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

Scenery Review: PHNY - Lanai Airport, Hawaii XP12 by Northern Sky Studio By Felicity Smith Introduction Welcome to my review of Northern Sky Studio's Lanai Airport for X-Plane 12. Located in Maui County, Hawaii, Lanai Airport (or Kahua Mokulele o Lāna‘i, as it is sometimes known) is a mere 3.4 miles (6 km) southwest of the central business district of Lanai City. Having begun regular operations in 1930, to date, it is the only airport serving the beautiful island of Lanai, the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island in the chain. Up until quite recently, Lanai Airport was served by two commercial airlines, Mokulele Airlines with the Cessna Grand Caravan 208EX and Ohana by Hawaiian with the ATR-42. However, due to Hawaiian Airlines suspending the Ohana service, Mokulele Airlines is now the only commercial airline that flies in and out of Lanai. X-Plane 12 Update This updated version of the scenery is now compatible with all the main X-Plane 12 features, including weather effects; that’s puddles to you and me. It also includes PBR materials, enhanced lighting, and 3D vegetation. The optional photographic scenery tile has been upgraded as well, now featuring bathymetry and DSF sound. Download & Installation As with the X-Plane 11 version I purchased a few years ago, the download is relatively large for such a small airport at just over 1.6GB and increases even more when you factor in the additional 1.2GB download for the optional photographic scenery. You can use the airport without the ortho, but to experience the scenery at its best, I highly recommend you download both it and X-World America by simHeaven. If you’re limited by bandwidth, you can always take a power nap! Documentation is minimal, being a single page PDF, but it gets the job done by covering all the basics. To install the scenery, simply extract the suppled ZIP file, and copy and paste it to your X-Plane Custom Scenery folder. The same goes for the optional photographic scenery. When done, make sure they all align correctly in your scenery_packs.ini file. When completed, restart X-Plane and you’re good to go! First Impressions Situated on the southwestern side of the island of Lanai, the airport stands at an elevation of 1,308 ft (399 m) above mean sea level and spans 505 acres. It features a single asphalt runway (designated 3/21), which is 5,001 by 150 ft (1,524 by 46 m) in size. Previously, the airport supported 6,326 aircraft operations; however, as of April 2022, it no longer functions as a base for any aircraft operations. Mokulele Airlines remains the only commercial airline operating a limited number of flights into Lanai. Despite the significant decline in passenger numbers following this change, the airport continues to be enveloped by its inherently mesmerizing beauty. Runway & Foliage The main runway and apron are exceptionally well-done, marking a substantial improvement over the previous version. The use of Physically Based Rendering (PBR) and numerous weathering effects provide a very satisfying experience. In another notable upgrade, the grass areas, which previously resembled flat, rolled-out textures, now feature 3D vegetation, enhancing its appearance significantly and adding a touch more realism. The layout of Lanai Airport is as follows: On approach, and we’re talking by car here, you're greeted by a passenger car park at the front. This area boasts a diverse array of vehicles, providing enough variety to avoid a 'cut and paste' feel. Directly behind the car park lies the main airport building, with a larger employee car park to the right. In front of this area, there are four hangars. Starting from the far right, you'll encounter the ARFF station. Next to it are the cargo bays, complemented by some conveniently placed public toilets. Adjacent to these is the maintenance hangar, and nearest to the main terminal, you’ll find the office building. This building houses a range of facilities including a conference room, TSA, Security, Bradley, FedEx, USDA, Air Service, and Operations. Main Airport Building So, what does this airport, recreated for X-Plane by Northern Sky Studio, have to offer? Firstly, it stands in stark contrast to large or even medium-sized airports. Here, instead of the shoulder-shoving hustle and bustle of modern life, there is a gentle, meandering pace. While everyone has places to be, this airport eschews the frantic 'must dash, no time to waste, I’m late!' atmosphere. No need for jostling here! As you approach the car park, the airport exudes none of the cold impersonality often found at larger facilities. It warmly welcomes you, as if to say, ‘Come, my friend, let me guide you to your destination.’ If it had hands, it might even carry your luggage! Environmentally conscious passengers will be delighted to observe the multitude of solar panels adorning many of the roof sides of the main airport building. The different materials used on the roof, ranging from glass and wood to solar panelling, demonstrate Northern Sky Studio's commitment to detail. These features, which might easily be overlooked, are truly appreciated, particularly considering the scenery's reasonable cost. The attention to detail extends beyond the main building, as evidenced by the 3D trees new to X-Plane 12, an animated flag, and airport signage. The interior boasts an appealing frontage for ticketing and check-in. And the queues? What queues? The notably short line to 'the other side' is a welcome sight. If, like me, you detest feeling crammed like a sardine in a box (think Heathrow), then this airport is tailored for you. The developer has upgraded the interior to now include PBR, which is evident in the floor's impressive shine. The walls are adorned with a mix of airport signage and local artwork, adding a charming touch. The ceiling, enhanced with wooden beams, looks exceptionally authentic due to its detailed texturing. Scattered around are numerous 3D figures, likely all on holiday, well, they’re not alone! Night Lighting Thanks to X-Plane 12’s lighting effects, the airport presents a reasonably good appearance when illuminated at night. The runway lighting is minimal but sufficient for night operations, though the apron area may seem quite dark, potentially mirroring those of its real-life counterpart. In stark contrast, the two car parking areas are lit up like a Christmas tree, ensuring you’ll have no trouble locating your car! The interior of the main building undoubtedly showcases the best use of the night lighting, especially highlighted by the newly added PBR effects. Conclusion So, would I recommend this scenery? The answer is a pretty reassuring yes. It builds upon the already impressive scenery from X-Plane 11. When you consider the incredibly low price, along with the fact that you receive not only a well-detailed and lovely airport but also a complete photographic scenery of the entire island, it’s really a no-brainer. Yes, there are areas for improvement, such as the lack of people around the airport and the somewhat light documentation, but these are minor when weighed against the cost. In summary, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, I highly recommend picking up this charming little airport as it has plenty to offer those seeking a getaway. Right…where’s my bags? ________________________ PHNY - Lanai Airport, Hawaii XP12 by Northern Sky Studio is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: PHNY - Lanai Airport, Hawaii XP12 Priced at $12.00 Features: The most detailed replica of airport buildings and vehicles High-resolution ground textures / Custom runway textures High-resolution building textures Compatible with all X-Plane 12 features: Weather effects PBR materials New lights 3D vegetation Ortho4XP tile for the whole island (link in the manual): X-Plane 12 bathymetry X-Plane 12 DSF sound High resolution elevation Edited orthophotos Edited coastline and water bodies Real runway profiles for all airports All materials created for full PBR Shading and occlusion effects on all airport buildings Custom orthophoto for the airport and surrounding areas World Traffic 3 compatible Compatible with Ortho4XP and default mesh Requirements X-Plane 12 (not for XP11) 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 1.6 GB Current version: 1.0 (July 21st 2024) Customers who own PHNY XP11 can get this new XP12 version at 50% OFF. Discount code can be found in the original PHNY XP11 Invoice. Review System Specifications Windows 10 64 Bit, AMD 5800X3D, 32GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 3060 12GB ________________________ Scenery Review: Felicity Smith 31st July 2024 Copyright©2024: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).

Scenery Review: PAWG - Wrangell Airport by Northern Sky Studio By Dominic Smith Introduction Tucked away amidst Alaska's stunning landscape, Wrangell Airport (PAWG) stands as a vital hub to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of America's wilderness frontier. Primarily serving as a general aviation terminal, this airport is an essential lifeline for the community of Wrangell. With its backdrop of rugged mountains, lush forests, and endless waterways, the airport encapsulates the raw allure that Alaska is renowned for. My first meaningful encounters with Alaskan airports, specifically Wrangell and Ketchikan, were thanks to Tom Curtis' memorable Final Frontier and Inside Passages packages. These weren't just ordinary scenery additions for me; they were the linchpin that tethered me to the X-Plane realm, even when FSX was a compelling alternative. There's something about Alaska that mirrors the untamed beauty of Scotland, albeit on a grander scale that staggers the imagination. Following their impressive release of Kenai Airport, Northern Sky Studio is back with their take on Wrangell Airport. Available for both X-Plane 11 and 12, this package aims to capture the unique charm of this Alaskan locale. But can it live up to the high bar set by their previous release? Let's dive in and find out. Installation Upon completing your purchase, you'll discover two versions of the scenery in your account—one tailored for X-Plane 11 and another for X-Plane 12, the latter being the focus of this review. The downloaded package tips the scales at just above 2.5GB, expanding to nearly 3.4GB once unpacked. Within it, you'll find two primary folders: one dedicated to the airport and another named 'terrain'. The installation procedure is as straightforward as they come, as it’s simply a matter of dragging and dropping the relevant folders into your X-Plane 12's Custom Scenery directory. For those with an eye for detail, an additional orthophoto file is available. This will add another 2.5GB to your download but enhances the area with photographic scenery. While not a requirement for this package, I also chose to install X-World America, a separate but optional download, that