Devices".
 

 
Avitab- EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)
Introduced on the A320neo are the two Avitabs situated on the sills of both sides of the cockpit...   if you have a Navigraph account, you can access the Navigraph Charts, tools and other features on the A339neo.
 

 
Besides the AviTab EFB there are now five tab options...   WGT-BALANCE, TO PERF, LDG (Landing), PERF, CHECKLIST and ISCS
 
W + B is your Weight and Balance sheet, it shows you your Weights, Centre of Gravity, Payload and Fuel with a load graph. TO PERF (TakeOff Performance) covers your takeoff configuration of which you can "COMPUTE" to create the TO data.
 

 
 
LDG  PERF (Landing Performance). Very similar to the TO PERF, but here you can "COMPUTE" your landing configuration and shown margins. (Ignore "OVERWEIGHT" as the LDG Prefs were computed at TO, not closer to the landing phase, so you are still full of fuel)
PRELIM CKPT PREP (Preliminary Cockpit Preparation) or a big set of words for Checklist. The Checklist is very good, green ticks are easy to use over 22 categories, easy to clear or reset as well via the lower "RESET" button.
 

 
ToLiss ISCS - Interactive Simulation Control System
A new TAB on the Tablet is the ISCS or "Interactive Simulation Control System", or putting the Menu also on the tablet.
 

 
The ToLiss Menu system is a bit more in depth than for just selecting SETTINGS, it is the heart of the ToLiss way of flying and using the aircraft. You can still access the ISCS via the banner "Plugins", menu, the other setting option is "Resume from last flight", we will look at that soon.
I usually also set the ISCS menu on a key command (key S), this makes the ISCS far more accessible and quick, plus the same set command works on any ToLiss aircraft.
 

 
If you fly ToLiss aircraft, you will be very familiar with the ISCS Menu system, however there are a few different changes in here, so again it could be noted as "the same, but different".
 
There are the eight ISCS tabs available covering: Startup Situations, A/C + Sim Config, Loading Perfo, Ground Services, Faults Scenerios, Addons, Sound/Actions, Joystick and the General Settings Actions. The TAB layout is now however slightly different, as the former first TAB has been split into two separate TABs of STARTUP SITUATIONS and A/C + SIM CONFIG.
 

 
STARTUP SITUATIONS
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 it 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 A339neo Aircraft folder...  
 
Simply 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 for Flight" mode, and so very helpful if you just want to come back and just fly, then you can save the aircraft situation ready that way...  it is just simply brilliant. The saved situations can be "Filtered" to find certain saved situations if the list is long (delete older saved situations as well). AUTO-SAVING time can be set from 1 Min to 30 Min, but every 5 Min is the best compromise, or reset your CURRENT_SITUATION if you again have a system or computer crash... Certainly ONE of the biggest features on the aircraft, if not the main feature overall.
 
STARTUP this TAB section is all new, and is split between "Quick" and "States". Quick is instant actions on Engine 1 Start, Engine 2 Start, APU Start and ADIRU Alignment. States are Engines Running, ADIRU + APU ON, External Power on, Cold + Dark and F/CTL Law Overide, you can set as a DEFAULT three items in ADIRU+APU, Ext Power and Cold+Dark, F/CTL can also be set as "Direct".
 

 
A/C + SIM CONFIG
Another new TAB selection, but you will find other actions from other previous TABS on this page, but mostly the settings here are all new.
 
SIMULATOR CONFIGURATION These settings are general settings, including the choice of seeing the ISCS in the Tablet, Sync Baro Sttings and Use FCU Mouse Gestures.
 
VISUAL SETTINGS include; Wing Flex Strength (Slider), Wing Flex from gear bumps (Slider), and (Instrument) Background Glow (Slider). Other options include; Remove Glass Reflections, Use LIT Tex (Textures) for Cabin Lighting, Show XP (X-Plane) Partical Effects, Inhibit Cabin Object (Hides cabin), and Inhibit Inseat Screens (Hides seat video screens). You can also set to refresh the PFD (Primary Flight Display) so many (X) cycles.
 
AIRCRAFT CONFIGURATION Here you can set up the aircraft configuration to your needs, options include; Use "Brake Fan", Has "D-RAIMS" system on the PFD, Imperial or Metric Units, Use the "HUD" (Head Up Display), HUD uses perfect data, and the ROW/ROPS (Runway overrun protection System) ON/OFF or AUTO
 
PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENTS Three items (Sliders) cover Aircraft Age, Engine Age, and if the Aircraft is NEW or OLD, you can save all the configurations and options on the page at the bottom.
 

 
LOADING PERFO
This tab covers the "Aircraft Loading" and "CG-CW", Payload, Passenger, Cargo and Fuel (Block Fuel) which all can be set, then added to the MCDU INIT B page values. Fuel loading can be "Quick" or "Slow" (Real Time). CG-GW Diagram gives you your Centre of Gravity and Gross Weight limits on a graph. TO PERFORMANCE settings can also be set here with vSpeeds, Centre of Gravity and Trim, Flex Temp and (Airconditioning) PACKS on.
 

 
GROUND SERVICES
This tab covers the external factors on the aircraft. Ground Supplies provides options for "External Power" (GPU) Power A - Power B and "High and Low pressure air" to start the engines and provide ventilation/air-conditioning while on the ground. But as noted there are no external physical GPU units, Chocks however are shown.
 
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 A339neo has been configured correctly for the BetterPushBack use, so it works extremely well here. Note in watching the pushback operation on the ECAM!
 
DEICING...  You can do a "Quick" De-Ice, or use the "Animated" De-Ice Trucks for the full around the aircraft service
 
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 (or move) the aircraft you have to then (constantly and annoyingly) reset all the doors back to your AUTO preference state, as the default auto setting will always switch on command, that said you can now assign a command to OPEN all doors, set doors to AUTO, or to CLOSE all doors, all by your key commands, and yes I'm very happy!
 
Their are PAX STAIRS on 1L, 2L and 4L Doors, CATERING TRUCKS on 1R, 2R and 4R, and animated "Baggage Loaders" on both FWD and AFT Cargo hatches.
 

 
FAULT SCENARIOS
The A339neo has a great failure system, or Fault Scenarios. These failures can be set up on the ISCS Panel. This feature is listed under the "FAULT SCENERIOS" tab.
 
You can have a total random setting that covers a wide range of 90 faults over eighteen systems in "less" or "more" than "100 Flights", or you can set your own failure with the options including: NOW, AT Time, AT IAS (Speed), AT ALT (set altitude) or RANDOM, Also is the point of failure in Take-Off, Climb, Cruise, Descent, Landing and Flight...    and you can set as many failures as you like.
 

 
SOUNDS ADDONS
Turbine Sound Studios (TSS) provides the sounds for ToLiss aircraft, but you can default back to the X-Plane default sound volumes if you wish in controlling a MASTER, INTERNAL and EXTERNAL volume. You can also set the COMPONENT VOLUME in; Engine Vol, System Vol, Cockpit Sounds, Environment, Ground Contact (CNTCT) and Aural Alerts, 3D Sound Fading will silence the PTU and Flap sounds in the cockpit.
 
If you ADD ON any third party ADDONs then they will be shown here. This Sound TAB used to be part of the "General Settings" TAB, but now a dedicated page for these options.
 

 
JOYSTICK ACTIONS
Joystick Configuration selections options cover the "Primary Joystick" with Deadband adjustment, Joystick Roll For NWS (No/Auto/Yes), that replaces the earlier NWS (NoseWheel Steering) on/off, "Rudder To Tiller IN VR", Enable "Second Joystick" with Deadband Adjustment 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 Assigned" (with Tiller centre setting). "Pedal Brakes Assignment" with brake strength (slider), Smart Park Brake, Allow Brake on One Pedal.
 
Throttle Configuration can use keys "F1/F2 Toggle reversers" (I use the joystick trigger!), "Smart THR Idle Lock" and "Rev on Same Axis".
You can set (via sliders) both the "CL Detent Location" (Climb) and "MCT Detent Location" (Maximum Continuous Thrust).
Under ACTIONS there are two options of "Jump To Next WP" (Waypoint, and an "Auto-Pause" with four choices; OFF, ON WARNINGS, ON WARN + CAUT, and ON WARN/CAUT/TOD.
 
The "Auto-Pause feature allows automatic pausing of the simulation, if:
A master warning is triggered (e.g. due to AP disconnect) A master warning or a master caution are triggered. (Any system fault) A master warning or caution is triggered, or the aircraft has passed the T/D, i.e. has entered the DESCENT phase.  
You can SAVE all the TAB page choices at the bottom.
 

 
ACCOUNT SETTING
As noted this was the earlier "General Settings" TAB, but the Sounds section has been moved to TAB 5, and the "Account Ids" has been added from the old "Sound/Addon/Accounts" TAB. The (New) "Account Settings" TAB has five sections in: "Product Info", "Account Ids", "Startup Behaviour", "User Interface" and "Miscellaneous".
 
Product Info (Information) covers the current build number and version (very Airbus), and License ID
 
Accounts Ids; if you want to use the ACARS function for flight plan download, you can put your SimBrief pilot ID into the field “SimBrief ID”. Important note: This is a pure number, not your SimBrief Email address. You can find this number on the Simbrief Website, under “Dispatch / Account settings” and then in the Simbrief data tab under “Pilot ID”. Simbrief options incude;
Ignore AIRAC/AC Type mismatch: If this option is OFF, the flight plan download will fail if the active AIRAC cycle in the FMGS does not match the AIRAC cycle used by Simbrief for planning.
Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief: If you select this option, the cargo, payload and fuel on board in the ISCS will be set immediately to the Simbrief values. Always use SimBrief winds: If this option is selected, any wind request in the FMGS will take the wind data from the Simbrief plan HOPPIE CPDLC LOGON option
The option “Auto Execute handovers” allows to switch to the next ATC station automatically upon receiving the “handover” command from your current ATC station without having to notify the new ATC station.
ATIS Source; VATSIM of PILOTEDGE
 
Startup Behaviour sets the aircraft to a certain startup situation; "Default Baro" in either HPA or InHG (note you can also have the choice to SYNC or adjust manually the separate PFD Baros). Set your own default "Transition Altitude" (Slider). You can "Start with Bright Displays" (ON/OFF).
 
User Interface is options on how you interact with the aircraft. Options include: "Pop-out windows for Pop-ups" and you can save your setup "Pop-Up configuration on Quit" (Cockpit builders).
 
Miscellaneous The "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 A339 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. "Cache Routes only on Startup" prevents the plugin from checking for changes to your fms flight plan files during the flight. The "Enable AviTab Tablet" option has been removed, making the tablets now part of the cockpit furniture. You can again save all "Preferences and Default Values"
 
Interactive Audio Control Panel (IACP)
There is another menu access system situated on the Radio Panel, called the "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP). This feature gives you finger access to an item in a more pop-up accessible form...  two options available are INT and CAB or INT which has five ground communication tabs; SERVICES, PUSHBACK, FUEL/DEFUEL, CARGO HANDLING and DEICING...
 


 
...  second IACP option is CAB selection that covers Cabin interaction; DOORS, PASSENGERS and CABIN LIGHTING...
 

 
ACARS - Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System
ToLiss aircraft comes with the ACARS function, used as noted earlier with the CPDLC. But it has another function here in the ability to download the FlightPlan from Navigraph's Simbrief. The tool was introduced on the ToLiss Airbus A340-600 v1.1, since then also updated to the rest of the ToLiss fleet (A319/A321/A32N) and so it is a big feature in the A323neo as well. A full tutorial in how to use it was covered in Airbus A340-600 v1.1 by ToLiss...
 
SimBrief
Remember that you have to complete your SimBrief Pilot ID in the ISCS (SOUND/ADDON/ACCOUNTS). Then the "Data" link has to be opened by pressing the COMMS VHF 3 button the Radio panel. Also important is to set the "Set Payload + Fuel to Simbrief", option ON, if not you will have to set up the aircraft fuel and weight options separately.
 

 
Then complete and generate your SimBrief flight profile, note you use the Aircraft Type A339, for NEO, not the A330. Our route today is VS - Virgin Atlantic VS338 from EGLL (Heathrow Lon) to KCTL (Charlotte US).
 
Lighting-Interior
Again ToLiss has come a long way in designing the interior lighting since the early days. The lighting setup is now all comprehensive to the standard Airbus system. Panel downlights are far better, brighter, but still non-visible in the daylight. But the individual instrument displays and INTEG lighting is now very good and on class for this price range.
 

 
There are three overhead spotlights for centre console, and two reading lights, but the reading lights (although adjustable) are not that strong in lighting the pilots seats. You can darken down the instrument panel nicely for dark takeoffs and landings, to which I am grateful. There is even a separate lighting switch for the compass, very nice touch.
 

 
There are three DOME states (DIM-BRT-STORM), but they won't work unless to switch on the CTL switch to the left.
 

 
Lighting-Interior
Cabin lighting is bright, but thankfully adjustable on the IACP panel, but there is no separated lighting for the galleys. The cabin lighting is set in a percentage % shown here is OFF, 8%, 16% and 30%....  above 40% is too bright.
 


 
But there is also a cabin lighting option on the A/C + SIM CONFIG page with the selection of "USE LIT TEX FOR CABIN LIGHTING", this option creates the current "Airspace by Airbus” mood lighting with blur textures on the ceiling and just down-lighting, very nice it is, the rear Galley thankfully stays full bright in this "TEX" mode, so it all works very well.
 

 
Exterior - Lighting
External lighting is excellent. Navigation, Beacon and Strobes are perfect, twin wing(Ice) lights are also well done. Tail light works, but only when the flaps are not set to zero as per Airbus rules. Internal view on the Ice/wing lights are excellent, and keep the cabin lights down to avoid the liner effect.
 

 
There are Taxi, RWY Turnoff lights and the Main Landing lights
 

___________________
 
Flying the A330neo
Typical moody muggy London day...  I set up the A339 the night before, so when ready to go (or if I wanted to do the same LON - CTL route again it is already saved and ready) with the excellent "SAVE SITUATION" feature. So all I have to do is call pushback. There is a choice, the built in Pushback tool, or BetterPushBack which I prefer.
 

 
Now in the pushbacked position it is time to start the "Trents". Engine No.1 is first, notable is that the A330neo start procedure is opposite of the A320 (No.2 start), the No.1 engine is usually started first because its EDP (Engine Driven Pump) drives the blue system, which in turn powers the parking brake (and alternate). BLEED ON (APU running), and select ING/START, both packs (air conditioning) are AUTO in these latest Airbus aircraft, so the switching of the PACKS is done for you unlike the Boeing manual system.
 
Then it is the simple operation to flick up the No.1 Engine switch under the throttle quadrant. The full start procedure is shown on the (ECAM) which will display the engine start indications. You get the full timed parameters, N2 (core speed) increases to around 20%–25% N2. Then the engine fuel flow will begin, and the Ignition will engage automatically, N1 (fan speed) will start to increase as the engine spools up, and you will wait for stable idle...   this typically happens around 58% N2 and 20% N1. When Engine No.1 is done then the same startup procedure is then with Engine No.2. Both engines running to parameters, then turn off the IGN/START and shutdown the APU
 

 
Set Flaps (1+F), timer, and SPLRS (Spoilers) ARMED, you can check if the TO CONFIGURATION is correct by pressing the TO CONFIG button lower console menu, any errors are then shown.
 

 
Sounds...   very good, if you get really close? the Trent 7000 is super quiet, and nothing, not a sound of it in the cockpit. But they are good quality sounds, right from the engine startup procedure to the running of the engines and APU, you can adjust the aural balances in the ISCS.
 

 
Power up, brakes off and your moving...  The ToLiss Tiller Steering is very authentic to the aircraft, but tricky to master. It is far slower to turn than your inputs, so there is delay between moving the tiller and the turning action, it can make you over reach thinking it is not turning below, it is "really slow" so you have to adapt to it. The trick is to not taxi too fast, the slower you go, the easier it is to turn, go too fast and you will lose control and slide with the front wheels at the wrong angle burning friction...
 

 
But I love the heavy 220,706 kg TO weight of the A339, you feel it and respond to the mass around you, a good sign of a great simulation.
 

 
A standard departure, but this one is with a difference...  I now have a HUD feature to help with the takeoff!
 

 
There is now no need to half your screen, bottom the instruments, upper the window. Instead you have everything you need right in the middle of the window without looking down. At first you will think it would be just the basic PFD instruments, Speed and Altitude Tapes, Artificial Horizon, V/S (Vertical Speed), Rate of Turn, Baro, Wind, and Compass. They are all there obviously.
 

 
But as you initiate items, like Throttle modes (Including FLEX), SRS (Speed Reference System), NAV, FD (Flight Director) and A/THR, then they all show up, obviously the speed bugs are on there as well...  162 + 10 Knots and rotate, "Positive Climb"
 

 
The Flight Director indicators of inputs for pitch and roll are shown, with your FD target position to aim for, it is all very comprehensive.
 

 
  Gear up. You don't have to look at the Gear indicators either as there is a definite "thump, thump, thump" of the gear locking into place.
 

 
Gear retraction (and extraction) is first rate. Typically the A339 climbs at a rate of around 2,000 to 3,000 feet per minute (fpm), depending on the weight of the aircraft, weather conditions, and engine thrust settings. It is a bit of a bumpy ride through the low cloud base, but then you are free.
 

 
Without doubt the HUD is very dramatic, obviously not the first HUD arrangement in X-Plane, but unique for the ToLiss, the trick here is the amount of quality data detail provided on the screen, it looks and feels very professional in operation on a Airliner.
 

 
The maximum altitude for the A330-941 is around 41,000 feet (FL410), but the typical cruise altitude for long-haul flights is between 33,000 and 39,000 feet. With a maximum range of the A330-941 of approximately 7,200 nautical miles (13,334 kilometers). The Airbus A330-800 has a slighter longer range of approximately 8,150 nautical miles (15,094 kilometers). But the loss of range is made up by the extra capacity of seats 406 passengers for the A338 to the 440 passengers for the A339 depending on the cabin configuration.
 

 
We are coming up on the "North Atlantic Track" (NAT) a network of predefined routes that change daily based on weather patterns, jet streams, and traffic demand. The tracks are updated daily by the Shanwick (UK) and Gander (Canada) Oceanic Control Areas (OCAs). Pilots file flight plans based on these routes. There is an entry point (RESNO) and an exit point (JANJO) on this track, in-between are a sets of co-ordinates defined by latitude and longitude, but they have there own special input code or setting to program the Co-Ords into the MCDU system. The Co-Ordinates 56°0'0.0"N 020°0'0.0"W is converted to 56N040W for input (Simbrief does it automatically).
 

 
There is also the "Organized Track System" (OTS) another series of tracks connecting different oceanic waypoints across the North Atlantic. It helps manage the flow of aircraft flying between Europe and North America. These tracks are designated as “Track A,” “Track B,” etc., depending on the day’s configuration. There is also "Random Route Navigation, outside the NAT system, for some aircraft who may use “random routes” based on their specific flight plans and preferred wind patterns. These random routes also follow oceanic waypoints and require frequent reports to the Oceanic Centres.
 

 
As noted you can insert your SimBrief route and data directly into the MCDU, you just have to fill in your TO Prefs (TakeOff Preferences) on the TO PERF page to complete the setup from the ISCS. FUEL PRED (Prediction) is excellent and found under FUEL PRED button. I rarely use the Airbus Style PROG (Progress) as it is not at all as good as the Boeing tool, so I mostly rely on the PERF selections for each phase of the flight.
 

 
EQUI - TIME POINT is also available, found under DATA lower RK6. ETP (Equal Time Point), which is basically the point at which it'll take a shorter time to continue to the next suitable diversion airfield than to turn back to the last one. Mostly used on ETOPS routes and over oceans for diversion actions.
 
The A330-941 being a Twin-Engined aircraft is governed by ETOPS or "Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards", so we are using a very Northern NAT Track. ETOPS is a certification and regulatory term used in aviation that allows twin-engine aircraft to fly on routes that are farther from a diversion airport than what would be allowed under standard regulations. ETOPS regulations allow twin-engine aircraft to operate over remote areas, such as oceans or polar regions, where a suitable alternate airport might be more than 60 minutes away under normal twin-engine rules. The A339 is certified for ETOPS-180 as a standard, which allows it to fly up to 180 minutes (3 hours) from the nearest suitable diversion airport in the event of a single-engine failure. The A330neo can also be certified for ETOPS 285, which extends the range to 285 minutes (4 hours and 45 minutes). And there is (Potential Certification) for ETOPS 330 by some airlines, which would allow the aircraft to operate up to 330 minutes (5 hours and 30 minutes) away from a diversion airport. This is beneficial for ultra-long-haul routes where alternative airports may be sparse, such as over polar regions or the southern Pacific Ocean.
 

 
Atlantic route crossings are always a great scrutiny of the X-Plane weather (besides looking out of the window). For years the view up here at altitude was not great even noted as dismal, but with X-Plane 12 we have had a focus on this important role in Simulation... X-Plane 12.1.0 delivered the final piece of the jigsaw in delivering those higher Cirrus cloud formations, storms as well. But I have done a few tracks over the Atlantic over the year, it was good before, but there seems to be a little more backroom tinkering over the last few XP12 updates, the view out now is quite spectacular, Cumulonimbus is all in their glory.
 

 
Sitting in the rear is very nice, the sounds are very good, with a differential difference between sitting behind the engine or in front of it, sounds are of course 360º dynamic, but the cockpit is a far quieter place. The Camera backseat screens are not really useful, maybe on takeoff or landing, but other wise blank(ish), the live front video also uses up framerate? so be glad you can turn the feature off.
 

 
But it's nice and serene on the flightdeck, with only the "Trim Tank" flashing away now and again in telling you it is doing it's job
 

 
You may be thinking? why London to Charlotte, North Carolina. It's an odd route? But you have to understand the routes that the A330neo is built for, not the mainline point to point like London to New York, Boston or Washington in this context. But for those long thin routes, making connections outside of the major hubs, it varies your flying as well, gives you a more interesting palette of destinations to chose from, and so you are also thinking outside the usual box.
 

 
The remnants of Hurricane Milton are still hanging around North Carolina, dirty, black and low. Approach into Charlotte-Douglas KCTL is via STAR MAJIC4 into Rwy 18L. It is an easy approach from the north, but the weather is a bit tricky.
 

 
The Tablet LDG PREFs are now reset (Compute) as we have burnt off the fuel, and shown are the new calculated landing differences, The Rwy ILS (IVKQ 110.35mHz) is now also active, you can't insert the frequency until you are within the 100nm area, the ILS ICAO code will show when you select the PFD "LS" ILS ribbons to say that approach is now active. Approach Phase is also now activated in the MCDU.
 

 
At GIZMO you track right to CAVVI on the chart for the turn into 183º directly into CTL (Charlotte). HUD is back in operation, so no look downs are now required, you can just focus ahead...
 

 
...   CAVVI and it is a hard bank left.
 

 
The ToLiss A339 looks and feels great, the approach flying can be as automated or as manual as you want, both aspects work extremely well here, but mostly the auto modes are excellent. Once you select APP then the data shows up on the HUD, both AP1 and AP2 can be selected here for a DUAL CAT 3 Approach.
 

 
Gear down, and an increase of wind noise as it lowers, and the same satisfying "thunk, thunk,thunk" of the Tri-Gear locking into place.
 

 
Glideslope data (G/S and LOC) are now displayed in the HUD, note the target runway outlined centre.
 

 
The runway target increases as you approach...
 

 
...  then disappears when you go into the LAND phase, giving you a clear view of the threshold.
 

 
After LAND mode you go into FLARE mode...  "Retard, Retard"
 

 
Nice "touch", then the full reverser and airbrakes to slow you down, reverser power sounds are excellently loud, so was the gear touch feel (you can adjust this aspect)... 
 

 
...  you have to skillful on the rudder pedals and tip-toe brakes to get a clean centre line roll-out, certainly on a damp runway...  but that is were the piloting skills come in.
 

 
A tight runway exit around taxiway C2, I have sort of mastered the slow tiller...  sort of?
 

 
With the A330-941neo now cleaned up (even the HUD put away), it is a long taxi to Concourse D (International) along taxiway C. Bay D10 is waiting, and I am ready to shutdown, 8h55m is a long flight, but the ToLiss A339 is a dream to fly for these long -haul thin routes, brilliant Simulation, great investment.
 

 
Liveries
You get four liveries with the package; ToLiss House, and three Airbus branded in; First Flight, "Airspace" and "Foundation (10 Years)"
 

 
Again to note the RR Logo is branded as "Gliding Kiwi", to offset any legal affairs and patent licensing.
 
There is a Paintkit available, and already the painters are churning out quality liveries, I'll note a few early ones here including the Condor Package, Cebu Pacific, Garunda, and Virgin Atlantic.
 

____________________
Summary
ToLiss was the part of the 2009 original collaboration with QPAC to create the first X-Plane A320 simulation with realistic Airbus Flight Control Laws, and automated cockpits. Since then the developer has gone on to creating the very best Airbus aircraft for the X-Plane Simulator, with the A319-112, the A321-231, A340-600 and the Airbus A320neo. The choice here of the Airbus A330neo (New Engine Option) is not really a big surprise, but on how good this A339 is the surprise.
 
Modeling and design is very good, but early ToLiss didn't have the extensive extreme quality you can now expect in this category, but with a change of a modeller a few years back, now in every area the detail and quality is highly improved, better again here and now showing a maturity that wasn't there earlier, that said, the missing hydraulic lines on the undercarriage are a bit of an oversight, but the excellent Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines makes up for that aspect...  add in then matching the high quality Airbus Official systems and for the excellent flying feedback of the aircraft. This ToLiss is absolutely the best, or better of it's category and class.
 
System wise the ToLiss A339 is the best in X-Plane (all ToLiss Airbus aircraft are), with all the Airbus Flight Laws and Protections highly intergrated, with the authentic engine control laws. If you want to fly the automated Airbus you can, but if you want to dig deeper into the "Study" aspect of Airbus Philosophy. Then that aspect is also very highly available here, so both Pro's and Newcomers to the Airbus way of aviation can be easily satisfied here.
 
Both cockpit and cabin are excellent, new textures are in the cockpit and the cabin look and feel is a step up from the earlier releases. The A33-941 comes with a few new features. Head of the feature list is the HUD (Head Up Display), fully intergrated with full data graphics, it is a bonus to landing and takeoff procedures. D-RAIMS -Digital Radio and Audio Integrating management system, ROPS (Runway overrun protection System) and ATSAW (Air Traffic Situational Awareness) are all new to ToLiss, with the No Smoking sign changed to Portable Devices. Sounds are by Turbine Sound Studios, very good but not that extreme BSS quality.
 
The ACARS function is fully intergrated with the CPDLC system , but really only available to on-line fliers with the HOPPIE network, but very good it is.
 
The ToLiss ISCS - "Interactive Simulation Control System" is far more than a menu, it provides tools and options that are truly remarkable. The LOAD/SAVE Situation tool is a godsend for any Simmer... saving perfect situations to return ready for flight or even an unexpected simulator crash, I was back up and flying perfectly in minutes after a bad scenery crash, this shows the tool's peerless power.
 
SimBrief intergration can load in the "Full" data brief into the aircraft's systems, another huge time saver. Fault Scenerios are also excellent as are aircraft configurations. AUTO-PAUSE, this feature allows the user to leave the computer during a flight to do a pause in three alert scenerios. The ISCS is also now available on the side Tablets with AviTab. Notable is that all the above new features will gradually transfer to other ToLiss aircraft, but you can now use them here first.
 
New to ToLiss on the A320neo were the ground equipment, here also on the A330neo are the Baggage Loaders and Catering Trucks, and the sensational animated De-Icing Trucks and here we have stairs on all left doors. Opening Side Windows and the Electronic Flight Bag EFB tools for WGT-BAL, TO PERF, LDG PERF, and extensive built in CHECKLIST and as noted now the ISCS are all on the tablet. The "Interactive Audio Control Panel" (IACP) has also been extended to include both Ground and Cabin tabs with excellent cabin lighting adjustment.
 
Commands for the AUTO doors has made me happy, the difficult tiller steering is however a learning curve, and there is still no physical ground GPUs? but the niggles are very few.
 
The list can obviously go on, and on...  but notable is the X-Plane 12 version in using the X-Plane features, an X-Plane 11 version is included in the package, but that would takeaway a lot of the dynamics and the immense fun this aircraft has to offer by using the X-Plane 12 environment.
 
"Peerless" is the word I would use here, "Transcendent" is another. If you want Airbus Aircraft in the X-Plane Simulator, then there is only one place to go to...  ToLiss, and again they deliver another excellent aircraft with tons of real useful features in the Airbus A330neo. Certainly a great if brilliant investment, the features alone are worth the money, but with everything else... 
 
...  It's unparalleled simulation, and Highly Recommended!
________________
 

 
Yes! - the Airbus A330-941 neo by Toliss is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org :
 
Airbus A330-900neo
Price is US$89.99
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows , Mac or Linux 4 GB VRAM Minimum - 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended for XP12 Not for commercial use. For any commercial use enquiries, please contact [email protected] Download Size: 1.2 GB Version 1.0. (October 19th 2024)   Fully Featured Detailed FMGS: 3 independent MCDUs providing real life FMGS programming capability 2 independent autopilots SID/STAR and airways support in a fully custom FMGS backbone supporting all A424 leg types (Arc, course or heading to intercept, Radius to Fix, Holdings, etc.) Support for all approach types present in real life A340-600s, including GLS, ILS, LOC backcourse, etc. Full VNAV guidance with TOC, TOD, Deceleration point, speed limits, fuel prediction, etc. Altitude and speed constraints as the real aircraft deals with them Support for Go-Arounds and diversions Nav Aid autotuning Pilot item database, such as pilot fixes, pilot navaids etc. Flight plan saving via the Pilot routes page Equitime point computation and nearest airports page Accurate systems: Fly-by-wire system with reversion between normal law and alternate law 1, alternate law 2 and direct law as per real life logics. Hydraulic model for flight control actuators computing hydraulic flow through the actuators, the control surface hinge moment, maximum feasible deflection etc. This gives realistic surface floating angles if a control surface is lost due to combinations of hydraulic and computer faults. Quantitative hydraulic model considering the maximum hydraulic flows of the different pumps as a function of engine speed. This is most noticeable when flying on RAT or with wind milling engines Quantitative bleed model considering the bleed mass flow for engine start, wing anti-ice air conditioning packs etc. High fidelity fuel system including inflight CG control by pumping fuel to and from the tail tank, fuel jettison, manual and automatic transfers between the different tanks Detailled model of each ADIRU including alignment, small pressure sensor differences between the units, switching of sources for PFDs Fault injection system allowing to trigger over 140 system faults either at a specific point in flight or randomly during a flight phase Cockpit display system simulating the dependency of the displays on the Display management computers resulting in real life display limitations ECAM system with over 30 warning and over 200 caution messages including associated ECAM actions. 3d modelling Detailed 3d cockpit with animated switches Mouse gesture system for interaction with push-pull knobs emulating the motion on the knob with the mouse Detailed cockpit lighting with reading lights, console light, tray table lights etc. 4 class passenger cabin with underfloor lavatories and crew rest Custom particle effects for engine heat trail, Fuel jettison etc. Custom landing gear model for bogey touch down. 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 X-Plane 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 Adjustable Wingflex via a slider in the ISCS Possibility to turn the screen reflections on and off Auto-updater by Skunkcraft Included   Installation Download of the Airbus A339 is 1.08Gb and it is installed in your Airliner Folder as a 1.85Gb 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 totally restart the aircraft from your desktop to realign all your plugins and load the aircraft cleanly.     AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft The Skunkcraft Updater is provided for updates   Documents There are Three Manuals Included with the package. All are extensive and well laid out with great details   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. 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.  
ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_AircraftManual.pdf ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_SimulationManual.pdf ToLiss_AirbusA330-900_Tutorial ____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Sound-Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2rc4
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- EGLL - London Heathrow International Airport by Taimodels (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.00
- KCLT- Charlotte Douglas International Airport UHD by Nimbus Studios (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$26.95
____________________________
 
Review by Stephen Dutton
18th October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

NEWS! - Engine Mod : Mango Studios releases A340 Trent 556 Engine Mod
 

 
I like these clever little engine mods (Modifications) from Mango Studios. I don't usually do this sort of thing (Mods), but this series of engine mods are very good, mostly for the very high quality of the modeling and their detail. You also get associated liveries as part of the package as well, in this case Etihad, Etihad F1 Grand Prix 2015, Lufthansa Old Colors, Qatar, South African, Virgin Atlantic. But note, this is not a sound pack, just the modeling.
 
The Trent 556 refers to a variant of the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engine, specifically designed for the Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 models.
The “556” in Trent 556 denotes the engine’s thrust rating of 56,000 lbf (pounds of force). And these engines were a key part of improving the performance, range, and efficiency of the A340-500/600 variants, allowing them to fly on long-haul routes.
 

 
Mango Stuidos provides both a manual and a video on the RR556 installation.
 

__________________
 

 
Yes!...  A340 Trent 556 Engine Mod by Mango Studios is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
Mango Studios A340 Trent 556 Engine Mod
Price is: US$6.99
  Requirements
The Toliss A340 is required for this add-on.
Download Size: 60 MB Current version 1.0 (October 11th 2024) ___________________________
 
NEWS! by Stephen Dutton
12th October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

NEWS! - vSkyLabs Guimbal Cabri G2 updated to v4
 

 
vSkyLabs have completely overhauled their Guimbal Cabri G2 light helicopter in v4. This aircraft is available in X-Plane 12, and X-Plane 11. But the XP12 version is recommended to take advantage of the X-Plane 12 effects and the better flight model.
 
The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a two-seat helicopter designed by Bruno Guimbal and produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal (France). The G2 initial demonstrator flew in 1992 and entered commercial service in 2008. It received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in December 2007. In 2015 it received type certification from the FAA, and began operations in the US.
 
The Cabri G2 design was implemented also in the Okra 1200 tactical VTOL drone, developed in a joint effort of Guimbal and EADS and was initially presented at the Paris Air Show in 2003.
 
The development of the VSKYLABS Guimbal Cabri G2 Project for X-Plane  was approved by Hélicoptères Guimbal. Although acknowledged by Hélicoptères Guimbal, it is an independent VSKYLABS project which is not affiliated with and/or endorsed by Hélicoptères Guimbal.
 
The comprehensive list of changes in this v4 version is noted as...
 
XP12 - version 4.0 (1st October 2024):
Flight model: Complete overhaul for the power-train (covers all components from engine via transmissions to rotors blades. Updated airfoils. Skids ground interaction tuneup. Systems: New cockpits annunciation lights system (all lights). New systems CB's system (all working CB's). Re-wiring of all systems switches/cb's/knobs and interactions in the cockpit with the new custom-commands VSKYLABS 'Cockpit-Builders-Heaven' layer, allowing easy Joystick/Keys assignments in X-Plane 12 built-in assignments system. Interior-lights tuneup for the instrument gauges. Cockpit panels (relevant) are lit with electrical power. Sounds: New and upgraded FMOD 2.02 sound package. Graphics: Upgraded exterior default paints and PBR textures. Upgraded Paint-Kit to version v4.0. Remodeled DG and Magnetic compass instruments. Remodeled Hour-Meter instrument. Improved VSKYLABS Experimental autopilot bezel, panel and LED system. Improved interior PBR textures. Added smooth animation to the fuel-tank selector. All glass elements (canopy, gauges glass) re-tuned. External canopy and doors-windows are tinted. Added 'dummy' floats (prep for things to come...). Fix - Improved rotor-disc appearance in external view when overlapping the canopy/windows.  Fix - Rotor disc is now visually responsive for cyclic inputs. Interactions: Doors-remove/install mechanism now includes both doors at once. Doors are automatically closed when flying.  


 
The vSkylab philosophy is that you are purchasing an ongoing project, and all the development is free and ongoing throughout the X-Plane 12 version. These projects are under constant development: the development road-map is including flight model refinements, enhanced systems depth, additional liveries and other improvements.
 
The Guimbal Cabri G2 v4 by vSkyLabs is now available from the X-Plane.OrgStore, if a current owner, then just go to your X-Plane.Org Account and download the latest version v4.
_____________________________________
 

 
Yes! - the Guimbal Cabri G2 v4 by vSkyLabs is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
Guimbal Cabri G2 v4
Retail Price is US$29.00 On sale: $29.00 US$23.20 you Save:$5.80(20%)  
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Current version: 4.0 (October 1st 2024) ___________________________
 
NEWS! by Stephen Dutton
2nd October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

NEWS! - Laminar Research releases 12.1.2 as Final
 

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

NEWS! - Laminar Research releases 12.1.2 as Final
 

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

Behind the Screen : September 2024
 

 
The great thing about the X-Plane Simulator it is all things to different people. In reality there is no one X-Plane installation, unless you just install the clean "DEMO" version and only fly with that. Very quickly you can metamorphose your own personality and needs by adding in almost everything. Instantly that individual stamp on your computer screen is then reflected back at you, your own unique characteristics all there and available. X-Plane users all fly differently as well, again our individual journeys are reflected in our flightlogs.
 
In this very wide spectrum, there is a sort of central look and feel to the Simulator. As the years go by your tastes and interaction with the simulator change, and that is besides the overall version revisions you get along the way. Another area is that X-Plane covers a huge diversity of hardware, and even operating systems, as X-Plane can cover all OS systems in Windows, Apple and Linux, even VR Support with SteamVR or Oculus PC. Again a huge spread of diverse requirements.
 
But it all works doesn't it, somehow all these very different complex elements can allow you to fly aircraft around the world, and right down to the complex systems that make these aircraft virtually fly. I think deep down that is the core attraction of X-Plane, but also the ability to also create, adjust or mod (modify) not only the aircraft, the environment it flies in, "Tinkerers" we call them, that ability to shape everything to your our own personal perspective.
 
Again that is great, but it also creates complexity on top of complexity. That aspect can create breakthoughs in ideas that can benefit all, it also can send you down a rabbit hole of pain and to the endless chases of problems. 
 
You can spend even a huge amount of your time just managing it all, "Housekeeping" I call it, just updating and refining the Simulator to keep it running smoothly within those particular constraints. Actually the flying part is only 25% of the running the Simulator, the rest is just plain keeping up and fixing all the consistent changes and settings, it can be a lot of work sometimes. Yes I am a reviewer, and my wings are spread a lot wider than the home casual Simmer user, but there is still a huge amount of change to absorb week after week, you welcome it all, as that is why you love it all so much, as it goes deeper than just being a hobby, it is a consistent force in your life and your day to day activities.
 
But it is very easy to go down that rabbit hole and very quickly, one area in say crook hardware or a bad bit of software, and the fixes and pain can be overwhelming in trying to not only find the cause ("is it hardware or software?"), very time consuming as well, worse when it is only you in having the problem, while everyone else to gliding merrily along, your in serious pain in trying to find a fix, time consuming, frustrating, and usually always expensive to fix.
 
But you can make it harder on yourself than it really needs to be. The one main aspect that I have learnt, is that sometimes a simple approach is the better approach, it won't fix everything, but it can make your Simulation life a bit easier. That does not say you have to lose the quality in your Simulation, in fact quite the opposite in using the right elements to deliver the right Simulation. This is something I have learned over the decade, the more I simplified my set up, the better it became, but also in not losing the essence of what X-Plane delivers.
 
I want total X-Plane Simulation in quality, and the reviews reflect a richness of not only scenery, but detailed aircraft as well. If you browse through the forums, you can usually find everyday a cry for help, it is usually like this "My computer keeps crashing!!!", and so you ask them to put up the log.txt. You would be horrified to read these logs, fifty or more plugins, 4TB of  different formats of scenery, modifications on absolutely everything, errors, errors and errors fouling the data, it is a nightmare to decipher, never mind to rectify the problem. It is a miracle the juggernaut even ran in the first place, it's messy, complicated, and impossible to fix.
 
I started to do this in my cadet years, actually I got banned on the X-Plane.Org on the second day for downloading WAY too much, as I was like a kid in a candystore grabbing everything I could shove into those folders, it so all very easy to get carried away, even then over the next few years I downloaded almost everything that set my eyes alight. So yes I am guilty of mass X-Plane consumption as the best of them, it's free obviously, so why not have it.
 
But if you look at my current set up, it is very, very far removed from my gluttonous beginnings, and I am quite proud of that achievement. It means I learnt (from my mistakes), but more so made my Simulation life far, far easier. I won't fix every problem that comes up, but I can resolve it without it getting bizarrely out of hand, certainly with settings.
 
Here are a few rules: Rule No.1 - keep it simple, Rule No 2, see rule No 1. Here is the point, you are only flying one aircraft usually between two points on the globe, so you only need those basic elements in place to do that route. Simple isn't it...
 
I have a saying, "Value is found in something you use". Meaning you can spend $400,000 on a Lamborghini, but how often do you actually drive it? Your $5000 Toyota is however used everyday for running your life, so which car is actually more valuable, point also, take the Lambo to local shopping centre, then be terrified of parking it there, it won't carry the groceries home either, and don't even think of the insurance cost of living with it. Yes I admit of that one Lambo day is incredible! but in reality it is a total waste of money, that $400.000 dollars can be spent in a better way. Same with everything in your life, right down to most cheapest and simplest item, if you use it, it has value, nice to have is all very nice, but if you don't need it or use it in your life it is a waste of money.
 
The same perspective can be found in X-Plane, just have what you need, or what you use. I'm not saying to indulge or even to try out something new, because that is also part of the X-Plane spirit of finding new adventures and knowledge, as you can't take that aspect away from the Simulator, but keep it lean.
 
I have only 23 aircraft I fly...  yes other aircraft rotate in and out, or are updated or deleted if too old or not able to be used in the new version. Plugins, 11 (I counted them), yes only 11 plugins, and tested, and even then I will pull out none needed plugins if those aircraft are not being flown, say JET, CEF or Gizmo. lua I have to have installed (OpenSAM), but I totally don't like it, I understand that a lot of users love it to death, but it is core aircraft code and it can seriously drive you mad if it starts interfering your aircraft lua codes, which I have found it does on numerous occasions.
 
Scenery will always be a big folder, but the reason this month's dialog is here on BtheS is that I realised that how small my Scenery folder now actually is. It is a quarter of the size of X-Plane 11, and X-Plane 11 was half of X-Plane 10. That is not because of the roll over of upgraded scenery, as most scenery will work without the effects in X-Plane 12. So I thought about that?
 
I'm not missing anything even with this condensed Scenery Folder. What I have done is created (over the decade) a tight network of scenery that works, so basically I'm flying from one quality X-Plane scenery to another quality X-Plane scenery. I have a few times had to install a freeware scenery because that destination was not available as payware, and I totally hated it, in fact I scrubbed the whole review because it looked terrible in the images, and started over again at a more quality destination. Users are quite adamant that because the scenery is free, and yes the X-Plane Global Scenery has come along really well, but it is still mostly cardboard unrealistic scenarios. Yes you have the right to totally disagree with me on the statement, wax lyrically on how good it is in X-Plane 12, but I never use Global Airport scenery for the reason as noted above. But more and more users are relying more on the Global for their flying. In my mind they are missing something by doing this.
 
"Can't afford payware scenery", neither can I, but I do still fill up my quality portfolio, sales can be very handy in getting what you want, but saying that I also believe the developer should be rewarded for creating something you use, contributing allows them to do more. The above mantra is strong here. "Buy only what you use". So actually my custom quality scenery folder is actually not that big, but I use consistently almost all of those quality sceneries within it, no point of having 2Tb of scenery as there is no way you can benefit from it, in fact the odds are you will get a poorer experience because most of the downloads in there are just junk. Volume does not translate to Quality, even if you think that a massive Custom Folder will deliver that, chances are you are getting a much more inferior simulation, not to mention the amount of scenery errors you are creating.
 
It's curating something special, yes even your own personal perspective of the way you perceive the world through the X-Plane lens. I got got a lot of brickbats last month on the scenery debate, most couldn't understand my perspective of collecting quality scenery to fill my needs. That is okay, everyone has their dues, but that is the X-Plane world I want to fly in.
 
Oddly if read last month's BtheS, I ranted over there in being no YMML Melbourne in X-Plane. Almost a week later Orbx releases...  you guessed it a quality YMML - Melbourne, it was a roll your eyes moment, or even a thanksgiving from the gods on high... if a bit late.
 
We all have unique perspectives on what we want from our Simulator experiences, but the over reaching point is on how far the Simulator has developed. Yes we complain that we want more, but we are also getting a lot for our buck...  bang as well.
 
The Rotate MD-11 Passenger showed the amount of change we are getting. For me doing the review it was a few days, I thought, "Hey, it is the MD-11F with a cabin", that would be quick and easy. But it was eight days later that I finally completed the review. The biggest reason were the changes in the two years since the original MD-11 Freighter to the MD-11 Passenger, the same aircraft really, but the work in there that I had to list was quite comprehensive, added features and refinements, and the flying was glorious from the dark wet northern Europe to the bright desert of Eygpt, I seriously would love to extend the time to do it all again...  but I had to move on, X-Plane waits for nobody... ever changing, ever developing...  it is a life force.
 
See you all next month
 
Stephen Dutton
4th October 2024
Copyright©2024 X-Plane Reviews
 

Scenery Review : KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Skytitude
 
This particular Southwest Florida airport has been a big part of my reviewing life. Early years reviewing were based around KLAL-Lakeland, a great airport with wide runways to experiment with the different types of aircraft you journey through. For a test flight, then KRSW was only and perfectly 100 nm away to the south of Lakeland, far enough to get the feel and flow of the aircraft, but not too far away in wasting flying time, plus KRSW was a very nice medium sized, it's a sort of regional hub airport, but can also cater for bigger aircraft if required. In time most of my reviewing moved to KRSW completely away from Lakeland, the main reason was it was more perfect for reviewing not only for General Aviation aircraft, but Private jets and the standard single aisle airliner. Circuits are excellent here, if you go counter-clockwise to the airport. As most arrival circuits are to the south to Rwy 06, so you can keep clear of the heavy traffic, but still have a dynamic background of a working busy airport, it has nice visual elements as well with the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas...  in other words KRSW is perfect.
 
The original reviewing Southwest Florida International Airport scenery was Aerosoft's, with the original release in November 2015, with an update in February 2016. It was for the time a sensational scenery, obviously because why I used it so much, but that is now eight years ago, and time and quality has moved on. And over the last few years without attention, the Aerosoft's KRSW has been feeling a tired, oldish... it still stands up, but here is Skytitudes release of KRSW, and it in many ways created a dilemma, stick with the trusted and known, or upgrade the scenery to the newer version? That is what this review is setting out to achieve.
 
Skytitude is quite prolific and focuses totally on US Florida State scenery, his recent releases are Jacksonville (KJAX) and Tallahassee (KTLH), and both got very high marks for the detail and quality at a value price, so Southwest Florida fits in quite nicely in to that same context.
 
As airports go RSW is not an old airport as it was only conceived in 1973, when it was clear that the existing airport in Page Field would be too small (They were certainly right there). So the government of Lee County selected a site near Interstate 75, which was then under construction. The airport's groundbreaking was done in 1980, and Southwest Florida Regional Airport was opened on schedule, May 14, 1983, with a single 8400-ft runway. Delta Air Lines operated the first flight. The original terminal was located on the north side of the runway at the end of Chamberlin Parkway.   The airport was renamed Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993, though it had hosted international flights since 1984 and U.S. Customs since 1987, mainly for flights to and from Germany. The name change coincided with the completion of a 55,000 square foot Federal Inspection facility annexed to the original terminal's Concourse A. The single runway was also lengthened to 12,000 ft (3,658 m) at the same time to better accommodate international service (making it the fourth-longest runway in Florida). The airport has hosted Boeing 747s (including Air Force One), but as of 2009 the largest aircraft scheduled to RSW are the Airbus A330-200s on Air Berlin's now discontinued non-stop flights to Düsseldorf and seasonally the airport attracts a lot of charter and winter visitors chasing the sunshine.
 

 

 
Southwest Florida International Airport
IATA: RSW - ICAO: KRSW - FAA LID: RSW

06/24 - 12,000 ft (3,658m) Asphalt
Elevation AMSL30 ft / 9 m
 

 
First impressions of the Skytitude Southwest Florida scenery, was it didn't seem that different from the Aerosoft version, same visual look and feel...  good for that, but there are a lot changes here at RSW, as we shall see.
 

 
First is the aspect change from X-Plane 11 to 12, but there is more to it than that. As the high resolution ground textures are much more detailed and have a far more realistic (even modern) texture about them, they look excellent. Areas now look more filled in, certainly the landside detailing, as it makes the Aerosoft look quite barren compared, but to note you need your "Rendering Distance" set at Maximum, as Skytitude does not do a heavy POV distance to save framerate, but you can easily see the 10 year gap in advancement in scenery detail between the two KRSWs. Landside is excellent in fill and with the well crowded Car-Rental zones and large carparks.
 

 
Rather that just being a model, the short-term carpark here is far better defined, with an entrance way and the excellent fauna and tropical trees filling and surrounding the area, it looks finished here and all the better for it.
 
KRSW has only one large terminal with three concourses D, C and B. There are no A area gates (used earlier in the older demolished terminal).
 

 
The same concourse design is done thought-out the terminal complex. And the detail is top-notch here, with the right weathered concrete textures and very good window/glass look and feel, all very well done and very XP12 in quality, and the small detail of stairs, antennas and Air-Con units also show a great attention to detail 
 

 
All three concourses are excellent, and the ground clutter is well done, no branding, but still quality airport vehicles, service equipment and a lot of ramp container trolleys.
 

 
Skytitude uses the built in default "Ground Handling" system, which is now the better airbridge system, easy to use, it works very well here.
 

 
In every area then the Skytitude RSW is far better than the original Aerosoft version...  and yet, there is something missing?
 
That missing aspect is the animations of vehicles, that swirled fast around the Aerosoft RSW. So the Skytitude scenery is not as dynamic as the Aerosoft one, and you do really miss them (or avoid them) and you also feel that static difference?
 
RSW's terminal is buried between the concourses and the short-term carpark, but the external detail on show is very good, there are no interior details for either the terminal or the concourses. Car rental area is excellent, with a lot of fine detail and loads of 3d cars.
 

 
The exposed carparks are also really well done with high quality 3d X-Plane 12 trees and fauna that are well placed and look very authentically tropical Florida, highlight here is the RV park, a nice detail... 
 

 
...   but visually missing on all the entrance roads are the road and airport signage, there is a huge amount of signage here at RSW as shown below, but all the signage is missing in the Skytitude scenery?  It's a small detail, but an important missing one.
 

 
Biggest change between the two RSW sceneries is the latest addition of a new state-of-the-art facility control tower and FIA Administration. The facility replaces the older tower, and is part of a broader expansion project at the airport, the tower became operational in January 2022.
 

 
Sensationally detailed, the tower and surrounds shows great attention to detail, no internal detail, and the (T) X-Plane Tower view is on the floor near Concourse B. But this area shows that Skytitude is becoming a premier developer in detail.
 

 
The Lee County Station 92, serves as the RSW Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, which is placed next to the Control Tower. It was in a basic form included in the Aerosoft version, but here it is fully realised and detailed, including a Basketball hoop to while away your waiting time.
 

 
Also added in this area to the north is a communications site with well done and detailed multiple cell and microwave towers. This newly filled in area gives you a very nice filled in visual area on departure or arrival.
 

 
Other new details include the construction of the Swissaport Facility, FedEx dropoff depot, Long-Term carpark entrance, and the construction site of the new Concourse E on the west side of the Terminal complex. All these items add in to the fill of the airport environs.
 

 
The north side is a very familiar area...
 

 
... northwest is a small Cargo facility, with UPS and FedEx sharing the space. There are two small 1-2 parking stands and four larger 3-6 parking stands. Detailing and clutter is excellent, with all the cargo and vehicles branded and detailed. It's perfect for regional (Cessna Caravan) or freighter cargo services...  an area to use.
 

 
There is no name on the central ramp, but used you could say it is the "PrivateSky Aviation Services" ramp. This area is my main reviewing platform, it is a perfect place to do this with the movement action going on in the background, and the ease to runway access.
 

 
The area is very nicely upgraded from the Aerosoft version. The PrivateSky logos and text is now not so lo-res, the ramps feel more full with with the few static aircraft as well, and the FBO building modeling and surrounding detail is all quite a few steps above the earlier layout. I am going to enjoy it on here...  To the east there is a Delta United Cargo receiving facility, and a large Jet Aircraft Maintenance Inc (Jet Group) hangar, which is really nicely weather worn detailed.
 

 
Central to the north of the field is the now decommissioned old control tower, taller than the newer version, it is well sited for runway approaches. Oddly this tower's internal area is well detailed?
 

 
Staff and spare carparking is set out behind the old tower complex, again well detailed and defined.
 

 
The "North Ramp" was in the Aerosoft RSW, but you barely ever took notice of it. Here in the Skytitude version the ramps are far better detailed, as is the placement of seven UPS stored aircraft. So it brings the area alive and in so making it also usable, of which it wasn't in the past. The Airport's Fuel Depot is situated further east by the threshold of runway 24.
 

 
There are two areas off the airfield that have custom infrastructure. To the west is Global Parkway, an industrial site, but the very distinctive Holiday Inn Express hotel sited here on the o6 Approach is missing? and the Entertainment Manufacturing Group (EMG) facility, a leading manufacturer specializing in custom metal and cabling products for the entertainment industry is also reproduced here.
 

 
Textures
Skytitude seems to be experimenting with ideas when it comes to surfaces and textures. RSW has a lot of varied and different runway and taxiway surfaces, and that has required a specialized approach in replicating them. The results are quite spectacular, as the surfaces here are all excellent across the myriad of different surfaces, including asphalt and concrete variations with stone, cracks and grooves were required. Grunge, dirt, wear is also perfect as are all the markings and signage.
 

 
X-Plane 12 dynamics are of course developed into the textures. PBR reflections and normal maps are dynamic with burnt-in ambient occlusion which are all active...  I don't really expect Chicago whiteout conditions this far down in Florida, but I do expect tropical thunder storms effects to be really good.
 

 
Jacksonville had a strange rolling grass, which didn't quite work, here experimentation has created a better grass solution, no rolls, nice grass, and areas where the thinning grass comes through creating a patchwork of lawned or differential terrain...  it is all very good.
 

 
Using the X-Plane 12 translucency, Skytitude has used it to create a lot of integrated water areas and drainage canals, again really well done and very visual around the airport field.
 

 
Lighting
Runway 06/24 is lit to the current ICAO standard, and 06 approach has a ILS (111.50 IRSW) and RAIL guidance lighting.
 

 
Terminal and Landside areas are two-tone, with the brighter white on the ramps...  there is a huge amount of downlighting very effectively used here to create light in normal dark spaces like with the terminal, glass night lighting is also well done...
 

 
A darker orange tone is used on the Landside. The Arrival terminal area could be more brighter, it feels dark for a busy area? The carpark lighting is very comprehensive and well lit.
 

 
The hero again is the new control tower, very candy pop, but effective. Fire Station complex is also well detailed in building and surround lighting.
 

 
The "Private Sky" ramp is well signed, but the ramp itself is dark, again the drop-down lighting is well used.
 

 
Cargo is brightly, nicely lit, you can easily do night work and the flying from down here.
 

 
Field navigation signage is perfectly realised and nicely lit, but the signs come with no ground reflections.
 

 
I couldn't resist a circuit flight to see the scenery from the air...  I like it, I like this Skytitude RSW a lot.
 

___________________
Summary
Aerosoft released a Southwest Florida International Airport scenery in November 2015, with an update in February 2016. It became a reviewing stablemate for me and for X-PlaneReviews, because of its position and in being quality scenery. But that last update is now over 8 years ago, and so here is another KRSW Southwest Florida released from Skytitude for X-Plane 12.
 
It would take a lot for me to replace the original Southwest Florida scenery, but admittedly it is showing it's age. Thankfully this Skytitude version is overwhelmingly good. Skytitude has had an upward quality and detailing journey this year with already Jacksonville (KJAX) and Tallahassee (KTLH) in both being excellent.
 
Modeling and building textures at RSW are excellent, but the overwhelming detail here is just that in fill detail, and it is done everywhere. Certainly in the tropical trees, fauna and grass in using X-Plane 12 native tools, but here expertly arranged to create a really realistic environment. New Control Tower is the highlight, well detailed in the day, candy coloured at night, it springs life into the scenery, and all new developments or current developments are all included as is the excellent Fire Station and communications area. Great wildly varied textures are excellent, and the edited DSF tile has a 25 Sq Miles of hand-inserted detailed area, with intergrated water and the drainage canals also use the dynamic X-Plane water and dynamic grass and are all first rate. All textures are PBR with burnt-in ambient occlusion are also all active. The scenery uses the X-Plane 12 "Ground Handling" system for the animated airbridges, and easy to use. Lighting is also really good and heavily down lighting detailed.
 
Notable though is the missing animated ground traffic that is in the Aerosoft version, making the ramp areas feel a little static in comparison, also missing is the entrance road and parking signage, unfortunately it is highly noticeable, and the Holiday Inn Express hotel is also missing on the 06 Approach... all minor stuff, but doesn't takeaway the overall quality of the scenery presented here.
 
It has been an upward journey for Skytitude. But this Southwest Florida International Airport scenery is levels above his other releases, it shows a maturity, but more so an attention to detail that delivers a professional quality scenery, it is also very good with all the latest X-Plane 12 effects and details...  more so, for me it delivers a new palette to deliver excellent reviews. It is to the credit of the developer that they now have moved now into that upper echelon of pre-eminence of quality scenery at a value price...    Highly Recommended!
__________________________
 

 
The KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Skytitude is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store
 
KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport
Priced at US$19.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux Download Size: 1.1 GB Current version : 1.0  - September 26th  2024   Installation
Installation of KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport is done via a download of 1.07 Gb...
 
There are three folders to install
skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-airport skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-terrain skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-beaches With a total installation size of 1.41Gb.
  Documents
There is a single installation manual provided by Skytitude, it documents how to, or not to use Ortho4XP textures.
 

____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD.
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- none-
____________________________
 
Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton
1st October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

Scenery Review : KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Skytitude
 
This particular Southwest Florida airport has been a big part of my reviewing life. Early years reviewing were based around KLAL-Lakeland, a great airport with wide runways to experiment with the different types of aircraft you journey through. For a test flight, then KRSW was only and perfectly 100 nm away to the south of Lakeland, far enough to get the feel and flow of the aircraft, but not too far away in wasting flying time, plus KRSW was a very nice medium sized, it's a sort of regional hub airport, but can also cater for bigger aircraft if required. In time most of my reviewing moved to KRSW completely away from Lakeland, the main reason was it was more perfect for reviewing not only for General Aviation aircraft, but Private jets and the standard single aisle airliner. Circuits are excellent here, if you go counter-clockwise to the airport. As most arrival circuits are to the south to Rwy 06, so you can keep clear of the heavy traffic, but still have a dynamic background of a working busy airport, it has nice visual elements as well with the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas...  in other words KRSW is perfect.
 
The original reviewing Southwest Florida International Airport scenery was Aerosoft's, with the original release in November 2015, with an update in February 2016. It was for the time a sensational scenery, obviously because why I used it so much, but that is now eight years ago, and time and quality has moved on. And over the last few years without attention, the Aerosoft's KRSW has been feeling a tired, oldish... it still stands up, but here is Skytitudes release of KRSW, and it in many ways created a dilemma, stick with the trusted and known, or upgrade the scenery to the newer version? That is what this review is setting out to achieve.
 
Skytitude is quite prolific and focuses totally on US Florida State scenery, his recent releases are Jacksonville (KJAX) and Tallahassee (KTLH), and both got very high marks for the detail and quality at a value price, so Southwest Florida fits in quite nicely in to that same context.
 
As airports go RSW is not an old airport as it was only conceived in 1973, when it was clear that the existing airport in Page Field would be too small (They were certainly right there). So the government of Lee County selected a site near Interstate 75, which was then under construction. The airport's groundbreaking was done in 1980, and Southwest Florida Regional Airport was opened on schedule, May 14, 1983, with a single 8400-ft runway. Delta Air Lines operated the first flight. The original terminal was located on the north side of the runway at the end of Chamberlin Parkway.   The airport was renamed Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993, though it had hosted international flights since 1984 and U.S. Customs since 1987, mainly for flights to and from Germany. The name change coincided with the completion of a 55,000 square foot Federal Inspection facility annexed to the original terminal's Concourse A. The single runway was also lengthened to 12,000 ft (3,658 m) at the same time to better accommodate international service (making it the fourth-longest runway in Florida). The airport has hosted Boeing 747s (including Air Force One), but as of 2009 the largest aircraft scheduled to RSW are the Airbus A330-200s on Air Berlin's now discontinued non-stop flights to Düsseldorf and seasonally the airport attracts a lot of charter and winter visitors chasing the sunshine.
 

 

 
Southwest Florida International Airport
IATA: RSW - ICAO: KRSW - FAA LID: RSW

06/24 - 12,000 ft (3,658m) Asphalt
Elevation AMSL30 ft / 9 m
 

 
First impressions of the Skytitude Southwest Florida scenery, was it didn't seem that different from the Aerosoft version, same visual look and feel...  good for that, but there are a lot changes here at RSW, as we shall see.
 

 
First is the aspect change from X-Plane 11 to 12, but there is more to it than that. As the high resolution ground textures are much more detailed and have a far more realistic (even modern) texture about them, they look excellent. Areas now look more filled in, certainly the landside detailing, as it makes the Aerosoft look quite barren compared, but to note you need your "Rendering Distance" set at Maximum, as Skytitude does not do a heavy POV distance to save framerate, but you can easily see the 10 year gap in advancement in scenery detail between the two KRSWs. Landside is excellent in fill and with the well crowded Car-Rental zones and large carparks.
 

 
Rather that just being a model, the short-term carpark here is far better defined, with an entrance way and the excellent fauna and tropical trees filling and surrounding the area, it looks finished here and all the better for it.
 
KRSW has only one large terminal with three concourses D, C and B. There are no A area gates (used earlier in the older demolished terminal).
 

 
The same concourse design is done thought-out the terminal complex. And the detail is top-notch here, with the right weathered concrete textures and very good window/glass look and feel, all very well done and very XP12 in quality, and the small detail of stairs, antennas and Air-Con units also show a great attention to detail 
 

 
All three concourses are excellent, and the ground clutter is well done, no branding, but still quality airport vehicles, service equipment and a lot of ramp container trolleys.
 

 
Skytitude uses the built in default "Ground Handling" system, which is now the better airbridge system, easy to use, it works very well here.
 

 
In every area then the Skytitude RSW is far better than the original Aerosoft version...  and yet, there is something missing?
 
That missing aspect is the animations of vehicles, that swirled fast around the Aerosoft RSW. So the Skytitude scenery is not as dynamic as the Aerosoft one, and you do really miss them (or avoid them) and you also feel that static difference?
 
RSW's terminal is buried between the concourses and the short-term carpark, but the external detail on show is very good, there are no interior details for either the terminal or the concourses. Car rental area is excellent, with a lot of fine detail and loads of 3d cars.
 

 
The exposed carparks are also really well done with high quality 3d X-Plane 12 trees and fauna that are well placed and look very authentically tropical Florida, highlight here is the RV park, a nice detail... 
 

 
...   but visually missing on all the entrance roads are the road and airport signage, there is a huge amount of signage here at RSW as shown below, but all the signage is missing in the Skytitude scenery?  It's a small detail, but an important missing one.
 

 
Biggest change between the two RSW sceneries is the latest addition of a new state-of-the-art facility control tower and FIA Administration. The facility replaces the older tower, and is part of a broader expansion project at the airport, the tower became operational in January 2022.
 

 
Sensationally detailed, the tower and surrounds shows great attention to detail, no internal detail, and the (T) X-Plane Tower view is on the floor near Concourse B. But this area shows that Skytitude is becoming a premier developer in detail.
 

 
The Lee County Station 92, serves as the RSW Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, which is placed next to the Control Tower. It was in a basic form included in the Aerosoft version, but here it is fully realised and detailed, including a Basketball hoop to while away your waiting time.
 

 
Also added in this area to the north is a communications site with well done and detailed multiple cell and microwave towers. This newly filled in area gives you a very nice filled in visual area on departure or arrival.
 

 
Other new details include the construction of the Swissaport Facility, FedEx dropoff depot, Long-Term carpark entrance, and the construction site of the new Concourse E on the west side of the Terminal complex. All these items add in to the fill of the airport environs.
 

 
The north side is a very familiar area...
 

 
... northwest is a small Cargo facility, with UPS and FedEx sharing the space. There are two small 1-2 parking stands and four larger 3-6 parking stands. Detailing and clutter is excellent, with all the cargo and vehicles branded and detailed. It's perfect for regional (Cessna Caravan) or freighter cargo services...  an area to use.
 

 
There is no name on the central ramp, but used you could say it is the "PrivateSky Aviation Services" ramp. This area is my main reviewing platform, it is a perfect place to do this with the movement action going on in the background, and the ease to runway access.
 

 
The area is very nicely upgraded from the Aerosoft version. The PrivateSky logos and text is now not so lo-res, the ramps feel more full with with the few static aircraft as well, and the FBO building modeling and surrounding detail is all quite a few steps above the earlier layout. I am going to enjoy it on here...  To the east there is a Delta United Cargo receiving facility, and a large Jet Aircraft Maintenance Inc (Jet Group) hangar, which is really nicely weather worn detailed.
 

 
Central to the north of the field is the now decommissioned old control tower, taller than the newer version, it is well sited for runway approaches. Oddly this tower's internal area is well detailed?
 

 
Staff and spare carparking is set out behind the old tower complex, again well detailed and defined.
 

 
The "North Ramp" was in the Aerosoft RSW, but you barely ever took notice of it. Here in the Skytitude version the ramps are far better detailed, as is the placement of seven UPS stored aircraft. So it brings the area alive and in so making it also usable, of which it wasn't in the past. The Airport's Fuel Depot is situated further east by the threshold of runway 24.
 

 
There are two areas off the airfield that have custom infrastructure. To the west is Global Parkway, an industrial site, but the very distinctive Holiday Inn Express hotel sited here on the o6 Approach is missing? and the Entertainment Manufacturing Group (EMG) facility, a leading manufacturer specializing in custom metal and cabling products for the entertainment industry is also reproduced here.
 

 
Textures
Skytitude seems to be experimenting with ideas when it comes to surfaces and textures. RSW has a lot of varied and different runway and taxiway surfaces, and that has required a specialized approach in replicating them. The results are quite spectacular, as the surfaces here are all excellent across the myriad of different surfaces, including asphalt and concrete variations with stone, cracks and grooves were required. Grunge, dirt, wear is also perfect as are all the markings and signage.
 

 
X-Plane 12 dynamics are of course developed into the textures. PBR reflections and normal maps are dynamic with burnt-in ambient occlusion which are all active...  I don't really expect Chicago whiteout conditions this far down in Florida, but I do expect tropical thunder storms effects to be really good.
 

 
Jacksonville had a strange rolling grass, which didn't quite work, here experimentation has created a better grass solution, no rolls, nice grass, and areas where the thinning grass comes through creating a patchwork of lawned or differential terrain...  it is all very good.
 

 
Using the X-Plane 12 translucency, Skytitude has used it to create a lot of integrated water areas and drainage canals, again really well done and very visual around the airport field.
 

 
Lighting
Runway 06/24 is lit to the current ICAO standard, and 06 approach has a ILS (111.50 IRSW) and RAIL guidance lighting.
 

 
Terminal and Landside areas are two-tone, with the brighter white on the ramps...  there is a huge amount of downlighting very effectively used here to create light in normal dark spaces like with the terminal, glass night lighting is also well done...
 

 
A darker orange tone is used on the Landside. The Arrival terminal area could be more brighter, it feels dark for a busy area? The carpark lighting is very comprehensive and well lit.
 

 
The hero again is the new control tower, very candy pop, but effective. Fire Station complex is also well detailed in building and surround lighting.
 

 
The "Private Sky" ramp is well signed, but the ramp itself is dark, again the drop-down lighting is well used.
 

 
Cargo is brightly, nicely lit, you can easily do night work and the flying from down here.
 

 
Field navigation signage is perfectly realised and nicely lit, but the signs come with no ground reflections.
 

 
I couldn't resist a circuit flight to see the scenery from the air...  I like it, I like this Skytitude RSW a lot.
 

___________________
Summary
Aerosoft released a Southwest Florida International Airport scenery in November 2015, with an update in February 2016. It became a reviewing stablemate for me and for X-PlaneReviews, because of its position and in being quality scenery. But that last update is now over 8 years ago, and so here is another KRSW Southwest Florida released from Skytitude for X-Plane 12.
 
It would take a lot for me to replace the original Southwest Florida scenery, but admittedly it is showing it's age. Thankfully this Skytitude version is overwhelmingly good. Skytitude has had an upward quality and detailing journey this year with already Jacksonville (KJAX) and Tallahassee (KTLH) in both being excellent.
 
Modeling and building textures at RSW are excellent, but the overwhelming detail here is just that in fill detail, and it is done everywhere. Certainly in the tropical trees, fauna and grass in using X-Plane 12 native tools, but here expertly arranged to create a really realistic environment. New Control Tower is the highlight, well detailed in the day, candy coloured at night, it springs life into the scenery, and all new developments or current developments are all included as is the excellent Fire Station and communications area. Great wildly varied textures are excellent, and the edited DSF tile has a 25 Sq Miles of hand-inserted detailed area, with intergrated water and the drainage canals also use the dynamic X-Plane water and dynamic grass and are all first rate. All textures are PBR with burnt-in ambient occlusion are also all active. The scenery uses the X-Plane 12 "Ground Handling" system for the animated airbridges, and easy to use. Lighting is also really good and heavily down lighting detailed.
 
Notable though is the missing animated ground traffic that is in the Aerosoft version, making the ramp areas feel a little static in comparison, also missing is the entrance road and parking signage, unfortunately it is highly noticeable, and the Holiday Inn Express hotel is also missing on the 06 Approach... all minor stuff, but doesn't takeaway the overall quality of the scenery presented here.
 
It has been an upward journey for Skytitude. But this Southwest Florida International Airport scenery is levels above his other releases, it shows a maturity, but more so an attention to detail that delivers a professional quality scenery, it is also very good with all the latest X-Plane 12 effects and details...  more so, for me it delivers a new palette to deliver excellent reviews. It is to the credit of the developer that they now have moved now into that upper echelon of pre-eminence of quality scenery at a value price...    Highly Recommended!
__________________________
 

 
The KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Skytitude is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store
 
KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport
Priced at US$19.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux Download Size: 1.1 GB Current version : 1.0  - September 26th  2024   Installation
Installation of KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport is done via a download of 1.07 Gb...
 
There are three folders to install
skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-airport skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-terrain skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-beaches With a total installation size of 1.41Gb.
  Documents
There is a single installation manual provided by Skytitude, it documents how to, or not to use Ortho4XP textures.
 

____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD.
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- none-
____________________________
 
Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton
1st October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

NEWS! - Scenery Released : LFRV - Vannes Golfe du Morbihan by VFR-Scenery
 

 
VFR-Scenery create very personalised sceneries in the Breton - Brittany area of France. Two releases have already covered Quiberon and La Baule-Escoublac, and this is the third release of the area with Vannes Golfe du Morbihan.
 
Vannes – Golfe du Morbihan Airport is a regional airport located about 7 km west of Vannes, in Brittany. It has a 1,200-meter asphalt runway suitable for light aircraft and a grass runway for microlights and gliders. The airport is an important center for recreational aviation, business aviation, and sightseeing flights. It also hosts a skydiving school offering tandem jumps and training for beginners and experienced jumpers. The local flying clubs offer lessons and discovery flights to fly over the Gulf of Morbihan. Although the airport does not manage regular commercial flights, it is a key hub for aviation and tourism activities, as well as for emergency medical services. Its proximity to the coast and the region's attractions makes it a great asset for thrill-seekers and visitors alike.
 
Features:
Airfield precisely modeled using photos taken on-site in 2023. Custom 3D objects (no external library required). Interiors of the flying club’s hangars modeled and lit at night. The doors of 19 hangars open and close. The gates open and close. 4K PBR texture. Skydiving school mural accurately modeled. Fuel stations accurately modeled. Compatible with Ortho4XP and AutoOrtho. Optimized for your FPS (beta testers reported a loss of 2 to 6 fps depending on configurations). VAC chart included. User manual in English and French with easy installation. Plugin provided.  

 

 

 
This Vannes Golfe du Morbihan airport has been carefully modeled using photos taken on-site between 2022 and 2023. We have reproduced with the utmost precision the details that make this airport unique. You will be able to start your simulation in most hangars, open the main doors and gates of the airport, and freely cross the restricted areas.
 
Images are courtesy of VFR-Scenery
__________________
 

 
Yes!...   LFRV - Vannes Golfe du Morbihan by VFR Scenery is now Available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
LFRV - Vannes Golfe du Morbihan
Price is US$19.99
On sale: $19.99 $15.00 - You Save:$4.99(25%)
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 (X-Plane 11 compatibility will be available in a few weeks)
Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 6.7 GB 
Current Version : 1.0 (September 28th 2024) ___________________________
 
News! by Stephen Dutton
30th September 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

Scenery Review : KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Skytitude
 
This particular Southwest Florida airport has been a big part of my reviewing life. Early years reviewing were based around KLAL-Lakeland, a great airport with wide runways to experiment with the different types of aircraft you journey through. For a test flight, then KRSW was only and perfectly 100 nm away to the south of Lakeland, far enough to get the feel and flow of the aircraft, but not too far away in wasting flying time, plus KRSW was a very nice medium sized, it's a sort of regional hub airport, but can also cater for bigger aircraft if required. In time most of my reviewing moved to KRSW completely away from Lakeland, the main reason was it was more perfect for reviewing not only for General Aviation aircraft, but Private jets and the standard single aisle airliner. Circuits are excellent here, if you go counter-clockwise to the airport. As most arrival circuits are to the south to Rwy 06, so you can keep clear of the heavy traffic, but still have a dynamic background of a working busy airport, it has nice visual elements as well with the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas...  in other words KRSW is perfect.
 
The original reviewing Southwest Florida International Airport scenery was Aerosoft's, with the original release in November 2015, with an update in February 2016. It was for the time a sensational scenery, obviously because why I used it so much, but that is now eight years ago, and time and quality has moved on. And over the last few years without attention, the Aerosoft's KRSW has been feeling a tired, oldish... it still stands up, but here is Skytitudes release of KRSW, and it in many ways created a dilemma, stick with the trusted and known, or upgrade the scenery to the newer version? That is what this review is setting out to achieve.
 
Skytitude is quite prolific and focuses totally on US Florida State scenery, his recent releases are Jacksonville (KJAX) and Tallahassee (KTLH), and both got very high marks for the detail and quality at a value price, so Southwest Florida fits in quite nicely in to that same context.
 
As airports go RSW is not an old airport as it was only conceived in 1973, when it was clear that the existing airport in Page Field would be too small (They were certainly right there). So the government of Lee County selected a site near Interstate 75, which was then under construction. The airport's groundbreaking was done in 1980, and Southwest Florida Regional Airport was opened on schedule, May 14, 1983, with a single 8400-ft runway. Delta Air Lines operated the first flight. The original terminal was located on the north side of the runway at the end of Chamberlin Parkway.   The airport was renamed Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993, though it had hosted international flights since 1984 and U.S. Customs since 1987, mainly for flights to and from Germany. The name change coincided with the completion of a 55,000 square foot Federal Inspection facility annexed to the original terminal's Concourse A. The single runway was also lengthened to 12,000 ft (3,658 m) at the same time to better accommodate international service (making it the fourth-longest runway in Florida). The airport has hosted Boeing 747s (including Air Force One), but as of 2009 the largest aircraft scheduled to RSW are the Airbus A330-200s on Air Berlin's now discontinued non-stop flights to Düsseldorf and seasonally the airport attracts a lot of charter and winter visitors chasing the sunshine.
 

 

 
Southwest Florida International Airport
IATA: RSW - ICAO: KRSW - FAA LID: RSW

06/24 - 12,000 ft (3,658m) Asphalt
Elevation AMSL30 ft / 9 m
 

 
First impressions of the Skytitude Southwest Florida scenery, was it didn't seem that different from the Aerosoft version, same visual look and feel...  good for that, but there are a lot changes here at RSW, as we shall see.
 

 
First is the aspect change from X-Plane 11 to 12, but there is more to it than that. As the high resolution ground textures are much more detailed and have a far more realistic (even modern) texture about them, they look excellent. Areas now look more filled in, certainly the landside detailing, as it makes the Aerosoft look quite barren compared, but to note you need your "Rendering Distance" set at Maximum, as Skytitude does not do a heavy POV distance to save framerate, but you can easily see the 10 year gap in advancement in scenery detail between the two KRSWs. Landside is excellent in fill and with the well crowded Car-Rental zones and large carparks.
 

 
Rather that just being a model, the short-term carpark here is far better defined, with an entrance way and the excellent fauna and tropical trees filling and surrounding the area, it looks finished here and all the better for it.
 
KRSW has only one large terminal with three concourses D, C and B. There are no A area gates (used earlier in the older demolished terminal).
 

 
The same concourse design is done thought-out the terminal complex. And the detail is top-notch here, with the right weathered concrete textures and very good window/glass look and feel, all very well done and very XP12 in quality, and the small detail of stairs, antennas and Air-Con units also show a great attention to detail 
 

 
All three concourses are excellent, and the ground clutter is well done, no branding, but still quality airport vehicles, service equipment and a lot of ramp container trolleys.
 

 
Skytitude uses the built in default "Ground Handling" system, which is now the better airbridge system, easy to use, it works very well here.
 

 
In every area then the Skytitude RSW is far better than the original Aerosoft version...  and yet, there is something missing?
 
That missing aspect is the animations of vehicles, that swirled fast around the Aerosoft RSW. So the Skytitude scenery is not as dynamic as the Aerosoft one, and you do really miss them (or avoid them) and you also feel that static difference?
 
RSW's terminal is buried between the concourses and the short-term carpark, but the external detail on show is very good, there are no interior details for either the terminal or the concourses. Car rental area is excellent, with a lot of fine detail and loads of 3d cars.
 

 
The exposed carparks are also really well done with high quality 3d X-Plane 12 trees and fauna that are well placed and look very authentically tropical Florida, highlight here is the RV park, a nice detail... 
 

 
...   but visually missing on all the entrance roads are the road and airport signage, there is a huge amount of signage here at RSW as shown below, but all the signage is missing in the Skytitude scenery?  It's a small detail, but an important missing one.
 

 
Biggest change between the two RSW sceneries is the latest addition of a new state-of-the-art facility control tower and FIA Administration. The facility replaces the older tower, and is part of a broader expansion project at the airport, the tower became operational in January 2022.
 

 
Sensationally detailed, the tower and surrounds shows great attention to detail, no internal detail, and the (T) X-Plane Tower view is on the floor near Concourse B. But this area shows that Skytitude is becoming a premier developer in detail.
 

 
The Lee County Station 92, serves as the RSW Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility, which is placed next to the Control Tower. It was in a basic form included in the Aerosoft version, but here it is fully realised and detailed, including a Basketball hoop to while away your waiting time.
 

 
Also added in this area to the north is a communications site with well done and detailed multiple cell and microwave towers. This newly filled in area gives you a very nice filled in visual area on departure or arrival.
 

 
Other new details include the construction of the Swissaport Facility, FedEx dropoff depot, Long-Term carpark entrance, and the construction site of the new Concourse E on the west side of the Terminal complex. All these items add in to the fill of the airport environs.
 

 
The north side is a very familiar area...
 

 
... northwest is a small Cargo facility, with UPS and FedEx sharing the space. There are two small 1-2 parking stands and four larger 3-6 parking stands. Detailing and clutter is excellent, with all the cargo and vehicles branded and detailed. It's perfect for regional (Cessna Caravan) or freighter cargo services...  an area to use.
 

 
There is no name on the central ramp, but used you could say it is the "PrivateSky Aviation Services" ramp. This area is my main reviewing platform, it is a perfect place to do this with the movement action going on in the background, and the ease to runway access.
 

 
The area is very nicely upgraded from the Aerosoft version. The PrivateSky logos and text is now not so lo-res, the ramps feel more full with with the few static aircraft as well, and the FBO building modeling and surrounding detail is all quite a few steps above the earlier layout. I am going to enjoy it on here...  To the east there is a Delta United Cargo receiving facility, and a large Jet Aircraft Maintenance Inc (Jet Group) hangar, which is really nicely weather worn detailed.
 

 
Central to the north of the field is the now decommissioned old control tower, taller than the newer version, it is well sited for runway approaches. Oddly this tower's internal area is well detailed?
 

 
Staff and spare carparking is set out behind the old tower complex, again well detailed and defined.
 

 
The "North Ramp" was in the Aerosoft RSW, but you barely ever took notice of it. Here in the Skytitude version the ramps are far better detailed, as is the placement of seven UPS stored aircraft. So it brings the area alive and in so making it also usable, of which it wasn't in the past. The Airport's Fuel Depot is situated further east by the threshold of runway 24.
 

 
There are two areas off the airfield that have custom infrastructure. To the west is Global Parkway, an industrial site, but the very distinctive Holiday Inn Express hotel sited here on the o6 Approach is missing? and the Entertainment Manufacturing Group (EMG) facility, a leading manufacturer specializing in custom metal and cabling products for the entertainment industry is also reproduced here.
 

 
Textures
Skytitude seems to be experimenting with ideas when it comes to surfaces and textures. RSW has a lot of varied and different runway and taxiway surfaces, and that has required a specialized approach in replicating them. The results are quite spectacular, as the surfaces here are all excellent across the myriad of different surfaces, including asphalt and concrete variations with stone, cracks and grooves were required. Grunge, dirt, wear is also perfect as are all the markings and signage.
 

 
X-Plane 12 dynamics are of course developed into the textures. PBR reflections and normal maps are dynamic with burnt-in ambient occlusion which are all active...  I don't really expect Chicago whiteout conditions this far down in Florida, but I do expect tropical thunder storms effects to be really good.
 

 
Jacksonville had a strange rolling grass, which didn't quite work, here experimentation has created a better grass solution, no rolls, nice grass, and areas where the thinning grass comes through creating a patchwork of lawned or differential terrain...  it is all very good.
 

 
Using the X-Plane 12 translucency, Skytitude has used it to create a lot of integrated water areas and drainage canals, again really well done and very visual around the airport field.
 

 
Lighting
Runway 06/24 is lit to the current ICAO standard, and 06 approach has a ILS (111.50 IRSW) and RAIL guidance lighting.
 

 
Terminal and Landside areas are two-tone, with the brighter white on the ramps...  there is a huge amount of downlighting very effectively used here to create light in normal dark spaces like with the terminal, glass night lighting is also well done...
 

 
A darker orange tone is used on the Landside. The Arrival terminal area could be more brighter, it feels dark for a busy area? The carpark lighting is very comprehensive and well lit.
 

 
The hero again is the new control tower, very candy pop, but effective. Fire Station complex is also well detailed in building and surround lighting.
 

 
The "Private Sky" ramp is well signed, but the ramp itself is dark, again the drop-down lighting is well used.
 

 
Cargo is brightly, nicely lit, you can easily do night work and the flying from down here.
 

 
Field navigation signage is perfectly realised and nicely lit, but the signs come with no ground reflections.
 

 
I couldn't resist a circuit flight to see the scenery from the air...  I like it, I like this Skytitude RSW a lot.
 

___________________
Summary
Aerosoft released a Southwest Florida International Airport scenery in November 2015, with an update in February 2016. It became a reviewing stablemate for me and for X-PlaneReviews, because of its position and in being quality scenery. But that last update is now over 8 years ago, and so here is another KRSW Southwest Florida released from Skytitude for X-Plane 12.
 
It would take a lot for me to replace the original Southwest Florida scenery, but admittedly it is showing it's age. Thankfully this Skytitude version is overwhelmingly good. Skytitude has had an upward quality and detailing journey this year with already Jacksonville (KJAX) and Tallahassee (KTLH) in both being excellent.
 
Modeling and building textures at RSW are excellent, but the overwhelming detail here is just that in fill detail, and it is done everywhere. Certainly in the tropical trees, fauna and grass in using X-Plane 12 native tools, but here expertly arranged to create a really realistic environment. New Control Tower is the highlight, well detailed in the day, candy coloured at night, it springs life into the scenery, and all new developments or current developments are all included as is the excellent Fire Station and communications area. Great wildly varied textures are excellent, and the edited DSF tile has a 25 Sq Miles of hand-inserted detailed area, with intergrated water and the drainage canals also use the dynamic X-Plane water and dynamic grass and are all first rate. All textures are PBR with burnt-in ambient occlusion are also all active. The scenery uses the X-Plane 12 "Ground Handling" system for the animated airbridges, and easy to use. Lighting is also really good and heavily down lighting detailed.
 
Notable though is the missing animated ground traffic that is in the Aerosoft version, making the ramp areas feel a little static in comparison, also missing is the entrance road and parking signage, unfortunately it is highly noticeable, and the Holiday Inn Express hotel is also missing on the 06 Approach... all minor stuff, but doesn't takeaway the overall quality of the scenery presented here.
 
It has been an upward journey for Skytitude. But this Southwest Florida International Airport scenery is levels above his other releases, it shows a maturity, but more so an attention to detail that delivers a professional quality scenery, it is also very good with all the latest X-Plane 12 effects and details...  more so, for me it delivers a new palette to deliver excellent reviews. It is to the credit of the developer that they now have moved now into that upper echelon of pre-eminence of quality scenery at a value price...    Highly Recommended!
__________________________
 

 
The KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport by Skytitude is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store
 
KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport
Priced at US$19.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) Windows, Mac or Linux Download Size: 1.1 GB Current version : 1.0  - September 26th  2024   Installation
Installation of KRSW - Southwest Florida International Airport is done via a download of 1.07 Gb...
 
There are three folders to install
skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-airport skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-terrain skytitude-krsw-swflorida-xp-beaches With a total installation size of 1.41Gb.
  Documents
There is a single installation manual provided by Skytitude, it documents how to, or not to use Ortho4XP textures.
 

____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD.
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- none-
____________________________
 
Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton
1st October 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

The problem is that X-Plane is treading water, even losing users to the mega industry instead of benefiting from the explosion of simulation newcomers. There is a huge market out there as MSFS 2020 has shown, so why isn't X-Plane even getting a small minority of that? I will note that however Laminar Research have done a lot right this year, so the future numbers will be interesting. As a point Apple is not doing well out of it's "minority" computers either, the "27 inch is gone, and the awful "24 inch is a commercial failure, that will be gone soon as well, sadly.

Scenery Review : EDDN - Nuremberg XP by Aerosoft
 
The X-Plane 11 release EDDN - Nuremberg XP was over four years ago, in April 2020. This scenery was a 29 Palms development, who are a German art house that has done scenery for both Aerosoft and Orbx, Nuremburg XP was branded under Aerosoft. This was their ninth scenery for X-Plane that covers Bavaria's second largest international airport.
 
At the time EDDN was a very solid scenery, as most certainly are all Aerosoft quality sceneries when set in Germany, you can pick any one including EDDS -Stuttgart or EDLW-Dortmund XP and already know what you are going to receive. But the roll out of the many sceneries still not updated to X-Plane 12 by Aerosoft has also been slow. So if you get one that has had the X-Plane 12 treatment like this EDDN - Nuremburg, it's well worth investing in.
 
Nuremberg Airport is an international airport of the Franconian metropolitan area of Nuremberg and the second-busiest airport in Bavaria after Munich Airport. It is located approximately only 5 km north of Nuremberg's city centre and offers flights within Germany as well as to European metropolitan and leisure destinations, especially along the Mediterranean Sea, on the Canary Islands, in Turkey and in Egypt. The Airport is owned and operated by Flughafen Nürnberg GmbH, in turn owned 50% by the state of Bavaria and 50% by the city of Nuremberg.
 
Nuremberg Airport
"Albrecht Dürer" Flughafen Nürnberg
IATA: NUE - ICAO: EDDN
 

10/28 - 2,700m (8,858ft) Concrete/Asphalt
Elevation AMSL1,046 ft / 319 m
 

 
Like with everything with X-Plane 12, the contrast is deeper and the world is more photo realistic than the blander X-Plane 11. Again the elements work for you, but even better now with those more quality X-Plane 12 trees that cover two sides of the Nuremburg perimeter. The German autogen does it's stuff even better as well, creating a more viable city and environments close to the airport. It's a full eyeview of detail...  it shows off the advances of a Simulator in only four years.
 

 
The 28 Approach is in part of the forest, the 10 Approach is a far more open field.
 

 
All the airport infrastructure is set to the east in it's Germanic arrangement, there is a single passenger terminal, that consists of two departure halls and one arrival hall which are all linked together landside and airside. 
 

 
There are four forward apron zones with M1(Cargo/Hangar A) left, M2 Terminal, M3 Remote Stands and far right M4, rear apron zones (stands) are again left to right with N1, N2, H4, N4.
 
Terminal modeling is the same, but the textures have been given the full updated Physically Based Rendering (PBR) treatment to the better X-Plane 12 standards, and it shows. It was classic before, glass is perfect, a tinted green, but the right opacity. to make it look realistic, but the terminal overall now sort of feels as in being far more realistic and defined here, it's top quality.
 

 
There are four animated airbidges 10-13. Gate 09 looks like it is missing the airbridge, but the roadway like in the real NUE cuts through, Gate 14 is also only a Walkon/Walkoff walkway.
 

 
You can't fault it, as it is fabulously well done, top notch in quality detail. It is all very impressive and it is also very well designed under the airbridges and right down on to the lower service road, and the excellent airbridge Sixt Rent-a-car advertising is very authentic.
 
EDDN XP11 was built around the SAM plugin, since abandoned? OpenSAM has stepped into the breach and it works, but only on the very latest version v1.60.b2, so you will need to update the plugin to use it here. The SAM feature to open the FAI gates manually to their apron and hangar facility is still there, but now located under the "Remote Control" selection on the OpenSAM plugin menu.
 

 
You do have a basic internal terminal detail, and the resolution is quite good as well, making it usable, now certainly better than I remember...  but overall the layout is for the external views
 

 
Original clutter was very good, and the same quality here as well with a lot airport or airline branded. Animated traffic is well done, but a little odd in being trapped by your active aircraft? so it doesn't flow as it should. The static aircraft have also been retained, so there are a few and mostly private Gulfsteam jets and KingAirs sitting around of which are very nice area fillers.
 

 
There is a huge amount of aircraft servicing and maintenance facilities at EDDN, mostly "Aero-Dienst" and all has been well recreated in the scenery.
 
  
 
Cargo
There is a cargo facility at NEU, but it's not that big. It is configured out of the original Nuremberg terminal in the north that opened in 1955, the old tower is situated mid-point as well and the Fire Station far north, but you do get six stands 1-6 and a big cargo processing facility set to the rear.
 

 
Landside
I was extremely impressed with the Landside in the XP11 review, it was all very well done and it is the same comprehensive layout here again in X-Plane 12, even with the same reverse advertising signage on some of the buildings?
 

 
There are a lot of areas to take in from the four massive carparks, Mövenpick Hotel and airport administration buildings...  signage detail is however first rate and even 29 Palms have some exposure..
 

 
Landside arrivals is excellent, and the animated traffic works over here...  and yes the Kalchreuth Bakery is still there, it is interesting on how many food outlets and restaurants there are at NEU, so you won't starve here, even for the fussy food ones.
 

 
But in looking at the overall landside areas, it all does feel different from the original XP11 version? The change is in the quality X-Plane 12 trees and fauna, and it makes a big if huge difference. There are no cardboard trees anymore, but the high quality default trees and fauna that now changes along with the seasons.
 

 
Control Tower
The Control Tower at Nuremburg is iconic, distinctive...  even a piece of architectural art. And stand out on both the approaches it does. It is 36 meters (118 feet) tall and was installed as part of the airports modernization in the 1980's.
 

 
Control Tower detail is excellent with a basic interior, and the red radar is nicely animated. Tower View (T) is also excellent on both 10/28 Approaches, and set perfectly just above the rotating radar
 

 
Lighting
The lighting on the X-Plane 11 version was not the scenery's greatest feature. Here it has been upgraded to X-Plane 12 lighting elements, and it is far better....  but could it have been even made more better still? The approach lighting is fine with both 10/28 Approaches and runway lighting now to the ICAO standard, and including REILs, Running Rabbits and HDR Lighting.
 

 
Ramp and apron areas are now two-tone, still that yellowish tone for the commercial ramps, but also now a brighter whiter tone for the cargo ramps
 

 
A loss of lighting though is on the terminal buildings, the former XP11 window lighting is gone and it has been replaced by a darker view. But it does work better with the graphic windows on the older terminal/cargo buildings.
 

 
Maintenance and service areas Aero-Dienst and FAI are actually a lot brighter and all the better for it.
 

 
The lighting Landside in X-Plane 11 didn't work very well? It has been redone here and IT IS better, but again could still be a more better as well, certainly in the busy Arrival zone. Carparks and the storied Carparking lighting is now also done, but overall on this side it is still on the darker side.
 

 
The runway and taxiway lighting is very good. But the Navigation signage is terrible. All you have here are faint lights on the board, so they are certainly not usable or readable at night? An oversight here.
 

 
Textures & Seasonal
The X-Plane 11 version had good textures. But the X-Plane 12 version is now totally revised to the far better XP12 standard and dynamics. The textures now come with XP12 PBR reflections and normal maps, and totally revised orthophotos, all are color optimized for XP12, including autumn/winter versions and normal maps. It shows in the far better surface detail, as all surfaces are feeling more grittier and realistic.
 

 
 
Aerosoft were always good at 3d grass, here it is again being exceptional with duel tone grass with spring flowers, runway and taxi edges are really authentic as well, no straight perfectly clean lines here, just great ragged edges.
 

 
EDDN uses the X-Plane 12 dynamics to the full, wet or rainy conditions are first rate...
 

 
...   Seasonal vistas are also excellent. originally 29 Palms used the SAM seasons system, but that is gone here and replaced with the default seasonal tree, ice and snow winter conditions, and all the other seasonal variations, it is mega good.
 

 
_______________________
 
Summary
29 Palms branded under the Aerosoft banner, released a great rendition of EDDN - Nuremberg in April 2020. This is the newer X-Plane 12 version, and again it is a very professional scenery presented by this art house.
 
In one aspect it is the same NEU scenery with the same modeling and layouts, which were excellent in the first place, so every area of the EDDN airport is still well covered here, from the excellent designed terminal, to the huge landside detail and signage, with all the private companies associated with the airport. The airport intergrates extremely well with the German autogen, and more realistic X-Plane fauna, so Nuremburg is also a nice part of the scenery.
 
So the modern X-Plane 12 makeover gives the original scenery a really bigger new shine and glow. Textures are now better PBR realistic, glass is clearer and more tinted see through (but still realistic). All ground textures are new with the better built in XP12 dynamics, as are the excellent seasonal effects with the new XP12 trees and realistic fauna. Lighting is all X-Plane 12 now as well to ICAO standards, but the weakness of the landside lighting is still only partly resolved, it is far better, but more individual focused lighting on the arrival area would have been a even better solution, but carparks are now thankfully lit.
 
Clutter is locally branded and again extremely well done, but the animated traffic is not refined enough. The abandoned SAM is also featured, but in using OpenSam as a replacement, you still have the option of opening the FAI gate, and the working animated Airbridges.
 
 EDDN - Nuremburg was very good in X-Plane 11, and was a very worthwhile investment, it is now even far better here for the X-Plane 12 version, so well worthwhile upgrading or purchasing, as this version uses the better dynamic and texture effects to the maximum, so the NEU X-Plane 12 scenery is exceptional and it is very well priced for good value....   a keeper!
_______________________
 

 
Yes! EDDN - Nuremberg XP by Aerosoft is available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

EDDN - Nuremberg XP
Price is US$24.00
 
New in the XP12 version:
Standalone, fully customized XP12 version Revised lighting Ground textures now including PBR reflections and normal maps Revised orthophoto, color optimized for XP12, including autumn/winter version and normal map Reworked vegetation placement (new volumetric grass) XP12 3D vegetation for forests, trees and bushes for seamless integration into the environment Weather effects for wet, snow and ice Full support for native XP12 seasons, with no other add-ons or plugins Reworked autogen and street placement Revised static aircrafts  
Requirements:
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 4 GB Current Version: 1.0.0 for X-Plane 12 (September 15th 2024) - 1.05 for X-Plane 11   Installation There are provided OPTIONS to use the SimHeaven nav-data (autogen) in the Aerosoft EDDN scenery

 
Notable is that you have to use the "Aerosoft One" application to install (update) Nuremburg XP12 scenery...
 
Installation of either airport for XP12 is done through Aerosoft one installer:
Aerosoft One Universal After you have installed Aerosoft One, click on  
ENTER PRODUCT KEY (under the Library Tab)
Then enter the Serial Number provided in this order. This will give you the option to download the airport. Note the different X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 installations.
The earlier X-Plane 11 version is also included the package, but only v1.05, and without the XP12 effects
 
Total scenery installation is a huge : 6.87gb
 
openSAM: an open source replacement for SAM 1.60 is required for this scenery
 
Documents
The earlier X-Plane 11 Aerosoft EDDN documents have been removed, and so are not updated to X-Plane 12.
_____________________
Review System Specifications: 
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2rc2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- none -
___________________________
 
Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton
26th September 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

NEWS! - ToLiSS announces A330neo release dates, and product store.
 

 
It was part of a riddle, a guess as the real A330-900neo made its first flight on October 19, 2017...  and it is now official in that the next ToLiss product, the A330-900, will be released in exactly a month on the same October 19, 2024.
 
The A330-900 covers 7,200 nmi (13,330 km; 8,290 mi) with 287 passengers. The -900 made its maiden flight on 19 October 2017 and received its EASA type certificate on 26 September 2018; it was first delivered to TAP Air Portugal on 26 November 2018 and entered service on 15 December. The A330neo is advertised as having a 12% fuel burn advantage per flight over the older A330 variants. This advantage comes from the 11% gain from the Trent 7000 and its larger 112-inch fan, compared to the 97.5-inch Trent 700 engine.
 
The Toliss A339 aircraft will come equipped with a head-up display, new DRAIMS radio panels, and more. Most of the work on the aircraft has already been completed and it is currently testing. The ToLiss Airbus A340-600 is priced at US$89.99, so that pricepoint would be a good guide for the incoming A330-900. The A330neo comes for both XP11 and XP12
 
Another announcement is that ToLiSS has created a website for direct product announcements and latest update details. https://toliss.com/
 
It also includes a ToLiSS branded store of great items that you can show off your devotion to this excellent developer...  there are 16 products to choose from, from hoodies to cups, bags, notebooks and caps. All products are well priced and of high quality. So check it out!
 

ToLiss Aircraft Features include...
Accurate Systems ToLiss Fly-by-wire and autopilot module, with support for Alternate and Direct Law Unique feature: Control Surface hinge moment modelling allows the surfaces to float to the appropriate position after loss of all actuators on a surface or to not reach full deflection if running on a single actuator. fault injection interface allowing to inject custom selected failures, or randomly selected failure based on fault probabilities with over 210 failure modes available. Custom TCAS with resolution advisory function. Terrain on ND and Weather radar available (WX radar works with default X-plane weather engine) Brake temperature model based on the detailed physics of heat transfer between the individual brake components Hydraulics model with proper hydraulic flow computation as function of surface motion, flap/slat motion, gear extension etc. You will see this by the pressure dropping when flying on RAT Custom engine model for accurate thrust and fuel flow modelling including oil pressure and temperature model as well as many engine failure modes. Thrust and fuel flow modelled for each engine type. Special engine logics, such as dual cooling on the PW1127G engine, are also modelled. Detailed model of each ADIRU including alignment, small pressure sensor differences between the units, switching of sources for PFDs and Aps Quantitative bleed system modelling affecting engine fuel flow Electrical system simulation with correct bus reconfiguration and load distribution, simulated electrical transients as well as emergency generation from the blue hydraulic system. Fire detection simulation for engines and APU Custom radio navigation computations including ability to perform backup RADNAV tuning through the RMPs 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. Custom indicating system including DMC and SDAC simulation. Choice between Multifunctional runway lights or the classic landing light configuration Useability 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. This feature reinstates the complete aircraft state (except communications with ATC, such as AOC and CPDLC messages or ground service states.) Autosaving allows recovering where you left off, should the X-Plane session end unexpectedly. Jumping waypoint-to-waypoint through the cruise phase: Shorten your flight to focus on the more interesting parts as you like. Integrated takeoff performance calculator supporting the use of flex temperature. 4 different start-up configurations from Cold and Dark to engines running and ready to go In-screen popup displays or use of x-plane windows for popups Interactive audio control panel to change ground services, fuel, loading, passengers etc. without breaking immersion Electronic flight bag on both sides with Avitab integration, weight and balance computation, take-off and landing performance calculator as well as a user customizable interactive checklist. Print function for AOC messages, CPDLC messages and selected FMGS functions  
So start saving, there is only a month to go!
___________________________
 
News! by Stephen Dutton
23rd September 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

 

Aircraft Review : McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Passenger by Rotate   
 
With the release of Rotate's McDonnell Douglas MD-11 in March 2022, it was in the aircraft's more common Freighter role than the introduction variant of the Passenger aircraft that was released. In fact no MD-11P (Passenger) aircraft are now flying, As in being after the retirement from passenger service with the last flight being by KLM in November 2014, then most of the remaining MD-11 passenger fleet were converted into the freighter specification, many of which are still in service today. The last of 200 MD-11 aircraft was built in October 2000 after Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
 
But the demand for this particular passenger aircraft was still very high, and worthy considering the quality and detail of the Rotate Freighter release, almost from day one, they clamored for it...    so here it is the P in Passenger variant of the MD-11 from Rotate.
 
McDonnell Douglas had started to search for a DC-10 derivative as early as 1976. Two versions were considered then; a DC-10-10 with a fuselage stretch of 40 feet (12 m) and a DC-10-30 stretched by 30 feet (9.1 m). The latter version would have been capable of transporting up to 340 passengers in a multi-class configuration, or 277 passengers and their luggage over 5,300 nautical miles (9,800 km). At the same time, the manufacturer was seeking to reduce wing and engine drag on the trijet. Another version of the aircraft was also envisaged, the "DC-10 global", aimed to counter the risks of loss of orders for the DC-10-30 that the Boeing 747SP and its range were causing. The DC-10 global would have incorporated more fuel tanks.
 
McDonnell Douglas was still convinced that a new derivative for the DC-10 was needed, as shown by the second-hand market for their Series 30 and the heavier DC-10-30ER version. Thus, in 1984 a new derivative aircraft version of the DC-10 was designated MD-11.
 
From the very beginning, the MD-11X was conceived in two different versions. The MD-11X-10, based on a DC-10-30 airframe, offered a range of 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km) with passengers. That first version would have had a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 580,000 pounds (260,000 kg) and would have used CF6-80C2 or PW4000 engines. The MD-11X-20 was to have a longer fuselage, accommodating up to 331 passengers in a mixed-class layout, and a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km).
 
On December 30, 1986, McDonnell Douglas launched the MD-11 with commitments for 52 firm orders and 40 options in three different versions (passenger, combi and freighter) from ten airlines (Alitalia, British Caledonian, Dragonair, Federal Express, Finnair, Korean Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Swissair, Thai Airways International, and VARIG) and two leasing companies (Guinness Peat Aviation and Mitsui).  Orders from Dragonair, Scandinavian and UTA, and an undisclosed customer were canceled by 1988.
 
The MD-11 however failed to meet its range and fuel burn targets. The last of the 200 aircraft was built in October 2000 after Boeing merged with MDC in 1997. Also hanging over the aircraft's head was the ill-famed Turkish Airlines Fl 981 McDonnell Douglas DC-10 which had operating the flight and crashed into the Ermenonville Forest, outside Paris, killing all 346 people on board. The crash was also known as the Ermenonville air disaster. Flight 981 was the deadliest plane crash in aviation history until 27 March 1977 (Tenerife). Some early MD-11F freighters were actually built, but most of the MD-11's still flying as noted are now mostly all these converted early MD-11 passenger aircraft.
 
I will put my view first. The Rotate MD-11F is one of the best simulations available in the X-Plane Simulator, the aircraft is sensational, but complex to fly and mostly crazy fast to land. But that is the attraction of the machine, and basically the MD-11 deserved a far better reputation than it has. It was the perfect size, not to small and not too big, with the right upgrades it had the talent to have a bigger and longer lasting in service significant career, pilot's loved it, so did the passengers for it's space...  unfortunately the management and the divisive troubles at Boeing damaged another great design to history by not rectifying it's weaknesses. But as X-Plane users and thanks to Rotate, you can now fly and still use this exceptional machine.
 
It's a BIG aircraft, one that stands out anywhere.
 

 
So the aircraft does create a very big footprint in the simulator, and that aspect then does also create the fear of the MD-11 being a framerate killer. I never seen or even feel that aspect at all with the MD-11F, it flew well every time within my specification boundaries, and I certainly don't get the same feeling here with the MD-11P either, and considering the extra additions to the passenger design, but then again I'm not greedy with my graphic settings either, and I am also flying on an average system... my feeling is that if I can fly it well with no framerate intrusions then so should you. If you can't then it may be time to upgrade your computer specifications.
 

 
Rotate aircraft promote the "wear and tear" or a hard worked "in it's life" style of design. And not only is the whole intricate detail available here, but it is tired and worn as it should be...  so that "Ultra Realism" is very apparent here. The MD-11P is however noticeably cleaner than the worker Freighter variant, again it is absolutely realism perfect.
 

 
Every panel and fuselage highlights are exceptional here, just check out that wing light installation, and cargo hold doors. Like the MD-11F a "walkaround" here turns into a journey of detail, a feast for the eyes, and you will never tire of looking at this aircraft. As there is always something new to discover and absorb. If you are a detail and texture junkie, again this MD-11 will put you in hospital with an obsessive overload. Wings are metal realism 101, you can virtually touch the spectacular aluminum alloys in the leading edge construction, all components and access panels are near perfection.
 

 
Extended (50º) and the leading edge Krueger flaps show the intimate detail is near perfect, rear Triple-Slotted Fowler Flaps are huge "Barn Door" draggers... again the work is exceptional here, the very best in animation and ultimate detail.
 

 
Winglets are excellent, note both the highly detailed lighting assemblies. The lower winglet may look like a painters shape mark, but no, they are really like this red and white design on the real-life KLM version.
 

 
Engines mounted are three General Electric CF6-80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines, the same that is on the Boeing 747, rated at 52,200–61,960 lbf.
 

 
The engine pod design is excellent as is the chrome inlet surround, inner fan and spinner. But the real "gobsmacking" detail is the outlet, note that amazing copper cone, all the wear feel is realism 101, or even 150%, it is just all so good. That massive tail with the third CF6 enclosed inside is again extremely well done, again from the maw of that massive inlet, to the rear set copper outlet cone that again steals the show.
 

 
It is quite scary on how far back the GE CF6 is mounted in the tail section. There is a very long inlet to the fan section, and the rear cone and bottom section are also hinged down to remove the engine from the aircraft. If there was not enough weight back here, then why not add in another jet engine, a small one mind you in the APU unit in the lower tail, it is a Honeywell GTCP331-250.
 

 
Both thrust reversers are exquisitely done in animation and including their inner cowling grid details.
 

 
The MD-11F's cockpit window were a bit clear, the MD-11P's seems to be far more heavily tinted...  so they look a lot better in context, with their lovely metal frames and perfect glass. Here the passenger variant also has lovely side windows...  instead of an all metal tube feel of the Freighter, raised in a enforcement thicker paneling, the windows are really well done with the quality detail. There are four doors per side, two forward, an overwing and a rear.
 

 
Like the DC-10, the MD-11 has a three bogie rear and a nosewheel unit for the landing gear arrangement.
 

 
A lot of developers model and detail the gear assemblies very well, but they leave them clean, nice but that is not what you would call realistic...  here Rotate has done the "dirty" so to speak with not only the full assembly construction, links, hubs and supports and what have you, but covered them all in grime and brake dust...  perfection, yes it all is. All the hydraulic lines are there, as is also the nice tyre construction with great tyre highlighted detail.
 
Middle support twin bogie is again brilliantly detailed, but the central hull placement means most of the internal section is hidden, very well done though again in quality and the grubby detail.
 

 
Nosegear is also highly detailed and authentic in detail, and you can see right up into the gear bay, and the same great detail is also noted internally.
 

 
All linkages and assemblies are all highly modeled and detailed to an exceptional degree, The taxi and landing lights are positioned up very high on the struts on the MD-11. All the gear animations are first rate (and magnificent to watch) and note the forward gear doors that are connected directly to the nosegear struts.
 
Menus
With the Rotate MD-11 both variants there is a dropdown X-Plane Banner Menu (Plugins) with two selections; AIRCRAFT MENU and ABOUT.
 

 
AIRCRAFT MENU; has four tabs...  Options, Load Manager, Ground Operations and Failures. ABOUT; Is the aircraft Version Number and Rotate Credits.
 

 
OPTIONS; This is the aircraft Options page with Seven option choices;
- Show Ambient temperatures In Celsius
- Show Weight data in Kilograms (Or Lbs)
- Show Fluid quantity in Litres (or Gallons)
- Reduce IRU align time to 30 seconds (align now)
- Default to HPa Barometer setting
- Synchronise barometer setting Co-Pilot side
- Use 8.33KHz spacing in VHF Radios
 
Lower is the choice to; "Perform Maintenance tasks to all systems", and to note to "Save Options" choices bottom.
Since the MD-11F release there has been a few more options added to this page...
- Use hardware controller toe-brakes
- Use hardware controller tiller
- Inhibit acceleration in FGCP knobs
 
Situations; Right side has five start "Situations";
- Cold & Dark
- Parked with external power
- Ready to start engines
- Ready to taxi
- Ready for departure
All selections are very good, but there is no "Turnaround" option which is interesting.
 
Also new are "Other Options", these are two choices to.
- Pause flight on Master Warning alert
- Pause flight before T/D (Top of Descent)
And finally there are the options to "Save", "Load" and "Reset", the Pop-Up DUs Display Units) location
 
All these above changes are now also on the MD-11F
 
LOAD MANAGER; This is your aircraft set up page for Payload and CG (Centre of Gravity/%MAC) and Fuel Quantities, Weight & Balance and Total Weights.
 
Top is the Total Payload and Payload CG settings in KG (Lbs) and %MAC. Then the Fuel Quantities in; Takeoff Fuel, Taxi Fuel, Ballast Tank(s), Ballast Fuel, and Trip Fuel.
 

 
The top slider selections are different here than with the MD-11F...  Here you have Pax Load (Passenger) and Cargo Load, instead of the various loadings on the Freighter. There is the same "Extended Controls" for a more detailed loading choice.
 

 
Here you can set the loads for the Passenger Cabin in; Business-Fwd (Forward), Business-Aft, Economy-Fwd and Economy-Aft...  change is in the three LO (lower) Cargo compartments can now be only filled on the MD-11P version in Lo-Fwd, Lo-Ctr and Lo-Aft. If you input the "Total Payload" it will basically set the passenger and cargo loads for you, of course you can adjust the individual settings for your own loadings, but most is done automatically.
 
Fuel options include; Block Fuel, Taxi Fuel, Ballast Tank, Ballast Fuel and Trip Fuel (estimated)...  "Simple Controls" returns the menu back to normal size.
 

 
On the Right is the "Weight & Balance (ZF-CG and TO-CG) graph to see your loading and takeoff limits (or limitations), and below is the Totals of the TOW (TakeOff Weight), ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight), TO-CG (TakeOff - Centre of Gravity) and ZF-CG (Weight and Trim) both %MAC.
 
Finally bottom is the option to "Apply (set) load configutation to aircraft and FMS", This will transfer the set loading data directly into the aircraft (fuel and weight) and %MAC into the FMS.
 
Notable is the Fuel loading settings as the interesting part is the aircraft balance setting. The MD-11 has extra AUX tanks for the TAIL TK (Tank), CTR (Centre) TK and the AUX UP TK, all these fuel options are found under the Ballast Tank (top).
 

 
This can be very hard to set up, because the MD-11 aircraft is very, very sensitive to it's CG balance. The really hard part is that where do you get your "Ballast" fuel info from, certainly not from SimBrief, as it is not listed there. I set up a route (and not using the "Ballast" function). Basically My attitude is to fill the main centre tanks then just adjust the AUX tanks automatically to fill to the amount of excess fuel required.... there is an over-riding main Ballast slider to help you here, and it works magnificently.
 
GROUND OPERATIONS; This tab allows you to use "Static Elements" and to open and close the aircraft doors, with a few nice features as well.
 

 
Ground Services; There are six selections for "Ground Services". They include; GPU (Ground Power Unit), which is very nice (you can also use the COMMAND Toggle "GPU_power_request_toggle" as well to activate the GPU). Wheel Chocks, Cockpit Stair, (a very nice RF Door set of tall stairs), Jetway (if available at the gate), Fuel & Food Service...  nothing happens visually here but the aircraft is serviced with Fuel and Food is loaded, and a Push Back option of; Stop, Left, Straight and Right actions. (I would still use betterpushback).
 
There are eight passenger doors, two main Cargo doors and a Bulk cargo door left rear. Oddly the forward left door L1, is still called the "Cockpit Door"?
 

 
Lower panel are the interior lighting switches; Off, Low and High, and a lighting switch (On/Off) for the Cargo holds.
 
FAILURES; The "Failures" feature also still feels a little underdeveloped? You get nine options in; APU, Air, Electrical, Engines, Fuel, Hydraulic, Instrumentation, Fire and Other. But the options are limited to only one in "Fail Now" of which will immediately fail the choice option. It will "Fix Now" so you can quickly rectify the failure... There are a lot of failures to choose from, but there are still no timer or altitude failure options?
 

 
You can now move the menu screen around your window, but there is no scale option.
 
Cabin
The biggest differential between the MD-11F and this MD-11P, is of course the passenger cabin...  you have to love the way those doors slip serenely into roof of the fuselage, gets me every time.
 

 
Going in the front door left, and you realise, just how big...  huge the MD-11 is. I hope you like blue?
 

 
Forward cabin are the bulky Business seats (in Blue) very nice...
 

 
There is then a smaller centre business section with fourteen seats...
 

 
Before the rear two economy sections....  It is far brighter and a more modern cabin than I expected, it will be very interesting in what the painters will create in authentic livery interiors, but I like it...  the Economy chairs are very nice, modern with still a mid-noughties look.
 

 
There is a very nice mottle pattern on the excellently shaped sidewalls, with down-lighting, the roof bins and accessories feel a bit Star Wars R2D2, and the no smoking/seatbelt signs are not switchable either?
 

 
Galleys middle and rear are massive, as there are only two of them for the four areas, nicely done in detail, and the toilets are all standalone. All through there is not much functionality including the toilets (remember the non-working toilet on the MD-11F), but there is no doubt it looks nice, and it is a nice place to fly in.
 

 
Cockpit (Office)
The cockpit door is almost a side wall panel, you could actually walk right past it, as it blends in with the cabin decor.
 

 
The feel inside is very Rotate as well, I call it "Edgy Grungy", a lived in and worked in environment like within the Rotate MD-80, and immediately you feel the difference... 
The MD-11F in X-Plane 11 was very lived in, but the X-Plane 12 MD-11P feels totally different, as it makes the XP11 version look bland by comparison. You feel the textures and and the grungy look more as it now comes out at you, obviously the photometric lighting engine is working like gang busters in here. It looks simply amazing!
 

 
Yes the MD-11F has the same look and XP12 feel now (I checked), but there are a few subtle differences.
 
The cockpit is set up for a three person crew, but the aircraft is only flown by the two forward pilots, the third is really just a loading officer or a relief pilot in the third seat. The three seats are bulky, and expertly modeled, love the authentic chunky headrests, and the molded document storage backing frame and the molded lower seat frame. Seat material is a blue/grey wool fabric with large sheepskin covers to keep you comfortable on those long-hauls...  sheepskin is extremely hard to do with hard modeling, but it looks realistic in here, it is (slightly) different as well...  the Freighter has a (dirty) lighter colour, in the Passenger it is a darker grayer sheepskin.
 

 
I didn't know you could do this until I checked, the seat headrests can be moved from the upright position to the layback position.
 

 
Those amazing heavy textures of the window frame moldings are still in here, as are all the excellent materials that are very authentic to the aircraft, everything in here is so "touchy feely"...  Side window opens at the touch (turn) of the handle. The EFB (Electronic Flight Bag Tablet) disappears as the window's open, this option was not on the MD-11F two years ago. (now on both)
 

 
If you already have purchased the MD-11F, then you will be nodding your head in agreement. It is totally the same cockpit and instrument set up and layout. In fact swapping between the "F" and "P" variants there is absolutely no difference at all. So if you have flown the Freighter for the past two years, in reality, you will find absolutely nothing at all different here, with nothing to relearn or to hit the manual for. That said if you are new to the MD-11, then there a bit of a learning curve. It is a complex machine in striding the analog to automatic instrument eras, as the aircraft has a bit of both, and a lot of manual applications with a fair bit of Auto as well.
 
Thankfully the systems are laid out in a point to future ergonomic layouts, and there is provided by Rotate an extremely comprehensive set of manuals (20 Manuals actually) covering almost every aspect of every system. So there is a lot to learn and to study in here.
 

 
Love those chunky yokes, and so extremely authentic they both are too. PTT (Push To Talk) button works, and so now does the electric trim switches, they didn't on the earlier XP11 release. You can hide one or both yokes individually via the base hotspots.
 

 
Instrument Panel
The six display layout is pretty easy to understand, per a set of three for each side pilot, they are called DU (Display Units).
 


They consist of the outer PFD (Primary Flight Displays), middle ND (Navigation Display) and inner EAD. The EAD is split with the left display the PED (Primary Engine Display) and on the right the SD (Secondary Engine Display). Centre panel is the Gear lever and the four gear annunciator lights.
 
The PFD is familiar, but it isn't? Using a lot of colour (mostly orange or amber) it is still quite unusual to the eye, but the layout is extremely highly detailed here from Rotate (call it authentic if you like). From the off you have to understand the language used in the MD-11, it is modern in a way (very Airbus, or early Airbus), but again quirky in it's own way. Again study is certainly required to master the systems, or their quirks.
 

 
Speed and Altitude tapes are left and right, with a complex V/S Vertical Speed built into the right tape. Autopilot and AutoThrust (A/THR) functions are top, with a compass heading at the bottom. Centre is the Artificial Horizon with a built in pitch markers and Rate of Turn markers.
 

 
All displays pop-out, including the FMS panels, again another new thing added in the last two years.
 

 
The SD also has other page options...   Set behind the Throttle quadrant is the SD control panel. On here are twelve buttons representing; ENG (Engine default), Blank, Blank, ND (Navigation Display - Not used), CONSEQ (Consequence), STATUS, HYD (Hydraulics), ELEC (Electrical), AIR (Air-Conditioning), FUEL, CONFIG (Configuration) and MISC (Miscellaneous).
 

 
Flight Management Computer (MCDU)
The Flight computer in the MD-11 is called the MCDU (Multipurpose Control Display Units). Here the replication of the Honeywell Pegasus MCDUs are absolutely first rate, with two displays set forward and one rear on the pedestal. The rear of course is for display only, but some of the basic pages work.
 
The system includes lateral navigation (LNAV) and vertical navigation (VNAV) modes, and the FMS can predict fuel consumption, estimate times of arrival, and calculate optimal descent profiles based on real-time conditions. Set between the two forward MCDUs are the backup Altimeter and Artificial Horizon, Auto Brake selector and the Brake Pressure gauge (that works).
 

 
There is a cross-fill from the EFB that includes the set Weights and Fuel, but no SimBrief direct flightplan insertion. However you can save Flightplans in the "user-data/saved-routes" folder with the SimBrief Downloader in the .txt format. There are no SID or STAR procedures included in the flightplan, but they are not hard to add in via the Pegasus system.
 
Between the two of the FMS fill and saved routes, programming the MCDU is quite quick, a tricky one though is the "slope/wind" input in the take off page? You will need to calculate the runway slope and wind heading, it usually comes out like this "UP0.0/HD006" (UP being slope of 0.0 degrees and HD being Headwind 06 knots), without that calculation the MCDU however can't setup the vSpeeds, so it is essential to master the maths.
Another trick is filling in the centre TOCG/TOGW settings mid screen top... this can only be filling in from the W&B page on the EFB/Menu, by pressing the "Apply load configuration to aircraft and FMS". So it is notable that you do your EFB calculations first, cross-reference to the MCDU to fill-in the data, not the other way around, as it doesn't insert correctly.
 
Throttle Quadrant
The central Throttle Quadrant is simply a beautiful thing. Really well recreated for your pleasure...  Far left is the Long Trim Handle, then the T-Bar (with working catch selector) SPD BRK (Speed Brakes). Those three sublime Throttle Handles have built in reverser handles, then the right hand Flap Selector with the DIAL-A-FLAP selection.
 

 
Mode Control Panel
Top glareshield is the "FGCP" or Flight Guidance Panel, it is the primary interface for the autopilot, flight director, and autothrottle. It looks complicated, but actually it is quite intuitive to use and operate. Upper left and right MCP are the two ECPs (Electronic Control Panels). Here the Baro, in SETTING, STD and MINIMUMS (both RA and BARO) are used in the PFD, the rest of the buttons are used for the ND (Navigation Display (range) and for setting the VOR pointers.
 

 
Overhead Panel (OHP)
The Overhead Panel is complex? Three Engines makes for a lot of buttons and systems on one board. Thankfully ergonomics has taken place here to give you panel flow. The MD-11 was completely system redesigned to be intergrated for a two crew operation, were as the DC-10 had a Flight Engineer (and Panel) third crew member. A lot of the functions are very easily recognised, but there are a lot of buttons for side systems (Aux Pumps and so on) that are essential to the operations of the systems....  So study is obviously required to understand all the systems presented on the board.... This means, just pressing the buttons you think you need and then to go flying will result in a major system failure, meaning then your going to ruin a very nice aircraft, so you can't be cocky bugger in here.
 

 
Layout is column left (top down) panels; ADIRU (Air Data Inertial Reference Unit) Navigation, Cargo Temperature, FADAC (Full Authority Digital Engine (or electronics) Control)...  Main centre column panels; HYD (Hydraulics), ELEC (Electrical), AIR (Air-Conditioning) bottom FUEL.... Right column panels; Service Panel, Cabin Press (Pressure), Anti-Ice, Test Panel.
 

 
The chin bottom panel; Left/Right Wipers, OHP and Dome/Storm lighting, Instrument lighting knobs, EMER LT (Emergency Lighting), No Smoking/Seat Belt switches, Call Reset...  External lighting (Landing/Nose), Wing/Turnoff Runway lights, NAV (Navigation), LOGO, BCN (Beacon) and HI-INT (Strobe) lights. Note a few switches in the lighting panel are opposites, off can be in or out on selection. It is clever in that the non-essential lights are in off, but the essential NAV, BCN and HI-INT are out to be off.
 
You can test all the systems and panels, the fire systems are particularly good. As all of the FIRE/APU and Fuel switches can be tested and checked. You can also test such items as the landing gear...  push the gear lever down (on the ground of course), and the gear system will test itself, and it is all so brilliantly done.
Most of the rear of the OHP is full of non-active Circuit Breakers (Fuses), they go around the to the top right wall panel, then to the rear right panel...  hundreds of them. Another feature here are the animated moving blinds, one each side, that tracks around to the front (or side) windows, the blind is movable up and down as well.
 

 
Service Interphone Call Panel
One difference between the MD-11F and the MD-11P is the SICP, or Service Interphone Call Panel
 

 
This is the cockpit to cabin interface for crew interaction and for what is going on in the cabin. In PA announcements and if a Movie is playing.
 
Pedestal
The rear pedestal is really the radio panel. It has left-right VHF and HF 1-2 CPR Radios upper with the Audio Control Panel below, and the Weather WX Panel mid-left, then the Transponder panel below. Finally bottom left is a third VHF 3 Radio Panel. Both the manual roll and rudder trim wheels are centred rear. We have already covered the upper SD Control Panel and the centre MCDU.
 

 
Another feature not on the MD-11F when released was the EFB or "Electronic Flight Bag" or Tablet. There is one EFB each side, and they can be adjusted up/down and left/right... as seen earlier they will disappear if you open the window. You can turn the tablet off and adjust the brightness.
 

 
There are eleven tabs to select from. They are an amalgamation of the MD-11 Menu, and AviTab (Plugin Required). The list is Home, W&B (Weights & Balances), GndOps, Fails, Man, Chart, Maps, Apts, Rtes (Routes), Data and Notes.
 
All "Home" (Options), "W&B" (Weight & Balance), "GndOps" (Ground Operations) and "Fails" (Failures) are all direct copies of the same Menu items found in the Plugins/Rotate MD-11P/Aircraft Menu. Basically they have all been just repositioned also here in the tablets for convenience.
 


 
The other seven tabs are the various AviTab tools set differently.
 
MAN - Manuals
This MAN option allows you to navigate folders to find Manuals or Tutorials within the Computer's file system, here set in Windows, and you can display pdfs on the screen. Its clever, handy but pretty basic as well.
 

 
Chart - AviTab
You can insert a navigation chart or other document in the AviTab "charts" folder (X-Plane 12/Resources/plugins/AviTab/charts) and have it appear in this tab...   It will also show pdf files, ideal for loading in SimBrief "Briefings".  Basically this option would be used if you didn't have a Navigraph or another chart account.
 
Maps
Is the standard AviTab Maps function.
 

 
Apts - Airports
Airports is the standard AviTab function to get airport information, and if you have a Navigraph account, you can have access to their charts.
 
Rtes - Routes
This is the "Route Wizard", A tool to compute a route for you to enter into the aircraft's FMC. First you add in your Departure Airport, then your Arrival Airport and it creates a route for you.
 

 
Data
You use the "Data" tab to authorise accounts, like for Navigraph and ChartFox, both charts can be viewed in the "Apts" (Airports) tab when selected.
 

 
Notes
This tab uses the AviTab "Notes" Function...  Honestly I still can't get it to work, there are no manual notes and the Rotate Developer doesn't know either...  but the idea is to write down notes, but how do you save them? it is supposed to be for VR (Virtual Reality) users.
 
Lighting
The quality of the X-Plane cockpit lighting today is extremely good. The developers have lots of tools to deliver very realistic night lighting, that is more important here as the MD-11 is a Long Hauler aircraft, 10+ Hours flying is not unusual, and so being a long-haul routemaster most of the flying is done overnight...   So internal night lighting has to very easy on the eye and highly adaptable.
 
And you are not disappointed at all here either in the MD-11. There are three adjustment knobs with insert knobs (six) for both indirect lighting and highlight (text) lighting. Two knobs on the OHP cover the OVHD (Overhead) and INSTRUMENT lighting, and the single adjustment knob left on the glareshield covers the GCP (Glareshield Control Panel)...  The smaller knob on the INSTRUMENT lighting, adjusts the light left top of the OHP which shines directly onto the pedestal area of the cockpit.
 

 
A row of knobs under the throttles will adjust the six DU displays individually...   There are some OHP and Circuit Breaker/Fuse panels lighting, and a switchable spot light over the third rear relief seat table. The rear extensive circuit breaker panels also have their own lighting adjustment, it is via a knob at the end of the wall panel.
 

 
There are also two (one for each pilot) "Briefcase" lights or side panel lights, and for full cockpit lighting there is the standard DOME button, or the THNDSTRM on/off selection from half-lit, to full cockpit lighting. Overall the cockpit lighting is sensational.
 

 
Cabin lighting is on the EFB/Menu "Ground Operations" page in three options; Off, Low and High...  Honestly I would like more cabin lighting  options, say separate the galleys and the cabin, roof or sidewall lighting. So it feels a little basic, but the switching is very accessible.
 

 
External lighting like most X-Plane 12 aircraft has been adjusted to the newer halo/bloom effects, that is first with the MD-11F, and also here on the MD-11P. The external lighting is also excellent...  There are four forward landing lights, two set high on the nosegear and two that pop-out forward fuselage. The Turnoff Taxiway lighting is set on the inner wings with the Wing/Ice lighting...
 

 
There are upper and lower fuselage beacons, navigation lights, and all are very nicely tuned. There is no rear tail (white) navigation light but two white navigation lights each per rear wing tip, strobes are also well refined.
 

 
Added also is the excellent lower cargo hold switchable lighting, both Fwd and Aft holds, and even the BULK hold has lighting.
 

________________
Flying the McDonnell Douglas MD-11P
In most cases when you fly big "heavies" the operations are either in one or the other, in being say before the modern era (i.e... 60s or 70s), or the modern very automated cockpits of today's era. The MD-11 is neither or sort of both, as it is set at the crossroads between the different eras. Like noted it leans more towards a Airbus style operation than the Boeing manual aspect which is interesting as this is a very American style aircraft, so if you approach the aircraft in an Airbus manner, you will find it easier to operate. For once you will need to study the operations in here, because if not, it will confuse you into doing the wrong operation protocol... and you can't do that.
 
It is a drizzly day in Amsterdam...   10 years ago, the KLM Boeing 747 and DC-10/11 dominated the ramps for any long haul services at Schiphol, now they are both gone, but it was an amazing time, here you can bring a bit of that era back with the MD-11P, as it still fits right in.
 

 
I have the on board APU already running, so the two backup (AUX) Hydraulic pumps need to be on, plus the SYSTEM switch by them is also turned to MANUAL...   Pushback for me is still Betterpushback, you can use the internal Rotate version, but the BPB is more exact, and hands off.
 

 
Next is setting up the Bleed from the APU to start the MD-11, so you press the two ISOL (Isolate) buttons (upper right OHP), the system should switch again to MANUAL, but once activated it will go back to AUTO.
 
Engine Ignition (or igniters) are on the left lower FADAC OHP, these are the A and B channels and MUST be kept switched on when the engines are running or for the whole flight, "Igniters" is really the wrong word here (although everyone refers to them in that aspect), they are power supply switches and switch them off and it will shutdown the engines...
 

 
...  now we are ready to start the engines. The ENG START Switch (Yellow) is below each engine throttle, and to start the engine you switch it upwards. Engine start sequence is 2 (Middle), 1 (Left) and then 2 (Right). The centre engine powers the air-conditioning and other AUX systems, so it is started first. Note a lot of MD-11 pilots only start the No. 2 Engine for taxiing on the ground, but that depends on your weight and configuration...  The start sequence will show soon with action on the N2 (No.2) engine display...
 

 
...  the N2 percent% will rise until you reach 17% N2, then you switch in the Fuel with the FUEL (Flow) Switch below the ENG START Switch, it does take time to get to the 17% N2 threshold, so you have to be patient, and you can't start a second engine while the first start up procedure is in progress, it won't let you do that...  so starting all the three engines can take a little time to do.
 
The engine numbers should settle down around 25 N1, 431 EGT and 64.4 % N2. The ISOL and APU Bleeds should then automatically cancel once the engines are running (AUTO Mode), but if not then cancel them...  you can now also shut down the APU (It takes forever, so don't go pushing the button again and again, and in thinking it is not working?) Then you set the STAB Trim, the trim number is shown on the TO/APPR buttom on the FMS, and ignore the -(Minus) trim as it is not required unlike on the Airbus, you set the Trim via the Long Trim handle (left throttle quadrant) or with the keyboard trim (recommended).
 

 
Another unique feature on the MD-11 is the DIAL-A-FLAP System. This gives you quite a unique variation in the flap angle than on most heavy aircraft...  Select Flap 10, which is shown on the Pilot's PFD (bottom left) and then "Dial" in the finer flap angle degree by using the adjustment wheel right of the flap handle, it can be adjusted from 10º to 25º flap, I selected 15º for Takeoff. For most that have flown the MD-11F, this is all very familiar, there are no differences really at all between the two variants, you fly both as the same.
 
Off the (Park) brake and we're rolling. As noted three engines will move you forward, so you will need to touch the brakes frequently to keep the taxi speed under control. I checked in just using (or being powered only by) the Middle-Engine, and that is about perfect.
 

 
The MD-11 is a BIG aircraft, so you need to anticipate turns...  the tiller does not seem to turn, then it does! so you have to find it's sweet spot to manoeuvre the aircraft professionally around the taxiways. You are also sitting way out in front of the nosegear, so another thing to be aware of in swinging around the tight taxiway bends. Most MD-11 pilots use their own seat base position as a bearing of where the nosegear position is set to on the turns and so with the aircraft positioning.
 

 
The FMA banner display in the PFD can be at first very complicated. Any white bands means the system is not engaged, but ready in ARMED (showing values and modes). Red bands (warning) means a primary system is disengaged (A/P or A/THR), Amber bands means a failure in the system. No bands shown around the PFD banner data means it is in ACTIVATED mode.
 
White also represents the FGCO (Flight Guidance) values and modes, Magenta represents the FMS (Flight Management) values and modes, green is for "Dual Autolands", and again Amber for failures. All the vSpeeds are now shown, and so is your Flap setting, left lower PFD.
 

 
It starts to rain....  this weather is great test of the X-Plane 12 rain, and the wipers work really well and you get rain on all cockpit and nice dribbles on the side cabin windows, it gets all moody and dramatic very quickly.
 

 
It's a long, long taxi out to EHAM 36L, the runway is only used for takeoff only, so you can be sure there is nothing coming in when you get there, you are usually cleared to enter the runway and can go as soon as you are ready.
 

 
It is Important to ARM the AUTO FLIGHT (mid-FGCP button) the bigger lower one...   and this sets the A/THR (Auto Thrust) to the T/O THRUST mode on the PFD.  And you have the choice of the TIMER in it can go in two directions UP (from zero) or DN (Down).
 

 
You can put the throttles full up...  and the A/THR system will protect and keep the thrust to or within the T/O thrust limits. The MD-11 can be a bit of a handful as the speed builds, so you need skill here to hold the aircraft straight down the centreline, but it is very highly realistic.... 
 

 
...   as the speed builds the set speed bugs will now adjust correctly to their speed positions, after v2 is FR or the +10 marker to rotate the aircraft.
 

 
In the air....  you can feel the power of those magnificent GE CF6 engines pushing you forwards and upwards...
 

 
Gear up, and it is spectacular to watch the mechanics.
 

 
You press the same AUTO FLIGHT button again to activate the Autopilot, AP1 or AP2 to your option (usually AP1), then to lock in the route you press the NAV (NAV 1) button under the heading selector....
 

 
There is no V/S (Vertical Speed) button, so you just go straight to the right V/S wheel and you just select your climb rate (or descent rate), MAX rate of climb is impressive at 6000 fpm at low altitude, but you wouldn't do that with most load rates...  4300 fpm is normal with 3,000 fpm with a heavy load.
 

 
It is very important to understand the knob operation logic...  very, very Airbus, in fact it is mostly similar. Most knobs have the IN (AUTO) and OUT (MANUAL) operation like on Airbuses. So you click (arrow) up or down for each operation. The difference is that in an Airbus when you change say the airspeed via the Speed selector the engines will respond straight away and change the speed....  but in here the MD-11 operation is slightly different in reselecting the knob (out), and in the need of getting used to doing this action.
 

 
All the FGCP command knobs act the same way...  Speed, Heading and Altitude, so you adjust then activate the action. This can all be a bit time consuming, certainly when adjusting the finer speeds of say when using the ILS Slope, but you will soon get used to it.
 
Transitional altitude here is 12,000ft, then the climb to 32,000ft (FL320). I reality I don't need to STEP, because of the short(ish) distance to Cairo at 1,859 nm, short for the 6,840 nm range. I'm full with payload, but with the under half fuel load means I could easily climb to the 36,000 ft cruise altitude, but I will still step at FL320, FL340, then to FL360 over the next 300 nm. The MD-11P has a (just) slightly less range than the MD-11F at 133 nm, nothing to really worry about, and your cruise speed is around Mach 0.88 - Max, Mach 0.83 - Cruise, but usually I set it around Mach 0.86. Ceiling is 43,000ft.
 

 
Sounds are very, very good and in reality exactly the same as the MD-11F...  there is a very nice cockpit hum with the various systems being used, turn on say the Air-Con and you hear the system being activated and audible, so the sound detail is deep. You are positioned very forward of the engines, so they aren't a big factor on the ground or in flight, but they are there and sound really good, both internally from the cabin and externally. All sounds are of course FMOD2 and extensive (the aircraft even creaks and groans under loads) so you can't fault this aspect. The same sort of shouty alerts are in here as they were in the MD-80, and they can be annoying if even counterproductive of the reasons they are there for, mostly I ignore them.
 
I never really use pop-ups, but there are really good in the Rotate MD-11 series, you can move them and scale the windows to suit your preferences...  some items are just far easier to read in them as well. System data is comprehensive and well detailed.
 

 
You are always finding something new...  under the Baro is a selection to switch the Altitude to Metrics, the tape turns green to denote the option.
 

 
Now at altitude FL360, it is a glorious day for flying, X-Plane 12 turns on the show, and you just sit there and take it all in...
 

 
Now with the MD-11P, you now have the option of the views from the cabin, spectacular!
 

 
It must be noted on how much work by Rotate has been on the VNAV system in both MD-11 aircraft, it has been a very lengthy process to get it right. I don't use VNAV that much, but it is now well refined for your use, but like any VNAV system it will always throw up an element that is not absolutely perfect.
 
Reducing speed to the minimum setting GE, the V/S is then to set to 1800fpm to descend...  Altitude target markers are installed as are the Climb and TOD (Top of Descent) markers, which are both nice tools to have in planning your ascent and descent... The Approach page is not needed to be filled in at the TOD mark, but it does provide you your speed refs for landing. But there is the option of 35º flap or 50º (LAND) that will change the vSpeeds to each selection.
 

 
On the MD-11F release there was an odd situation when setting your ILS Frequency in the MCDU. You had to select it very close to the final circuit, but sometimes it still did annoyingly choose the wrong frequency than the one you wanted...  that aspect has changed. Now when inserting the ILS Freq (only the ILS "108.90" and not the runway ID). You get a pop-up box with all the available frequencies to choose from, just select to insert the required Frequency. You still have to be in a certain range of the airport (say 50 nm) for your frequency to show up in the list, but it is now a far better solution to the palaver before. If correct the ILS freq and runway code shows up in the lower left of your PFD.
 

 
Notable also is that the MD-11 does not have a set landing speed/flap sequence. The flap required to the speed settings depends on the landing weight? So you will need to download and print out the MD-11 "Speed Tables" to get the correct speed settings for the landing.
 
HECA, Cairo International Airport's approaches are a bit of a dogs breakfast, all arrivals go to the central VOR of CVO (115.20) that is directly over the airport. They then turn to their individual approach pattern. There is actually no STAR approaches here, just separate circuit patterns to the particular runway you are landing on. This creates a lot of hard turns and changes of heading. So it is important to be in the right configuration for landing when you approach the CVO VOR position, and to be ready at a low speed to absorb the sharp turns.
 

 
I am already at 200 knts at Flaps 20º as I approach CVO at 4000 ft...  it is going to be a very slow approach!
 

 
With the low speed setting I have the "Gear" horn in my ear, so drop the undercarriage early to silence it, you feel the drag, more drag.
 
At the end of the 236º leg you then do a full 180º turn at D8.7 and D7.0, so again you are banking very hard to the right and now at 3000 ft. Cairo airports altitude is 448 ft, so this translates to 2552 ft to capture the ILS Localiser, why so low, I need all the space I can get to be under the beams to have any chance of capturing them after the very hard final approach turn.
 

 
You are to a point going along for the twisty ride, until you straighten out on to the final 05R IZFR runway, then you will see that how close you are to the threshold, the ILS diamonds are already at their capture position...   you have to be very quick to select the "APPRLAND" button to activate the landing system mid-FGCP. 
 

 
To it's credit the system captures the beams even with the diamonds not at all centred, and then aligned the MD-11P perfectly with the 05R runway, it is very impressive...  Notable is the auto selection of "Single" or "Dual" landing (Land) selections in green, it will flash the selection it will use LOC to lock it in.
 
MD-11's as we were told, had the fastest VAPP of any civilian airliner. At MGLW (Maximum Gross Landing Weight) it was known to be landing at around 168kts. That is fast and the stopping distance was always in need of being scrutinised carefully. Here is a video showing the differences in the landing speeds to a Boeing 757 (Yes I know the angle of the camera could change the perspective). Notable also is that the MD-11 handled very differently than it's forebear the DC-10, if even the same three-engine configuration of aircraft, but the DC-10 had far larger wings and in so landed far slower.
 

 
Here I am at 158 knts (headwind) and flaps set at full barn door...  If you want to disconnect both the Autopilot and the Autothrust, you have to set specific commands under the Rotate listings, the Autopilot requires two separate commands in "AP disconnect switch R", and "AP disconnect switch L" to do the operation, same with the Disengage AT selection in the listed commands, but you can use the AT disconnect on the throttle levers, but it is in a really very hard place to use at such a critical moment of the approach.
 

 
You get callouts including with also LAND and FLARE all the way down to the runway, and the final landing speed was a recommended 148 kts, close to the 143 kts stall point....
 

 
....  pure focus now, you will want to get this perfect, so you reduce the power smoothly while eagle eyeing that centreline...
 

 
...   a very nice touch though, I was very impressed with the handling at this critical moment you are close to the ground. You feel the weight and speed though of this big machine thoughout the approach, it is great Simulation.
 

 
AutoBrake a bit too heavy in even the MED setting, MIN is passable, but in a lot of cases I leave the Auto Brake off completely...   with the throttles now at idle, you pull back on the reverser levers, and push the throttle back up to create the massive reverse thrust to slow down the machine, all three are very effective, brilliantly noisy.
 

 
...  and soon you are back in taxi mode and using the tiller. .. again I recommend to turn off the No.1 & No.3 engines and just taxi on No.2, as it makes your life far easier in a moderate taxi speed, as shown on the PFD, and then start the GPU ready.
 

 
From the gloom and rain of Northern Europe to the heat of the Eastern Desert, it is quite a contrast, but the MD-11P delivers MASSIVELY, again, and the experience is even more than a few years ago with the debut of the Freighter. In is an amazing Simulation of this very iconic aircraft.
 
Liveries
Rotate have provided ten of the most commercial liveries of the MD-11P when it was in service. There is a Rotate House, and a blank white (PAX) livery for painters. All are excellent quality, but the metal American Airlines and KLM really stand out.
 

____________________
Summary
Rotate released the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F or Freighter in March 2022, from that date everyone clamored for the Passenger version or MD-11P. This is that release, complete with a passenger cabin.
 
In going into this review, I just expected the MD-11P to just be a modified MD-11F, or with a cabin and doors. The surprise here is that in many aspects the aircraft cockpit wise and systems wise are yes both exactly the same between both variants. But so also is the astounding amount of work that separates the original 2022 Freighter release to the Passenger version. There has been so much added and refined on both the MD-11F and now all of it has been incorporated also in the MD-11P, yes they are both on the same equal terms in features and details, so currently cross matching is actually very easy to do. Both are extraordinary Simulations.
 
The biggest change in that time has been X-Plane 12. It gives certainly the MD-11P a glow and authenticity that makes the aircraft leap off the screen in ultra-realism. Added are also the X-Plane 12 features of better dynamics, lighting, effects and even perfect rain.
 
Added also has been a EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) tablet that is both a tool and menu, as there is also a dropdown menu, extra hardware Tiller and Foot Brake commands. There is also that nice massive cabin with lighting, even the lower cargo holds are lit
 
These Rotate MD-11 Series are a very deep simulation, with all the systems and operations modeled (there are 20 system manuals alone). So the aircraft is extremely complex and requires study to anyone becoming proficient in using and flying the aircraft regularly. It also requires a lot of skill and system management to master the capabilities of this unique between eras TriJet.
 
Modeling is exemplary, brilliant realism with dirt and grunge built in, which is a Rotate speciality. Textures are also a extreme high quality, the detailing is totally overwhelming in realism, the passenger is in some ways more refined with less of Lo-Res areas that conflicted on the MD-11F. The cabin is however quite straightforward, there are not a lot of animations or effects in here, like opening toilets, the cabin lighting is even basic with only three lighting options, and not any separated galleys or entrance ways, all the overhead signage (smoking/seatbelts) are also not switchable. But it is very well done and nice if 90's space to spend your time.
 
Sounds and internal and external lighting are also excellent and again upgraded for both variants, Features include nice GPU, Stairs, Chocks, Aircraft Refueling and all the passenger and cargo doors can be independently opened.
 
The lasting thought has been the serious overall refinement of from first the MD-11F, and on how everything has been incorporated in this later MD-11 Passenger variant, and vice-versa, you would be crazy not to own both as for only $34.95 there is a discount on the Passenger version if you already have the Freighter.
 
The Rotate MD-11P is like the Freighter version an exceptional Simulation, the feedback and detail of this iconic aircraft is off the chart. It is an incredible immersion of simulation, it's complex, but would want it any other way...  everyone wanted this Passenger variation aircraft and here it is, brilliant, you never get enough of flying this Rotate machine, it is a very, very addictive aircraft, in every aspect...   hugely highly recommended! 
________________
 

 
Yes! - the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Passenger by Rotate is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
MD-11 Passenger
Price is US$83.95
Customers who own the MD11F can get it for only $34.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows 8 or  Mac OSX 10.12 or newer (M Processors supported) , Linux Ubuntu 64b 18.04 or newer 8 GB+ VRAM recommended Current version: 1.10 (September 24th 2024)     AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft   Note: In order to use and enjoy VR environment in X-Plane, user hardware and system specs should meet the required specifications for OS, CPU, GPU, MB and RAM which are specified both in the given VR hardware websites and at X-Plane.com.   Unpacked and installed in your X-Plane "Aircraft" folder 1.95GB (including liveries)   Documents Provided are three sets of documents Included with the package. It is a serious comprehensive package of manuals and information, but well worth studying. 1. Systems description 2. Limitations and checklists 3. Tutorial flight 4. Passenger Variant Appendix Rotate MD-11. Introduction & Product information.pdf (Limitations and checklists)
Rotate MD-11 Limitations Rotate MD-11 Normal Checklists (Systems description)
1. MD-11 Systems description-Aircraft General.pdf 2. MD-11 Systems description-Air.pdf 3. MD-11 Systems description-Aural-Visual Warning.pdf 4. MD-11 Systems description-Automatic Flight.pdf 5. MD-11 Systems description-APU.pdf 6. MD-11 Systems description-Communications.pdf 7. MD-11 Systems description-Electrical.pdf 8. MD-11 Systems description-Emergency Equipment.pdf 9. MD-11 Systems description-Fire Protection.pdf 10. MD-11 Systems description-Flight Controls.pdf 11. MD-11 Systems description-Flight Instruments.pdf 12. MD-11 Systems description-Fuel.pdf 13. MD-11 Systems description-Hydraulics.pdf 14. MD-11 Systems description-Ice and Rain Protection.pdf 15. MD-11 Systems description-Lighting.pdf 16. MD-11 Systems description-Navigation.pdf 17. MD-11 Systems description-Engines.pdf 18. MD-11 Systems description-Doors.pdf 19. MD-11 Systems description-Landing Gear.pdf ____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- EHAM - FlyTampa Amsterdam (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.00
- HECA - Cairo International, Egypt XP12 by Taimodels (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$27.49
____________________________
 
Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton
25th September 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions) All Rights Reserved
 

Aircraft Review : McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Passenger by Rotate   
 
With the release of Rotate's McDonnell Douglas MD-11 in March 2022, it was in the aircraft's more common Freighter role than the introduction variant of the Passenger aircraft that was released. In fact no MD-11P (Passenger) aircraft are now flying, As in being after the retirement from passenger service with the last flight being by KLM in November 2014, then most of the remaining MD-11 passenger fleet were converted into the freighter specification, many of which are still in service today. The last of 200 MD-11 aircraft was built in October 2000 after Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
 
But the demand for this particular passenger aircraft was still very high, and worthy considering the quality and detail of the Rotate Freighter release, almost from day one, they clamored for it...    so here it is the P in Passenger variant of the MD-11 from Rotate.
 
McDonnell Douglas had started to search for a DC-10 derivative as early as 1976. Two versions were considered then; a DC-10-10 with a fuselage stretch of 40 feet (12 m) and a DC-10-30 stretched by 30 feet (9.1 m). The latter version would have been capable of transporting up to 340 passengers in a multi-class configuration, or 277 passengers and their luggage over 5,300 nautical miles (9,800 km). At the same time, the manufacturer was seeking to reduce wing and engine drag on the trijet. Another version of the aircraft was also envisaged, the "DC-10 global", aimed to counter the risks of loss of orders for the DC-10-30 that the Boeing 747SP and its range were causing. The DC-10 global would have incorporated more fuel tanks.
 
McDonnell Douglas was still convinced that a new derivative for the DC-10 was needed, as shown by the second-hand market for their Series 30 and the heavier DC-10-30ER version. Thus, in 1984 a new derivative aircraft version of the DC-10 was designated MD-11.
 
From the very beginning, the MD-11X was conceived in two different versions. The MD-11X-10, based on a DC-10-30 airframe, offered a range of 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km) with passengers. That first version would have had a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 580,000 pounds (260,000 kg) and would have used CF6-80C2 or PW4000 engines. The MD-11X-20 was to have a longer fuselage, accommodating up to 331 passengers in a mixed-class layout, and a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km).
 
On December 30, 1986, McDonnell Douglas launched the MD-11 with commitments for 52 firm orders and 40 options in three different versions (passenger, combi and freighter) from ten airlines (Alitalia, British Caledonian, Dragonair, Federal Express, Finnair, Korean Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Swissair, Thai Airways International, and VARIG) and two leasing companies (Guinness Peat Aviation and Mitsui).  Orders from Dragonair, Scandinavian and UTA, and an undisclosed customer were canceled by 1988.
 
The MD-11 however failed to meet its range and fuel burn targets. The last of the 200 aircraft was built in October 2000 after Boeing merged with MDC in 1997. Also hanging over the aircraft's head was the ill-famed Turkish Airlines Fl 981 McDonnell Douglas DC-10 which had operating the flight and crashed into the Ermenonville Forest, outside Paris, killing all 346 people on board. The crash was also known as the Ermenonville air disaster. Flight 981 was the deadliest plane crash in aviation history until 27 March 1977 (Tenerife). Some early MD-11F freighters were actually built, but most of the MD-11's still flying as noted are now mostly all these converted early MD-11 passenger aircraft.
 
I will put my view first. The Rotate MD-11F is one of the best simulations available in the X-Plane Simulator, the aircraft is sensational, but complex to fly and mostly crazy fast to land. But that is the attraction of the machine, and basically the MD-11 deserved a far better reputation than it has. It was the perfect size, not to small and not too big, with the right upgrades it had the talent to have a bigger and longer lasting in service significant career, pilot's loved it, so did the passengers for it's space...  unfortunately the management and the divisive troubles at Boeing damaged another great design to history by not rectifying it's weaknesses. But as X-Plane users and thanks to Rotate, you can now fly and still use this exceptional machine.
 
It's a BIG aircraft, one that stands out anywhere.
 

 
So the aircraft does create a very big footprint in the simulator, and that aspect then does also create the fear of the MD-11 being a framerate killer. I never seen or even feel that aspect at all with the MD-11F, it flew well every time within my specification boundaries, and I certainly don't get the same feeling here with the MD-11P either, and considering the extra additions to the passenger design, but then again I'm not greedy with my graphic settings either, and I am also flying on an average system... my feeling is that if I can fly it well with no framerate intrusions then so should you. If you can't then it may be time to upgrade your computer specifications.
 

 
Rotate aircraft promote the "wear and tear" or a hard worked "in it's life" style of design. And not only is the whole intricate detail available here, but it is tired and worn as it should be...  so that "Ultra Realism" is very apparent here. The MD-11P is however noticeably cleaner than the worker Freighter variant, again it is absolutely realism perfect.
 

 
Every panel and fuselage highlights are exceptional here, just check out that wing light installation, and cargo hold doors. Like the MD-11F a "walkaround" here turns into a journey of detail, a feast for the eyes, and you will never tire of looking at this aircraft. As there is always something new to discover and absorb. If you are a detail and texture junkie, again this MD-11 will put you in hospital with an obsessive overload. Wings are metal realism 101, you can virtually touch the spectacular aluminum alloys in the leading edge construction, all components and access panels are near perfection.
 

 
Extended (50º) and the leading edge Krueger flaps show the intimate detail is near perfect, rear Triple-Slotted Fowler Flaps are huge "Barn Door" draggers... again the work is exceptional here, the very best in animation and ultimate detail.
 

 
Winglets are excellent, note both the highly detailed lighting assemblies. The lower winglet may look like a painters shape mark, but no, they are really like this red and white design on the real-life KLM version.
 

 
Engines mounted are three General Electric CF6-80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines, the same that is on the Boeing 747, rated at 52,200–61,960 lbf.
 

 
The engine pod design is excellent as is the chrome inlet surround, inner fan and spinner. But the real "gobsmacking" detail is the outlet, note that amazing copper cone, all the wear feel is realism 101, or even 150%, it is just all so good. That massive tail with the third CF6 enclosed inside is again extremely well done, again from the maw of that massive inlet, to the rear set copper outlet cone that again steals the show.
 

 
It is quite scary on how far back the GE CF6 is mounted in the tail section. There is a very long inlet to the fan section, and the rear cone and bottom section are also hinged down to remove the engine from the aircraft. If there was not enough weight back here, then why not add in another jet engine, a small one mind you in the APU unit in the lower tail, it is a Honeywell GTCP331-250.
 

 
Both thrust reversers are exquisitely done in animation and including their inner cowling grid details.
 

 
The MD-11F's cockpit window were a bit clear, the MD-11P's seems to be far more heavily tinted...  so they look a lot better in context, with their lovely metal frames and perfect glass. Here the passenger variant also has lovely side windows...  instead of an all metal tube feel of the Freighter, raised in a enforcement thicker paneling, the windows are really well done with the quality detail. There are four doors per side, two forward, an overwing and a rear.
 

 
Like the DC-10, the MD-11 has a three bogie rear and a nosewheel unit for the landing gear arrangement.
 

 
A lot of developers model and detail the gear assemblies very well, but they leave them clean, nice but that is not what you would call realistic...  here Rotate has done the "dirty" so to speak with not only the full assembly construction, links, hubs and supports and what have you, but covered them all in grime and brake dust...  perfection, yes it all is. All the hydraulic lines are there, as is also the nice tyre construction with great tyre highlighted detail.
 
Middle support twin bogie is again brilliantly detailed, but the central hull placement means most of the internal section is hidden, very well done though again in quality and the grubby detail.
 

 
Nosegear is also highly detailed and authentic in detail, and you can see right up into the gear bay, and the same great detail is also noted internally.
 

 
All linkages and assemblies are all highly modeled and detailed to an exceptional degree, The taxi and landing lights are positioned up very high on the struts on the MD-11. All the gear animations are first rate (and magnificent to watch) and note the forward gear doors that are connected directly to the nosegear struts.
 
Menus
With the Rotate MD-11 both variants there is a dropdown X-Plane Banner Menu (Plugins) with two selections; AIRCRAFT MENU and ABOUT.
 

 
AIRCRAFT MENU; has four tabs...  Options, Load Manager, Ground Operations and Failures. ABOUT; Is the aircraft Version Number and Rotate Credits.
 

 
OPTIONS; This is the aircraft Options page with Seven option choices;
- Show Ambient temperatures In Celsius
- Show Weight data in Kilograms (Or Lbs)
- Show Fluid quantity in Litres (or Gallons)
- Reduce IRU align time to 30 seconds (align now)
- Default to HPa Barometer setting
- Synchronise barometer setting Co-Pilot side
- Use 8.33KHz spacing in VHF Radios
 
Lower is the choice to; "Perform Maintenance tasks to all systems", and to note to "Save Options" choices bottom.
Since the MD-11F release there has been a few more options added to this page...
- Use hardware controller toe-brakes
- Use hardware controller tiller
- Inhibit acceleration in FGCP knobs
 
Situations; Right side has five start "Situations";
- Cold & Dark
- Parked with external power
- Ready to start engines
- Ready to taxi
- Ready for departure
All selections are very good, but there is no "Turnaround" option which is interesting.
 
Also new are "Other Options", these are two choices to.
- Pause flight on Master Warning alert
- Pause flight before T/D (Top of Descent)
And finally there are the options to "Save", "Load" and "Reset", the Pop-Up DUs Display Units) location
 
All these above changes are now also on the MD-11F
 
LOAD MANAGER; This is your aircraft set up page for Payload and CG (Centre of Gravity/%MAC) and Fuel Quantities, Weight & Balance and Total Weights.
 
Top is the Total Payload and Payload CG settings in KG (Lbs) and %MAC. Then the Fuel Quantities in; Takeoff Fuel, Taxi Fuel, Ballast Tank(s), Ballast Fuel, and Trip Fuel.
 

 
The top slider selections are different here than with the MD-11F...  Here you have Pax Load (Passenger) and Cargo Load, instead of the various loadings on the Freighter. There is the same "Extended Controls" for a more detailed loading choice.
 

 
Here you can set the loads for the Passenger Cabin in; Business-Fwd (Forward), Business-Aft, Economy-Fwd and Economy-Aft...  change is in the three LO (lower) Cargo compartments can now be only filled on the MD-11P version in Lo-Fwd, Lo-Ctr and Lo-Aft. If you input the "Total Payload" it will basically set the passenger and cargo loads for you, of course you can adjust the individual settings for your own loadings, but most is done automatically.
 
Fuel options include; Block Fuel, Taxi Fuel, Ballast Tank, Ballast Fuel and Trip Fuel (estimated)...  "Simple Controls" returns the menu back to normal size.
 

 
On the Right is the "Weight & Balance (ZF-CG and TO-CG) graph to see your loading and takeoff limits (or limitations), and below is the Totals of the TOW (TakeOff Weight), ZFW (Zero Fuel Weight), TO-CG (TakeOff - Centre of Gravity) and ZF-CG (Weight and Trim) both %MAC.
 
Finally bottom is the option to "Apply (set) load configutation to aircraft and FMS", This will transfer the set loading data directly into the aircraft (fuel and weight) and %MAC into the FMS.
 
Notable is the Fuel loading settings as the interesting part is the aircraft balance setting. The MD-11 has extra AUX tanks for the TAIL TK (Tank), CTR (Centre) TK and the AUX UP TK, all these fuel options are found under the Ballast Tank (top).
 

 
This can be very hard to set up, because the MD-11 aircraft is very, very sensitive to it's CG balance. The really hard part is that where do you get your "Ballast" fuel info from, certainly not from SimBrief, as it is not listed there. I set up a route (and not using the "Ballast" function). Basically My attitude is to fill the main centre tanks then just adjust the AUX tanks automatically to fill to the amount of excess fuel required.... there is an over-riding main Ballast slider to help you here, and it works magnificently.
 
GROUND OPERATIONS; This tab allows you to use "Static Elements" and to open and close the aircraft doors, with a few nice features as well.
 

 
Ground Services; There are six selections for "Ground Services". They include; GPU (Ground Power Unit), which is very nice (you can also use the COMMAND Toggle "GPU_power_request_toggle" as well to activate the GPU). Wheel Chocks, Cockpit Stair, (a very nice RF Door set of tall stairs), Jetway (if available at the gate), Fuel & Food Service...  nothing happens visually here but the aircraft is serviced with Fuel and Food is loaded, and a Push Back option of; Stop, Left, Straight and Right actions. (I would still use betterpushback).
 
There are eight passenger doors, two main Cargo doors and a Bulk cargo door left rear. Oddly the forward left door L1, is still called the "Cockpit Door"?
 

 
Lower panel are the interior lighting switches; Off, Low and High, and a lighting switch (On/Off) for the Cargo holds.
 
FAILURES; The "Failures" feature also still feels a little underdeveloped? You get nine options in; APU, Air, Electrical, Engines, Fuel, Hydraulic, Instrumentation, Fire and Other. But the options are limited to only one in "Fail Now" of which will immediately fail the choice option. It will "Fix Now" so you can quickly rectify the failure... There are a lot of failures to choose from, but there are still no timer or altitude failure options?
 

 
You can now move the menu screen around your window, but there is no scale option.
 
Cabin
The biggest differential between the MD-11F and this MD-11P, is of course the passenger cabin...  you have to love the way those doors slip serenely into roof of the fuselage, gets me every time.
 

 
Going in the front door left, and you realise, just how big...  huge the MD-11 is. I hope you like blue?
 

 
Forward cabin are the bulky Business seats (in Blue) very nice...
 

 
There is then a smaller centre business section with fourteen seats...
 

 
Before the rear two economy sections....  It is far brighter and a more modern cabin than I expected, it will be very interesting in what the painters will create in authentic livery interiors, but I like it...  the Economy chairs are very nice, modern with still a mid-noughties look.
 

 
There is a very nice mottle pattern on the excellently shaped sidewalls, with down-lighting, the roof bins and accessories feel a bit Star Wars R2D2, and the no smoking/seatbelt signs are not switchable either?
 

 
Galleys middle and rear are massive, as there are only two of them for the four areas, nicely done in detail, and the toilets are all standalone. All through there is not much functionality including the toilets (remember the non-working toilet on the MD-11F), but there is no doubt it looks nice, and it is a nice place to fly in.
 

 
Cockpit (Office)
The cockpit door is almost a side wall panel, you could actually walk right past it, as it blends in with the cabin decor.
 

 
The feel inside is very Rotate as well, I call it "Edgy Grungy", a lived in and worked in environment like within the Rotate MD-80, and immediately you feel the difference... 
The MD-11F in X-Plane 11 was very lived in, but the X-Plane 12 MD-11P feels totally different, as it makes the XP11 version look bland by comparison. You feel the textures and and the grungy look more as it now comes out at you, obviously the photometric lighting engine is working like gang busters in here. It looks simply amazing!
 

 
Yes the MD-11F has the same look and XP12 feel now (I checked), but there are a few subtle differences.
 
The cockpit is set up for a three person crew, but the aircraft is only flown by the two forward pilots, the third is really just a loading officer or a relief pilot in the third seat. The three seats are bulky, and expertly modeled, love the authentic chunky headrests, and the molded document storage backing frame and the molded lower seat frame. Seat material is a blue/grey wool fabric with large sheepskin covers to keep you comfortable on those long-hauls...  sheepskin is extremely hard to do with hard modeling, but it looks realistic in here, it is (slightly) different as well...  the Freighter has a (dirty) lighter colour, in the Passenger it is a darker grayer sheepskin.
 

 
I didn't know you could do this until I checked, the seat headrests can be moved from the upright position to the layback position.
 

 
Those amazing heavy textures of the window frame moldings are still in here, as are all the excellent materials that are very authentic to the aircraft, everything in here is so "touchy feely"...  Side window opens at the touch (turn) of the handle. The EFB (Electronic Flight Bag Tablet) disappears as the window's open, this option was not on the MD-11F two years ago. (now on both)
 

 
If you already have purchased the MD-11F, then you will be nodding your head in agreement. It is totally the same cockpit and instrument set up and layout. In fact swapping between the "F" and "P" variants there is absolutely no difference at all. So if you have flown the Freighter for the past two years, in reality, you will find absolutely nothing at all different here, with nothing to relearn or to hit the manual for. That said if you are new to the MD-11, then there a bit of a learning curve. It is a complex machine in striding the analog to automatic instrument eras, as the aircraft has a bit of both, and a lot of manual applications with a fair bit of Auto as well.
 
Thankfully the systems are laid out in a point to future ergonomic layouts, and there is provided by Rotate an extremely comprehensive set of manuals (20 Manuals actually) covering almost every aspect of every system. So there is a lot to learn and to study in here.
 

 
Love those chunky yokes, and so extremely authentic they both are too. PTT (Push To Talk) button works, and so now does the electric trim switches, they didn't on the earlier XP11 release. You can hide one or both yokes individually via the base hotspots.
 

 
Instrument Panel
The six display layout is pretty easy to understand, per a set of three for each side pilot, they are called DU (Display Units).
 


They consist of the outer PFD (Primary Flight Displays), middle ND (Navigation Display) and inner EAD. The EAD is split with the left display the PED (Primary Engine Display) and on the right the SD (Secondary Engine Display). Centre panel is the Gear lever and the four gear annunciator lights.
 
The PFD is familiar, but it isn't? Using a lot of colour (mostly orange or amber) it is still quite unusual to the eye, but the layout is extremely highly detailed here from Rotate (call it authentic if you like). From the off you have to understand the language used in the MD-11, it is modern in a way (very Airbus, or early Airbus), but again quirky in it's own way. Again study is certainly required to master the systems, or their quirks.
 

 
Speed and Altitude tapes are left and right, with a complex V/S Vertical Speed built into the right tape. Autopilot and AutoThrust (A/THR) functions are top, with a compass heading at the bottom. Centre is the Artificial Horizon with a built in pitch markers and Rate of Turn markers.
 

 
All displays pop-out, including the FMS panels, again another new thing added in the last two years.
 

 
The SD also has other page options...   Set behind the Throttle quadrant is the SD control panel. On here are twelve buttons representing; ENG (Engine default), Blank, Blank, ND (Navigation Display - Not used), CONSEQ (Consequence), STATUS, HYD (Hydraulics), ELEC (Electrical), AIR (Air-Conditioning), FUEL, CONFIG (Configuration) and MISC (Miscellaneous).
 

 
Flight Management Computer (MCDU)
The Flight computer in the MD-11 is called the MCDU (Multipurpose Control Display Units). Here the replication of the Honeywell Pegasus MCDUs are absolutely first rate, with two displays set forward and one rear on the pedestal. The rear of course is for display only, but some of the basic pages work.
 
The system includes lateral navigation (LNAV) and vertical navigation (VNAV) modes, and the FMS can predict fuel consumption, estimate times of arrival, and calculate optimal descent profiles based on real-time conditions. Set between the two forward MCDUs are the backup Altimeter and Artificial Horizon, Auto Brake selector and the Brake Pressure gauge (that works).
 

 
There is a cross-fill from the EFB that includes the set Weights and Fuel, but no SimBrief direct flightplan insertion. However you can save Flightplans in the "user-data/saved-routes" folder with the SimBrief Downloader in the .txt format. There are no SID or STAR procedures included in the flightplan, but they are not hard to add in via the Pegasus system.
 
Between the two of the FMS fill and saved routes, programming the MCDU is quite quick, a tricky one though is the "slope/wind" input in the take off page? You will need to calculate the runway slope and wind heading, it usually comes out like this "UP0.0/HD006" (UP being slope of 0.0 degrees and HD being Headwind 06 knots), without that calculation the MCDU however can't setup the vSpeeds, so it is essential to master the maths.
Another trick is filling in the centre TOCG/TOGW settings mid screen top... this can only be filling in from the W&B page on the EFB/Menu, by pressing the "Apply load configuration to aircraft and FMS". So it is notable that you do your EFB calculations first, cross-reference to the MCDU to fill-in the data, not the other way around, as it doesn't insert correctly.
 
Throttle Quadrant
The central Throttle Quadrant is simply a beautiful thing. Really well recreated for your pleasure...  Far left is the Long Trim Handle, then the T-Bar (with working catch selector) SPD BRK (Speed Brakes). Those three sublime Throttle Handles have built in reverser handles, then the right hand Flap Selector with the DIAL-A-FLAP selection.
 

 
Mode Control Panel
Top glareshield is the "FGCP" or Flight Guidance Panel, it is the primary interface for the autopilot, flight director, and autothrottle. It looks complicated, but actually it is quite intuitive to use and operate. Upper left and right MCP are the two ECPs (Electronic Control Panels). Here the Baro, in SETTING, STD and MINIMUMS (both RA and BARO) are used in the PFD, the rest of the buttons are used for the ND (Navigation Display (range) and for setting the VOR pointers.
 

 
Overhead Panel (OHP)
The Overhead Panel is complex? Three Engines makes for a lot of buttons and systems on one board. Thankfully ergonomics has taken place here to give you panel flow. The MD-11 was completely system redesigned to be intergrated for a two crew operation, were as the DC-10 had a Flight Engineer (and Panel) third crew member. A lot of the functions are very easily recognised, but there are a lot of buttons for side systems (Aux Pumps and so on) that are essential to the operations of the systems....  So study is obviously required to understand all the systems presented on the board.... This means, just pressing the buttons you think you need and then to go flying will result in a major system failure, meaning then your going to ruin a very nice aircraft, so you can't be cocky bugger in here.
 

 
Layout is column left (top down) panels; ADIRU (Air Data Inertial Reference Unit) Navigation, Cargo Temperature, FADAC (Full Authority Digital Engine (or electronics) Control)...  Main centre column panels; HYD (Hydraulics), ELEC (Electrical), AIR (Air-Conditioning) bottom FUEL.... Right column panels; Service Panel, Cabin Press (Pressure), Anti-Ice, Test Panel.
 

 
The chin bottom panel; Left/Right Wipers, OHP and Dome/Storm lighting, Instrument lighting knobs, EMER LT (Emergency Lighting), No Smoking/Seat Belt switches, Call Reset...  External lighting (Landing/Nose), Wing/Turnoff Runway lights, NAV (Navigation), LOGO, BCN (Beacon) and HI-INT (Strobe) lights. Note a few switches in the lighting panel are opposites, off can be in or out on selection. It is clever in that the non-essential lights are in off, but the essential NAV, BCN and HI-INT are out to be off.
 
You can test all the systems and panels, the fire systems are particularly good. As all of the FIRE/APU and Fuel switches can be tested and checked. You can also test such items as the landing gear...  push the gear lever down (on the ground of course), and the gear system will test itself, and it is all so brilliantly done.
Most of the rear of the OHP is full of non-active Circuit Breakers (Fuses), they go around the to the top right wall panel, then to the rear right panel...  hundreds of them. Another feature here are the animated moving blinds, one each side, that tracks around to the front (or side) windows, the blind is movable up and down as well.
 

 
Service Interphone Call Panel
One difference between the MD-11F and the MD-11P is the SICP, or Service Interphone Call Panel
 

 
This is the cockpit to cabin interface for crew interaction and for what is going on in the cabin. In PA announcements and if a Movie is playing.
 
Pedestal
The rear pedestal is really the radio panel. It has left-right VHF and HF 1-2 CPR Radios upper with the Audio Control Panel below, and the Weather WX Panel mid-left, then the Transponder panel below. Finally bottom left is a third VHF 3 Radio Panel. Both the manual roll and rudder trim wheels are centred rear. We have already covered the upper SD Control Panel and the centre MCDU.
 

 
Another feature not on the MD-11F when released was the EFB or "Electronic Flight Bag" or Tablet. There is one EFB each side, and they can be adjusted up/down and left/right... as seen earlier they will disappear if you open the window. You can turn the tablet off and adjust the brightness.
 

 
There are eleven tabs to select from. They are an amalgamation of the MD-11 Menu, and AviTab (Plugin Required). The list is Home, W&B (Weights & Balances), GndOps, Fails, Man, Chart, Maps, Apts, Rtes (Routes), Data and Notes.
 
All "Home" (Options), "W&B" (Weight & Balance), "GndOps" (Ground Operations) and "Fails" (Failures) are all direct copies of the same Menu items found in the Plugins/Rotate MD-11P/Aircraft Menu. Basically they have all been just repositioned also here in the tablets for convenience.
 


 
The other seven tabs are the various AviTab tools set differently.
 
MAN - Manuals
This MAN option allows you to navigate folders to find Manuals or Tutorials within the Computer's file system, here set in Windows, and you can display pdfs on the screen. Its clever, handy but pretty basic as well.
 

 
Chart - AviTab
You can insert a navigation chart or other document in the AviTab "charts" folder (X-Plane 12/Resources/plugins/AviTab/charts) and have it appear in this tab...   It will also show pdf files, ideal for loading in SimBrief "Briefings".  Basically this option would be used if you didn't have a Navigraph or another chart account.
 
Maps
Is the standard AviTab Maps function.
 

 
Apts - Airports
Airports is the standard AviTab function to get airport information, and if you have a Navigraph account, you can have access to their charts.
 
Rtes - Routes
This is the "Route Wizard", A tool to compute a route for you to enter into the aircraft's FMC. First you add in your Departure Airport, then your Arrival Airport and it creates a route for you.
 

 
Data
You use the "Data" tab to authorise accounts, like for Navigraph and ChartFox, both charts can be viewed in the "Apts" (Airports) tab when selected.
 

 
Notes
This tab uses the AviTab "Notes" Function...  Honestly I still can't get it to work, there are no manual notes and the Rotate Developer doesn't know either...  but the idea is to write down notes, but how do you save them? it is supposed to be for VR (Virtual Reality) users.
 
Lighting
The quality of the X-Plane cockpit lighting today is extremely good. The developers have lots of tools to deliver very realistic night lighting, that is more important here as the MD-11 is a Long Hauler aircraft, 10+ Hours flying is not unusual, and so being a long-haul routemaster most of the flying is done overnight...   So internal night lighting has to very easy on the eye and highly adaptable.
 
And you are not disappointed at all here either in the MD-11. There are three adjustment knobs with insert knobs (six) for both indirect lighting and highlight (text) lighting. Two knobs on the OHP cover the OVHD (Overhead) and INSTRUMENT lighting, and the single adjustment knob left on the glareshield covers the GCP (Glareshield Control Panel)...  The smaller knob on the INSTRUMENT lighting, adjusts the light left top of the OHP which shines directly onto the pedestal area of the cockpit.
 

 
A row of knobs under the throttles will adjust the six DU displays individually...   There are some OHP and Circuit Breaker/Fuse panels lighting, and a switchable spot light over the third rear relief seat table. The rear extensive circuit breaker panels also have their own lighting adjustment, it is via a knob at the end of the wall panel.
 

 
There are also two (one for each pilot) "Briefcase" lights or side panel lights, and for full cockpit lighting there is the standard DOME button, or the THNDSTRM on/off selection from half-lit, to full cockpit lighting. Overall the cockpit lighting is sensational.
 

 
Cabin lighting is on the EFB/Menu "Ground Operations" page in three options; Off, Low and High...  Honestly I would like more cabin lighting  options, say separate the galleys and the cabin, roof or sidewall lighting. So it feels a little basic, but the switching is very accessible.
 

 
External lighting like most X-Plane 12 aircraft has been adjusted to the newer halo/bloom effects, that is first with the MD-11F, and also here on the MD-11P. The external lighting is also excellent...  There are four forward landing lights, two set high on the nosegear and two that pop-out forward fuselage. The Turnoff Taxiway lighting is set on the inner wings with the Wing/Ice lighting...
 

 
There are upper and lower fuselage beacons, navigation lights, and all are very nicely tuned. There is no rear tail (white) navigation light but two white navigation lights each per rear wing tip, strobes are also well refined.
 

 
Added also is the excellent lower cargo hold switchable lighting, both Fwd and Aft holds, and even the BULK hold has lighting.
 

________________
Flying the McDonnell Douglas MD-11P
In most cases when you fly big "heavies" the operations are either in one or the other, in being say before the modern era (i.e... 60s or 70s), or the modern very automated cockpits of today's era. The MD-11 is neither or sort of both, as it is set at the crossroads between the different eras. Like noted it leans more towards a Airbus style operation than the Boeing manual aspect which is interesting as this is a very American style aircraft, so if you approach the aircraft in an Airbus manner, you will find it easier to operate. For once you will need to study the operations in here, because if not, it will confuse you into doing the wrong operation protocol... and you can't do that.
 
It is a drizzly day in Amsterdam...   10 years ago, the KLM Boeing 747 and DC-10/11 dominated the ramps for any long haul services at Schiphol, now they are both gone, but it was an amazing time, here you can bring a bit of that era back with the MD-11P, as it still fits right in.
 

 
I have the on board APU already running, so the two backup (AUX) Hydraulic pumps need to be on, plus the SYSTEM switch by them is also turned to MANUAL...   Pushback for me is still Betterpushback, you can use the internal Rotate version, but the BPB is more exact, and hands off.
 

 
Next is setting up the Bleed from the APU to start the MD-11, so you press the two ISOL (Isolate) buttons (upper right OHP), the system should switch again to MANUAL, but once activated it will go back to AUTO.
 
Engine Ignition (or igniters) are on the left lower FADAC OHP, these are the A and B channels and MUST be kept switched on when the engines are running or for the whole flight, "Igniters" is really the wrong word here (although everyone refers to them in that aspect), they are power supply switches and switch them off and it will shutdown the engines...
 

 
...  now we are ready to start the engines. The ENG START Switch (Yellow) is below each engine throttle, and to start the engine you switch it upwards. Engine start sequence is 2 (Middle), 1 (Left) and then 2 (Right). The centre engine powers the air-conditioning and other AUX systems, so it is started first. Note a lot of MD-11 pilots only start the No. 2 Engine for taxiing on the ground, but that depends on your weight and configuration...  The start sequence will show soon with action on the N2 (No.2) engine display...
 

 
...  the N2 percent% will rise until you reach 17% N2, then you switch in the Fuel with the FUEL (Flow) Switch below the ENG START Switch, it does take time to get to the 17% N2 threshold, so you have to be patient, and you can't start a second engine while the first start up procedure is in progress, it won't let you do that...  so starting all the three engines can take a little time to do.
 
The engine numbers should settle down around 25 N1, 431 EGT and 64.4 % N2. The ISOL and APU Bleeds should then automatically cancel once the engines are running (AUTO Mode), but if not then cancel them...  you can now also shut down the APU (It takes forever, so don't go pushing the button again and again, and in thinking it is not working?) Then you set the STAB Trim, the trim number is shown on the TO/APPR buttom on the FMS, and ignore the -(Minus) trim as it is not required unlike on the Airbus, you set the Trim via the Long Trim handle (left throttle quadrant) or with the keyboard trim (recommended).
 

 
Another unique feature on the MD-11 is the DIAL-A-FLAP System. This gives you quite a unique variation in the flap angle than on most heavy aircraft...  Select Flap 10, which is shown on the Pilot's PFD (bottom left) and then "Dial" in the finer flap angle degree by using the adjustment wheel right of the flap handle, it can be adjusted from 10º to 25º flap, I selected 15º for Takeoff. For most that have flown the MD-11F, this is all very familiar, there are no differences really at all between the two variants, you fly both as the same.
 
Off the (Park) brake and we're rolling. As noted three engines will move you forward, so you will need to touch the brakes frequently to keep the taxi speed under control. I checked in just using (or being powered only by) the Middle-Engine, and that is about perfect.
 

 
The MD-11 is a BIG aircraft, so you need to anticipate turns...  the tiller does not seem to turn, then it does! so you have to find it's sweet spot to manoeuvre the aircraft professionally around the taxiways. You are also sitting way out in front of the nosegear, so another thing to be aware of in swinging around the tight taxiway bends. Most MD-11 pilots use their own seat base position as a bearing of where the nosegear position is set to on the turns and so with the aircraft positioning.
 

 
The FMA banner display in the PFD can be at first very complicated. Any white bands means the system is not engaged, but ready in ARMED (showing values and modes). Red bands (warning) means a primary system is disengaged (A/P or A/THR), Amber bands means a failure in the system. No bands shown around the PFD banner data means it is in ACTIVATED mode.
 
White also represents the FGCO (Flight Guidance) values and modes, Magenta represents the FMS (Flight Management) values and modes, green is for "Dual Autolands", and again Amber for failures. All the vSpeeds are now shown, and so is your Flap setting, left lower PFD.
 

 
It starts to rain....  this weather is great test of the X-Plane 12 rain, and the wipers work really well and you get rain on all cockpit and nice dribbles on the side cabin windows, it gets all moody and dramatic very quickly.
 

 
It's a long, long taxi out to EHAM 36L, the runway is only used for takeoff only, so you can be sure there is nothing coming in when you get there, you are usually cleared to enter the runway and can go as soon as you are ready.
 

 
It is Important to ARM the AUTO FLIGHT (mid-FGCP button) the bigger lower one...   and this sets the A/THR (Auto Thrust) to the T/O THRUST mode on the PFD.  And you have the choice of the TIMER in it can go in two directions UP (from zero) or DN (Down).
 

 
You can put the throttles full up...  and the A/THR system will protect and keep the thrust to or within the T/O thrust limits. The MD-11 can be a bit of a handful as the speed builds, so you need skill here to hold the aircraft straight down the centreline, but it is very highly realistic.... 
 

 
...   as the speed builds the set speed bugs will now adjust correctly to their speed positions, after v2 is FR or the +10 marker to rotate the aircraft.
 

 
In the air....  you can feel the power of those magnificent GE CF6 engines pushing you forwards and upwards...
 

 
Gear up, and it is spectacular to watch the mechanics.
 

 
You press the same AUTO FLIGHT button again to activate the Autopilot, AP1 or AP2 to your option (usually AP1), then to lock in the route you press the NAV (NAV 1) button under the heading selector....
 

 
There is no V/S (Vertical Speed) button, so you just go straight to the right V/S wheel and you just select your climb rate (or descent rate), MAX rate of climb is impressive at 6000 fpm at low altitude, but you wouldn't do that with most load rates...  4300 fpm is normal with 3,000 fpm with a heavy load.
 

 
It is very important to understand the knob operation logic...  very, very Airbus, in fact it is mostly similar. Most knobs have the IN (AUTO) and OUT (MANUAL) operation like on Airbuses. So you click (arrow) up or down for each operation. The difference is that in an Airbus when you change say the airspeed via the Speed selector the engines will respond straight away and change the speed....  but in here the MD-11 operation is slightly different in reselecting the knob (out), and in the need of getting used to doing this action.
 

 
All the FGCP command knobs act the same way...  Speed, Heading and Altitude, so you adjust then activate the action. This can all be a bit time consuming, certainly when adjusting the finer speeds of say when using the ILS Slope, but you will soon get used to it.
 
Transitional altitude here is 12,000ft, then the climb to 32,000ft (FL320). I reality I don't need to STEP, because of the short(ish) distance to Cairo at 1,859 nm, short for the 6,840 nm range. I'm full with payload, but with the under half fuel load means I could easily climb to the 36,000 ft cruise altitude, but I will still step at FL320, FL340, then to FL360 over the next 300 nm. The MD-11P has a (just) slightly less range than the MD-11F at 133 nm, nothing to really worry about, and your cruise speed is around Mach 0.88 - Max, Mach 0.83 - Cruise, but usually I set it around Mach 0.86. Ceiling is 43,000ft.
 

 
Sounds are very, very good and in reality exactly the same as the MD-11F...  there is a very nice cockpit hum with the various systems being used, turn on say the Air-Con and you hear the system being activated and audible, so the sound detail is deep. You are positioned very forward of the engines, so they aren't a big factor on the ground or in flight, but they are there and sound really good, both internally from the cabin and externally. All sounds are of course FMOD2 and extensive (the aircraft even creaks and groans under loads) so you can't fault this aspect. The same sort of shouty alerts are in here as they were in the MD-80, and they can be annoying if even counterproductive of the reasons they are there for, mostly I ignore them.
 
I never really use pop-ups, but there are really good in the Rotate MD-11 series, you can move them and scale the windows to suit your preferences...  some items are just far easier to read in them as well. System data is comprehensive and well detailed.
 

 
You are always finding something new...  under the Baro is a selection to switch the Altitude to Metrics, the tape turns green to denote the option.
 

 
Now at altitude FL360, it is a glorious day for flying, X-Plane 12 turns on the show, and you just sit there and take it all in...
 

 
Now with the MD-11P, you now have the option of the views from the cabin, spectacular!
 

 
It must be noted on how much work by Rotate has been on the VNAV system in both MD-11 aircraft, it has been a very lengthy process to get it right. I don't use VNAV that much, but it is now well refined for your use, but like any VNAV system it will always throw up an element that is not absolutely perfect.
 
Reducing speed to the minimum setting GE, the V/S is then to set to 1800fpm to descend...  Altitude target markers are installed as are the Climb and TOD (Top of Descent) markers, which are both nice tools to have in planning your ascent and descent... The Approach page is not needed to be filled in at the TOD mark, but it does provide you your speed refs for landing. But there is the option of 35º flap or 50º (LAND) that will change the vSpeeds to each selection.
 

 
On the MD-11F release there was an odd situation when setting your ILS Frequency in the MCDU. You had to select it very close to the final circuit, but sometimes it still did annoyingly choose the wrong frequency than the one you wanted...  that aspect has changed. Now when inserting the ILS Freq (only the ILS "108.90" and not the runway ID). You get a pop-up box with all the available frequencies to choose from, just select to insert the required Frequency. You still have to be in a certain range of the airport (say 50 nm) for your frequency to show up in the list, but it is now a far better solution to the palaver before. If correct the ILS freq and runway code shows up in the lower left of your PFD.
 

 
Notable also is that the MD-11 does not have a set landing speed/flap sequence. The flap required to the speed settings depends on the landing weight? So you will need to download and print out the MD-11 "Speed Tables" to get the correct speed settings for the landing.
 
HECA, Cairo International Airport's approaches are a bit of a dogs breakfast, all arrivals go to the central VOR of CVO (115.20) that is directly over the airport. They then turn to their individual approach pattern. There is actually no STAR approaches here, just separate circuit patterns to the particular runway you are landing on. This creates a lot of hard turns and changes of heading. So it is important to be in the right configuration for landing when you approach the CVO VOR position, and to be ready at a low speed to absorb the sharp turns.
 

 
I am already at 200 knts at Flaps 20º as I approach CVO at 4000 ft...  it is going to be a very slow approach!
 

 
With the low speed setting I have the "Gear" horn in my ear, so drop the undercarriage early to silence it, you feel the drag, more drag.
 
At the end of the 236º leg you then do a full 180º turn at D8.7 and D7.0, so again you are banking very hard to the right and now at 3000 ft. Cairo airports altitude is 448 ft, so this translates to 2552 ft to capture the ILS Localiser, why so low, I need all the space I can get to be under the beams to have any chance of capturing them after the very hard final approach turn.
 

 
You are to a point going along for the twisty ride, until you straighten out on to the final 05R IZFR runway, then you will see that how close you are to the threshold, the ILS diamonds are already at their capture position...   you have to be very quick to select the "APPRLAND" button to activate the landing system mid-FGCP. 
 

 
To it's credit the system captures the beams even with the diamonds not at all centred, and then aligned the MD-11P perfectly with the 05R runway, it is very impressive...  Notable is the auto selection of "Single" or "Dual" landing (Land) selections in green, it will flash the selection it will use LOC to lock it in.
 
MD-11's as we were told, had the fastest VAPP of any civilian airliner. At MGLW (Maximum Gross Landing Weight) it was known to be landing at around 168kts. That is fast and the stopping distance was always in need of being scrutinised carefully. Here is a video showing the differences in the landing speeds to a Boeing 757 (Yes I know the angle of the camera could change the perspective). Notable also is that the MD-11 handled very differently than it's forebear the DC-10, if even the same three-engine configuration of aircraft, but the DC-10 had far larger wings and in so landed far slower.
 

 
Here I am at 158 knts (headwind) and flaps set at full barn door...  If you want to disconnect both the Autopilot and the Autothrust, you have to set specific commands under the Rotate listings, the Autopilot requires two separate commands in "AP disconnect switch R", and "AP disconnect switch L" to do the operation, same with the Disengage AT selection in the listed commands, but you can use the AT disconnect on the throttle levers, but it is in a really very hard place to use at such a critical moment of the approach.
 

 
You get callouts including with also LAND and FLARE all the way down to the runway, and the final landing speed was a recommended 148 kts, close to the 143 kts stall point....
 

 
....  pure focus now, you will want to get this perfect, so you reduce the power smoothly while eagle eyeing that centreline...
 

 
...   a very nice touch though, I was very impressed with the handling at this critical moment you are close to the ground. You feel the weight and speed though of this big machine thoughout the approach, it is great Simulation.
 

 
AutoBrake a bit too heavy in even the MED setting, MIN is passable, but in a lot of cases I leave the Auto Brake off completely...   with the throttles now at idle, you pull back on the reverser levers, and push the throttle back up to create the massive reverse thrust to slow down the machine, all three are very effective, brilliantly noisy.
 

 
...  and soon you are back in taxi mode and using the tiller. .. again I recommend to turn off the No.1 & No.3 engines and just taxi on No.2, as it makes your life far easier in a moderate taxi speed, as shown on the PFD, and then start the GPU ready.
 

 
From the gloom and rain of Northern Europe to the heat of the Eastern Desert, it is quite a contrast, but the MD-11P delivers MASSIVELY, again, and the experience is even more than a few years ago with the debut of the Freighter. In is an amazing Simulation of this very iconic aircraft.
 
Liveries
Rotate have provided ten of the most commercial liveries of the MD-11P when it was in service. There is a Rotate House, and a blank white (PAX) livery for painters. All are excellent quality, but the metal American Airlines and KLM really stand out.
 

____________________
Summary
Rotate released the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F or Freighter in March 2022, from that date everyone clamored for the Passenger version or MD-11P. This is that release, complete with a passenger cabin.
 
In going into this review, I just expected the MD-11P to just be a modified MD-11F, or with a cabin and doors. The surprise here is that in many aspects the aircraft cockpit wise and systems wise are yes both exactly the same between both variants. But so also is the astounding amount of work that separates the original 2022 Freighter release to the Passenger version. There has been so much added and refined on both the MD-11F and now all of it has been incorporated also in the MD-11P, yes they are both on the same equal terms in features and details, so currently cross matching is actually very easy to do. Both are extraordinary Simulations.
 
The biggest change in that time has been X-Plane 12. It gives certainly the MD-11P a glow and authenticity that makes the aircraft leap off the screen in ultra-realism. Added are also the X-Plane 12 features of better dynamics, lighting, effects and even perfect rain.
 
Added also has been a EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) tablet that is both a tool and menu, as there is also a dropdown menu, extra hardware Tiller and Foot Brake commands. There is also that nice massive cabin with lighting, even the lower cargo holds are lit
 
These Rotate MD-11 Series are a very deep simulation, with all the systems and operations modeled (there are 20 system manuals alone). So the aircraft is extremely complex and requires study to anyone becoming proficient in using and flying the aircraft regularly. It also requires a lot of skill and system management to master the capabilities of this unique between eras TriJet.
 
Modeling is exemplary, brilliant realism with dirt and grunge built in, which is a Rotate speciality. Textures are also a extreme high quality, the detailing is totally overwhelming in realism, the passenger is in some ways more refined with less of Lo-Res areas that conflicted on the MD-11F. The cabin is however quite straightforward, there are not a lot of animations or effects in here, like opening toilets, the cabin lighting is even basic with only three lighting options, and not any separated galleys or entrance ways, all the overhead signage (smoking/seatbelts) are also not switchable. But it is very well done and nice if 90's space to spend your time.
 
Sounds and internal and external lighting are also excellent and again upgraded for both variants, Features include nice GPU, Stairs, Chocks, Aircraft Refueling and all the passenger and cargo doors can be independently opened.
 
The lasting thought has been the serious overall refinement of from first the MD-11F, and on how everything has been incorporated in this later MD-11 Passenger variant, and vice-versa, you would be crazy not to own both as for only $34.95 there is a discount on the Passenger version if you already have the Freighter.
 
The Rotate MD-11P is like the Freighter version an exceptional Simulation, the feedback and detail of this iconic aircraft is off the chart. It is an incredible immersion of simulation, it's complex, but would want it any other way...  everyone wanted this Passenger variation aircraft and here it is, brilliant, you never get enough of flying this Rotate machine, it is a very, very addictive aircraft, in every aspect...   hugely highly recommended! 
________________
 

 
Yes! - the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Passenger by Rotate is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :
 
MD-11 Passenger
Price is US$83.95
Customers who own the MD11F can get it for only $34.95
 
Requirements
X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows 8 or  Mac OSX 10.12 or newer (M Processors supported) , Linux Ubuntu 64b 18.04 or newer 8 GB+ VRAM recommended Current version: 1.10 (September 24th 2024)     AviTab Plugin is required for this aircraft   Note: In order to use and enjoy VR environment in X-Plane, user hardware and system specs should meet the required specifications for OS, CPU, GPU, MB and RAM which are specified both in the given VR hardware websites and at X-Plane.com.   Unpacked and installed in your X-Plane "Aircraft" folder 1.95GB (including liveries)   Documents Provided are three sets of documents Included with the package. It is a serious comprehensive package of manuals and information, but well worth studying. 1. Systems description 2. Limitations and checklists 3. Tutorial flight 4. Passenger Variant Appendix Rotate MD-11. Introduction & Product information.pdf (Limitations and checklists)
Rotate MD-11 Limitations Rotate MD-11 Normal Checklists (Systems description)
1. MD-11 Systems description-Aircraft General.pdf 2. MD-11 Systems description-Air.pdf 3. MD-11 Systems description-Aural-Visual Warning.pdf 4. MD-11 Systems description-Automatic Flight.pdf 5. MD-11 Systems description-APU.pdf 6. MD-11 Systems description-Communications.pdf 7. MD-11 Systems description-Electrical.pdf 8. MD-11 Systems description-Emergency Equipment.pdf 9. MD-11 Systems description-Fire Protection.pdf 10. MD-11 Systems description-Flight Controls.pdf 11. MD-11 Systems description-Flight Instruments.pdf 12. MD-11 Systems description-Fuel.pdf 13. MD-11 Systems description-Hydraulics.pdf 14. MD-11 Systems description-Ice and Rain Protection.pdf 15. MD-11 Systems description-Lighting.pdf 16. MD-11 Systems description-Navigation.pdf 17. MD-11 Systems description-Engines.pdf 18. MD-11 Systems description-Doors.pdf 19. MD-11 Systems description-Landing Gear.pdf ____________________________
 
Review System Specifications
Windows  - 12th Gen IS1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU - 64bit -32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 - Samsung 970 EVO+ 2TB SSD. Bose Quietcomfort Headphones
Software:   - Windows 11 Pro - X-Plane 12.1.2
Plugins: Traffic Global - JustFlight-Traffic (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$52.99 : Global SFD plugin US$30.00
Scenery or Aircraft
- EHAM - FlyTampa Amsterdam (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$28.00
- HECA - Cairo International, Egypt XP12 by Taimodels (X-Plane.OrgStore) - US$27.49
____________________________
 
Scenery Review by Stephen Dutton
25th September 2024
Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews
 
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