is recommended by the developer. Documentation The documentation that comes with this package is, to put it plainly, rather sparse. It consists of a one-page PDF that provides just the essentials; guidance for installation and a list of optional add-ons that can enhance the scenery, as mentioned above. While this minimalist guide does cover the installation basics, it leaves much to be desired for those of us who crave a deeper understanding of the airport and its surroundings. There's a noticeable absence of historical context, airport charts, or even a simple map of the area. For simmers keen on learning more about the intricacies of Wrangell Airport or seeking additional context, the provided documentation leaves a lot to be desired. If you're hungry for more information, Google is your friend for digging deeper into the history and layout of the airport. First Look Upon first glance from the skies, the scenery is nothing short of majestic. The snow-capped mountains in the distance serve as a dramatic backdrop, lending a sense of awe and scale that is hard to describe. It's an expansive landscape that truly makes you feel like a small speck in a grand tapestry of nature. The sight of the surrounding area, sprinkled with small islands near and far, evokes a sense of nostalgia. It's reminiscent of my earlier days flying through Tom Curtis' sceneries in X-Plane 9. A trip down memory lane, if you will, to simpler but happy times. The optional orthophoto download proves to be a valuable addition. Not only does it enhance the realism, but it also replaces X-Plane's default ground textures, which often fall short in conveying the proper scale, a crucial element for a scenery like this. As you make your approach, the runway extends invitingly just beyond the mainland, a captivating sight for any pilot. The surrounding ortho scenery retains its sharpness, even at low altitudes, enhancing the overall experience. Near the runway threshold, the area takes on a rustic atmosphere, marked by scattered broken trees that add character to the landscape. The custom runway textures deserve special mention for delivering a realistic look, complete with weathering effects like cracks, oil stains, and rubber marks. The carefully placed foliage along the taxiways is also well-judged, adding a touch of realism without overloading your system's VRAM or affecting framerates. Northern Sky Studio has complemented the default X-Plane signage with their own custom signs, which are crisp and easy to read. These additional signs display essential frequencies and taxiway instructions, offering pilots an extra layer of guidance. The airport also hosts a diverse range of ground vehicles, from standard fuel and catering trucks to a specially modelled fire engine. A static De Havilland Beaver, complete with an extra pair of floats, is a delightful sight, as are the animated flags, which add a lively touch to the scenery. The airport is also populated with the typical clutter you'd expect at a place like Wrangell, such as cones, bins, and ladders. Maintenance buildings and hangars are carefully modelled, conveying a good sense of realism. One hangar in particular even offers an inside look, revealing a static aircraft and various maintenance gear. The Alaska Seaplanes hut is another nice addition, as is the well-populated car park at the rear…or front, depending on how you arrived at the airport. Main Airport Building The airport's main building, much like Kenai, is the highlight of this package. The exterior has been modelled with a meticulous attention to detail, mimicking the appearance of white corrugated metal, which lends it an authentic air. Stepping inside reveals a terminal bustling with life, a feature that has become something of a signature for Northern Sky Studio. If you recall my review of their Kenai Airport scenery a few months back, the interior detail of the main airport building, was without doubt, its standout feature. Wrangell, while not quite reaching those dizzying heights, comes incredibly close. The interior is animated with 3D models of passengers and staff, adding a real sense of life and atmosphere to the building. From seating, an ATM, a drinks machine, and a wall clock to bins and a map of the "Inside Passage", every detail is accounted for. Further Afield Venturing beyond the airport, and there’s yet more to see, as the package also includes a nicely modelled representation of Wrangell's central area. Situated in the northwest corner of Wrangell Island, the urban section is another testament to the developer's attention to detail. While the ortho scenery near the airport remains impressively sharp even at low altitudes, the textures in Wrangell's urban core could benefit from a higher resolution. They tend to look a bit washed out when flying at a lower altitude, which is a bit of a letdown. However, it's worth noting that they are still a significant improvement over the default X-Plane 12 textures. For the most part, the ortho provides a good solid foundation for building placement, but it's not flawless. A few structures appear to be out of alignment or even out of place. Not a game-changer, but worth mentioning for those who appreciate the finer details. The dock area is a focal point, made even more vibrant by a container ship that adds a touch of industrial character. Around the dock, you'll find various small boats, most likely in for maintenance or storage. It's a scene that almost begs for human interaction, but which is sadly missing here. The scenery rounds off with a series of piers and jetties, each teeming with boats of various types, from luxurious speedboats to more modest wooden vessels. The addition of breakwaters adds that final touch of realism to this part of Wrangell. Night Lighting Let's get this out of the way, the runway at Wrangell is as dark as a winter's night in Scotland, staying true to its real-world counterpart. If you're contemplating a night landing, I'd advise against it, unless you fancy a game of aviation roulette! The runway may lack illumination, but the surrounding area doesn't suffer the same fate. Streetlamps dot the vicinity, casting a warm and dynamic light on nearby buildings. It's a small but impactful feature that adds depth to the night-time experience. The main airport building serves as a well-lit oasis amid the airport's limited runway lighting. The interior lighting strikes a perfect balance, as it’s neither too harsh nor too subdued. So, while night flights may be off the table, the terminal provides a cozy, well-lit space where you could comfortably pass the time, perhaps even with a good book…just not the Shining! Finishing off our night-time tour is the container ship docked at the harbour, bathed in dynamic lighting. The stern and aft are particularly well-illuminated, adding a dash of spectacle to Wrangell's nocturnal scene. While the scenery presents an inviting vista during favourable weather conditions, one can't help but ponder how different the experience would be in more adverse conditions. The contrast between a sunny summer day and the harsh realities of an Alaskan winter could be like night and day, adding layers of complexity and challenge to the flying experience. Performance Running on what I'd describe as a midrange setup, Wrangell Airport delivers a performance that's pretty much on the money. My tests showed framerates hovering between 30 and 60 FPS, and that's with most settings cranked up, except for antialiasing, which I kept at a modest 2x (though I bumped it up to 4x for screenshot purposes). VRAM consumption was well-behaved, never exceeding 7GB, even at my go-to resolution of 1440p. I did notice that as the sun dipped below the horizon, the framerate tended to linger more towards the 30 FPS mark. This isn't a Wrangell-specific issue; X-Plane 12 seems to struggle with maintaining consistent framerates during the twilight and nighttime hours. While I've seen some improvements in this department over recent months, X-Plane still needs to iron out these framerate dips during the visually demanding periods of sunset and night. Given the level of detail that this scenery offers, it’s a credit to the developer for managing to keep things as smooth as they have. Conclusion Northern Sky Studio's Wrangell Airport for X-Plane 12 is a highly commendable piece of work, offering a balanced blend of stunning aerial views and meticulous ground-level detail. The main airport building stands as a testament to the developer's skill, with an intricately modelled exterior and a bustling interior that brings a virtual slice of Alaska to your X-Plane world. While it may not quite reach the heights of their previous Kenai release, it certainly stands as a strong offering in its own right, providing an authentic Alaskan experience for X-Plane enthusiasts. The package does have room for improvement though, most notably in its documentation and some minor building alignment issues. However, these are minor gripes and should not detract from an otherwise stellar package, especially considering the low asking price. Beyond the airport, the package includes a detailed representation of Wrangell's urban core, adding value and immersion to your Alaskan flying adventures. Optional ortho imagery and dynamic lighting in this area, only go to enhance its appeal, despite some resolution limitations. In conclusion, if you're an X-Plane enthusiast with a love for Alaska, Northern Sky Studio's Wrangell Airport is a highly recommended addition to your virtual hangar. It impressively balances visual richness with performance, ensuring a rewarding flying, or even just sightseeing experience. ________________________ PAWG - Wrangell Airport by Northern Sky Studio is now available from the X-Plane.Org Store here: PAWG - Wrangell Airport Priced at $16.95 Features Both X-Plane 12 and X-Plane 11 versions included The most detailed replica of airport buildings and vehicles EDGE, REIL and Taxiway lights can be enabled on 122.600 COM1 Custom hand-placed autogen High resolution ground textures / Custom runway textures High resolution building textures Compatible with all X-Plane 12 features Custom mesh for the airport area (Ortho4XP) All materials created for full PBR Shading and occlusion (texture baking) effects on all airport buildings High-resolution building textures Custom orthophoto for the airport and surrounding areas World Traffic 3 compatible Not compatible with a default mesh Requirements X-Plane 12 or X-Plane 11 Windows, Mac, or Linux 8 GB+ VRAM Recommended Download Size: 2.7 GB Current version: 1.0 (October 16th, 2023) Review System Specifications Intel i5 10400 – 32GB RAM - Nvidia Asus RTX 3060 – Windows 10 Home 64 Bit __________________________________ Scenery Review by Dominic Smith 25th October 2023 Copyright©2023: X-Plane Reviews (Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copying of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions).